SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Working to preserve the viability and safety of Illinois' outdoor spaces, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, introduced and helped advance legislation to increase the number of conservation officers in the state last week.
"Conservation officers help protect and secure Illinois' natural resources for everyone to enjoy," Smiddy said. "The security of our outdoor spaces must not be recklessly sacrificed if we want these resources to be available for our children to appreciate."
As of September 2015, Illinois had retained only 115 conservation police officers. However, 33 officers will be laid off effective September 30, leaving only 82 officers for the state. Smiddy introduced House Bill 4104 instructing the Illinois Department of Natural resources to begin the hiring process for more officers and maintain the recommended 175 sworn officers for their force.
The bill passed the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
