IllinoisIllinois law specifies how trappers measure wildlife trap jaws
Illinois trappers must measure trap jaws from their inside edges, using the widest point for traps set in water or used for beaver or river otter.
What it does
Trappers measure jaw size from the inside edges of the jaws' outermost parts. For water traps and traps used for beaver or river otter, they measure at the widest point.
Argument forA shared way to measure trap jaws could help trappers and wildlife officers agree on whether a trap meets size limits.
Argument againstMeasuring at the widest point could prevent trappers from using traps that meet size limits when measured at a narrower point.
More detail
Trappers must measure jaw size from the inside edges of the outermost parts of the trap's jaws. These rules cover traps that grip an animal's foot or body, including traps built similarly, on land and in water. For traps used in water or for beaver or river otter, the measurement must run at a right angle to the hinges or frame. The size restrictions for trapping beaver or river otter do not apply during the open raccoon trapping season. The law took effect on July 31, 2026, when it became law.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 31Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0714Latest
- Jul 31Effective Date July 31, 2026
- Jul 31Governor J. B. Pritzker ApprovedBecame Law
- Jun 18Sent to the GovernorTo Governor
- May 21Passed Both Houses
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 21Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 111-000-000Passed House
- May 19Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
- May 19Second Reading - Short DebateMinor
- May 6Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short DebateMinor
- May 5Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 008-000-000
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- May 5Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Norine K. Hammond
- Apr 27Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation CommitteeMinor
- Apr 17Referred to Rules Committee
- Apr 17First ReadingMinor
- Apr 17Chief House Sponsor Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.
- Apr 17Arrived in HouseMinor
- Apr 16Third Reading - Passed; 057-000-000Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 14Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading ** April 15, 2026
- Mar 4Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 5, 2026
- Mar 4Second ReadingMinor
- Feb 26Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 3, 2026Minor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Do Pass, Amendment 1. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 26Do Pass as Amended Agriculture; 013-000-000
- Feb 26Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 AdoptedMajor
- Feb 24Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
- Feb 19Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
- Feb 19Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Patrick J. JoyceMinor
- Feb 10Assigned to AgricultureMinor
- Feb 2Referred to Assignments
- Feb 2First ReadingMinor
- Feb 2Filed with Secretary by Sen. Patrick J. JoyceIntroduced
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