Update 3/30: The bill was “postponed” at today’s hearing. The bill is likely dead but we will need to watch for other action on this issue. Thank you to everyone who opposed this bill! The formal “witness slip” opposition to support ratio was 64 to 1.
Update 3/24: A hearing has been scheduled for March 30. Now is the time to formally oppose through the legislature website. It only takes a minute! Just go here, fill out the form, and select OPPONENT: https://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/146734?committeeHearingId=20085&LegislationId=146734&LegislationDocumentId=183305
Send emails to Committee members at https://ujoin.co/campaigns/2193/actions/public?action_id=2351.
Illinois Senate Bill 1890 (SB1890) allows for the use of traps to collect common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina). Not only will the use of these traps conflict with the intent of current laws (the Herptiles-Herps Act and the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act) by collecting other species of turtles besides the common snapping turtle, but many non-targeted turtles will be killed in these traps.
This is a conservation issue because traps do not know what kind of turtles are swimming into them. While the traps may be intended for common snapping turtles, other turtles will also be attracted to the bait and will be killed in the traps. The collection of some Illinois turtle species is illegal, as is the killing of those species which will occur with the use of these turtle traps. State-endangered species including the alligator snapping turtle, spotted turtle, Blanding’s turtle, river cooter and yellow mud turtle, as well as the state-threatened smooth softshell, would likely all be killed in these traps. Hence why the use of turtle traps is currently illegal in Illinois. Currently, common snapping turtles may be taken only by hand, hook and line, or bow and arrow, except in the counties where bowfishing for common snapping turtles is not allowed.
Read the bill at https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/103/SB/PDF/10300SB1890lv.pdf. Note that underlined text is the new language.
See full bill details and status at https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1890&GAID=17&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=146734&SessionID=112&SpecSess=&Session=&GA=103.
If this bill is assigned a hearing, it will trigger the use of “witness slips” to voice opposition. Until then, please use the sample messaging below to contact the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee and the bill sponsors and use our contact form at https://ujoin.co/campaigns/2193/actions/public?action_id=2351.
Find Senate Agriculture Committee Members at https://www.ilga.gov/senate/committees/members.asp?committeeID=2899.
Sample email
subject line: NO to SB1890
Dear Senate Agriculture Committee Members and SB1890 Sponsors,
As an Illinois animal lover and conservationist concerned with our State’s wild animals, I oppose Senate Bill 1890. SB1890 allows for the use of traps to collect common snapping turtles, which is currently banned. This bill directly conflicts with current state laws including the Illinois Herptiles-Herps Act and the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act, as explained below. Please help conserve our native endangered and threatened turtles, not aimlessly kill them!
This is a conservation issue because the traps do not know what species of turtles are swimming into them. While the traps may be intended for common snapping turtles, other turtles will also be attracted to the bait and will be killed in the traps because once a turtle enters the trap they no longer come to the surface to breathe. The collection of some Illinois turtle species is illegal, as is the killing of those species which will occur with the use of these turtle traps. State-endangered species including the alligator snapping turtle, spotted turtle, Blanding’s turtle, river cooter, and yellow mud turtle, as well as the state-threatened smooth softshell, would likely all be killed in these traps. Hence why the use of turtle traps is currently illegal in Illinois.
The collection and catching of common snapping turtles are already allowed and regulated in Illinois. Please keep the current laws and regulations. Vote NO to SB1890. Have a good day.
Sincerely,
