RIVER ACCESS MODERNIZATION ACT

The River Access Modernization Act establishes a task force to study ways to improve public access to rivers for activities like boating, paddling, and fishing in Illinois. The task force will consist of various members and is required to submit a report with recommendations within a year. After the report is submitted, the task force will be dissolved, and the Act will be repealed two years later.

IL HB5165 is a house bill in the Illinois 104th General Assembly, sponsored by Lawrence Walsh (D), currently “Engrossed” since April 16, 2026.

We track 10,997 Illinois bills this session, 44 of them sponsored by Lawrence Walsh.

Supporters of the River Access Modernization Act would highlight its potential to enhance recreational opportunities for residents and promote outdoor activities in Illinois. They would emphasize the importance of improving access to natural resources, which can benefit local economies and foster community engagement with the environment.

Critics might argue that the creation of a task force could lead to unnecessary bureaucracy and delay in addressing urgent access issues. They may express concerns about the effectiveness of the recommendations and whether the task force will truly result in tangible improvements for public access to rivers.