HB2646 would require the Illinois Department of Public Health to share annually with the Department of Natural Resources the results of pathogen testing of ticks collected from State parks. Based on those results, the Department of Natural Resources would be required to obtain, install, and maintain warning signs at State-managed parks and outdoor recreation areas and facilities, including trail entryways, campgrounds, and other locations the Department deems appropriate.
The signs would alert visitors that ticks may be present and can cause Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases. The bill also gives DNR flexibility to use existing sign models from Illinois or other states, or to develop another design it finds appropriate. The measure is effective immediately and creates a new statutory section in the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.
Impact
The bill would add a new Section 805-571 to the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, specifically within the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law. It would create an ongoing interagency reporting obligation for the Department of Public Health and a corresponding duty for DNR to post and maintain tick-borne disease warning signage at State-managed outdoor recreation sites. The practical effect is to formalize public-health messaging in parks and expand DNR’s responsibilities for visitor warning signage based on tick surveillance data.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is straightforward and preventive in nature, with no recorded committee testimony or votes indicating opposition or support. Its caption and text frame it as a public safety and health measure aimed at informing park users about tick exposure risks. Because there is no transcript or voting history provided, the overall sentiment cannot be measured directly, but the bill appears noncontroversial on its face and focused on awareness and disease prevention.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if any, would likely concern the scope of DNR’s signage obligations, where signs must be placed, how often data must be shared, and whether the requirement could impose administrative or maintenance costs. Another possible issue is the bill’s reliance on DPH tick testing results to determine signage needs, though the text gives DNR discretion over sign design and some placement decisions.
Requires health insurers to provide coverage for long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne related pathogens; provides for taxpayer gifts for tick borne illness research, detection and education; establishes the tick borne illness research, detection and education fund.
Drains: appeals; period to appeal apportionment or assessment costs on drain projects; modify. Amends secs. 72 & 72a of 1956 PA 40 (MCL 280.72 & 280.72a).