Rep. Amy L. Grant supports HB5021 to revise Illinois ginseng harvesting regulations
Rep. Amy L. Grant (R-47th) cast a Yes vote during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, in favor of HB5021, legislation updating ginseng harvesting regulations, according to the Illinois House; the measure cleared the House with a unanimous 117-0 result.
The official summary of the bill is as follows: "GINSENG HARVESTING-FORFEITURE."
The following overview is based on the bill’s text and includes interpretation intended to clarify provisions.
HB5021 makes changes to the Ginseng Harvesting Act by expanding the definitions for ginseng, clarifying distinctions between wild and cultivated ginseng, and prohibiting not just the unlawful harvest or trespassing to harvest ginseng, but also any attempt thereof. The legislation mandates that individuals possessing a harvest, grower or dealer license provide it immediately upon request to conservation officers or law enforcement. Violators may face suspension from any licensed ginseng activities for prescribed periods at the Department of Natural Resources' discretion. The bill further allows seizure and potential court-ordered forfeiture of vehicles, equipment, and devices used or attempted to be used in violations, directing any proceeds from sales to the Wildlife and Fish Fund. The bill also brings seizures in line with the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act and eliminates several outdated guidelines.
The measure's formal status was recorded as 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 House Concurs.'
Grant earned her BS degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1980.
A Republican, Grant won the 47th House District seat for Illinois in 2023, succeeding previous representative Deanne Mazzochi.
In Illinois, legislation proceeds through a multi-step review process that includes introduction in the House or Senate, committee consideration, floor debate, and voting in both chambers before the governor reviews for possible approval or veto. The General Assembly operates on a two-year rotation, and while thousands of measures are filed each session, only a small number ultimately become law.