Illinois House Approves State Park Fees

A bill passed by the Illinois House would require visitors to state parks to pay admission fees.

The bill was sponsored by Republican Rep. JoAnn Osmond of Antioch, who says the cash is needed to keep the parks open. Osmond says the money also could help pay to improve the parks because they've fallen into a state of disrepair.

Under the measure, Illinois would be able to charge annual fees for vehicle stickers to get into the parks and daily admission fees for pedestrians or drivers without annual passes. Park officials would set the amount of the fees.

The House approved the bill on a vote of 81-29 on Monday, so it now goes to the Illinois Senate.

A spokeswoman says Gov. Pat Quinn backs the proposal.