Hirschauer supports HB5021 on new ginseng rules, equipment forfeiture in unanimous House vote
Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-49th) cast a Yes vote on HB5021, which aims to revise ginseng harvesting regulations and permit the forfeiture of equipment, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois House. The bill was approved in the House by a 117-0 margin.
The official summary for the bill was: "GINSENG HARVESTING-FORFEITURE."
The following analysis is based on a review of the bill’s text and may use interpretive language to clarify key points.
This legislation modernizes the Ginseng Harvesting Act by expanding the definitions of ginseng, clarifying wild versus cultivated plants, and prohibiting both the illegal gathering of ginseng and attempts or trespassing to do so. It requires those with a harvest, grower, or dealer license to immediately present it upon request from conservation officers or law enforcement. The Department of Natural Resources is empowered to suspend ginseng-related licenses of violators for durations set by rule, and the law authorizes the seizure and court-ordered forfeiture of equipment, including vehicles, used or intended for violations, with sale proceeds directed to the Wildlife and Fish Fund. These seizures fall under the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act, and the law removes outdated provisions.
The action on HB5021 was recorded as 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 House Concurs'.
Hirschauer earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby College.
A Democrat, Hirschauer joined the Illinois State House in 2021, succeeding Karina Villa as representative for the 49th House District.
Legislation in Illinois moves through a multi-step process involving introduction in the House or Senate, committee consideration, debates on the floor, and required approval by both chambers before being forwarded to the governor for signature or veto. The General Assembly operates on a two-year cycle, with thousands of bills introduced each session; only a small percentage become law.