DeLaRosa casts Yes vote as HB5021 to revise Ginseng Harvesting Act passes Illinois House
Rep. Margaret A. DeLaRosa (D-42nd) supported HB5021, which amends the Ginseng Harvesting Act, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, the Illinois House reported. The legislation passed unanimously, 117-0.
According to the bill's official documentation, the summary reads: "GINSENG HARVESTING-FORFEITURE."
The summary below offers a breakdown of the bill language and may interpret key provisions for clarity.
The measure revises the Ginseng Harvesting Act by broadening ginseng definitions and clarifies what is considered wild versus cultivated plants. It also prohibits not only the unlawful harvesting or trespassing for ginseng but also attempts to commit those acts. The bill mandates that harvesters, growers, or dealers must promptly present their license upon request to conservation or law enforcement officers. It also permits the Department of Natural Resources to suspend violators from participating in licensed ginseng activities, and provides for the seizure and potential forfeiture through the courts of equipment and vehicles used in violations. Proceeds from such sales are directed to the Wildlife and Fish Fund. The measure brings these seizures under the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act and eliminates outdated provisions.
The bill’s official action for HB5021 was 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 House Concurs'.
DeLaRosa earned a Bachelor of Science degree from DePaul University.
She is a Democrat who began representing the 42nd House District in 2025, succeeding Terra Costa Howard.
In Illinois, the path a bill takes involves a multi-step legislative process starting with its introduction in either chamber, followed by committee discussions, floor debates, and votes in both the House and Senate, before being sent to the governor for a signature or veto. The General Assembly follows a biennial cycle, with a high volume of bills introduced each session, but only a small percentage ultimately become law.