SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Mike Halpin’s law to clarify and simplify hunting license rules to the public goes into effect Jan. 1.

“Folks who are wanting to get into hunting will have an easier time acquiring apprentice licenses under this new law,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This law also cleans up regulations around suspension and revocation for hunting licenses to make the process clearer to the public.”

Halpin’s law allows for hunting apprentice licenses to be renewed and clarifies rules around suspension and revocation of hunting licenses. The law will crack down on repeat offenders but lighten punishment for low level or first time offenders. In addition, the law will exclude conservation violations from juvenile expungement. Among other regulations this law will allow officer discretion in issuing summonses for violations discovered during snowmobile inspections.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the purpose of the Apprentice License Program is to extend limited hunting privileges, in lieu of obtaining a valid hunting license, to persons interested in learning about hunting sports.

“Many hunting rules and regulations are complicated and outdated,” said Halpin. “This reform will support hunters and conservation.”

House bill 3678 goes into effect Jan. 1.