Charlie’s Capitol Catch Up: 2A, Energy, Hunting Season, & More

Here's what's going on in the 109th district.

Second Amendment

I've been hearing from many of you about your opposition to restrictive gun bills which would place more burdens on firearm owners and retailers. I want you to know I am with you in opposing any restrictions on our Second Amendment Rights.

I am proud to have a 100% Pro-Second Amendment voting record and will always fight to protect our 2A rights and sport shooting heritage.

IDNR Has Updated Waterfowl Season Dates

I heard from many of you with concerns about the updates in the South Zone's hunting dates for 2026-2030, specifically for removing Christmas Day from the hunting dates. As this is a tradition for many of you, I worked with IDNR and local advocates to raise the alarm. Following two public hearings, they agreed to change the dates.

Under the revised plan, the South Zone season will start in mid-November, run for 23 days, then have a 12-day break, or "split." The season will restart in mid-December and run for an additional 37 days. The revised split will accommodate South Zone hunters' stated concerns about families and youth having the opportunity to hunt over holiday breaks.

In addition, IDNR will hold a youth hunt day at the end of the South Zone season in late January as a pilot program.

Illinois will move forward with a three-zone structure in which the South and South-Central zones are combined into one South Zone. Illinois previously had four zones. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations require states to establish zone lines for a five-year period; therefore, these zone lines will be in effect for the 2026-2030 waterfowl seasons.

A map of waterfowl zone lines for the 2026-2030 seasons, as well as season dates for each zone, can be found online.

Season dates and zone lines for the 2025-2026 hunting season can be found in IDNR's current hunting and trapping digest or on the Hunt Illinois website.

IDOC Adopts New Mail Scanning Rules

I have been adamant that the Department of Corrections take serious action to protect our prison workers and prisoners from exposure to harmful substance. Last week, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules granted the agency permission to adopt permanent rules for mail scanning/digitization.

Read More Here

Congratulations to local OSLAD Grant Recipients!

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It's become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois.

The CIty of Greenville was awarded $600,000 for Plaza on Second Phase II

The Village of Williamson received 125,000 for Williamson Park

I look forward to seeing these projects completed!

Ameren Offering Energy Aid

Democrats' short-sighted energy policies have caused bills to skyrocket for Illinois families. Illinoisans shouldn't have to regularly turn to financial assistance programs to keep their lights on and their homes warm. We need reliable and AFFORDABLE energy today.

The Democrats' recent Green New Giveaway will cost Illinoisans billions and produce a less reliable energy grid.

Read More Here.

Photo Update!

Taking care of business on the Farm Annual Farm Bureau meeting in Chicago I attended the Battery Storage informational meeting in Dubois Another beautiful sunset on the farm Breakfast fundraiser by the Highland Legion Murray Parents meeting Getting the pit cleaned out Suprise calf!

Heading Back to the Capitol

I'm heading back to the Capitol on Tuesday as we begin our Spring Session. I'll keep you updated with important information from Springfield, but please know you can always reach out if I can be of assistance to you.