By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – Boating on Illinois waterways is once again permitted, but some are objecting to limits placed on the number of people aboard.
Recently revised stay-at-home regulations put in place by Gov. J.B. Pritzker include a rule capping the number of people on a boat to two. State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, said warmer weather has meant families are now finding out about the restriction.
“Folks were incredulous that they couldn’t take the four other people in their house, that they’ve been locked up with six weeks, out on the boat with them,” Keicher said. “That there could only be two out there at a time. I’m in agreement with that. I think it’s only fair that that family unit gets to partake.”
The provision does not specify the two people must be from the same household, meaning family units cannot remain together, but neighbors or friends can.
One explanation offered for the rule was that it allows for a quick check by authorities to confirm that boaters are abiding by the governor’s order. But Keicher said that doesn’t make much sense to him.
“We don’t have authorities going to people’s houses to confirm that the only people in that house are the folks cohabitating there,” Keicher said. “We don’t have people stopping cars along the road if there are four people in there, confirming that those four people are part of a family unit.”
Keicher said passions on this issue have been running hot, in large part because legislators have had no input. He said constituents are questioning what he’s doing to represent their opinions.
“The legislature is a co-equal branch of government,” Keicher said. “Right now with the legislature being out of session, we don’t have the ability to debate these and to come up with Illinois policy. The fact that the people’s voice is being stopped is perhaps one of the biggest frustrations and challenges out there.”
Whenever lawmakers reconvene, he’s hoping to raise another issue that’s been suggested to him by many who love the outdoors.
“All of our campgrounds right now are under restriction and many of them are already socially distanced,” Keicher said. “So, again, your family unit cannot go to a rural campground, stay distant from everybody while you’re there, and enjoy a night out under the stars.”
Pritzker has said enforcement of the boating rule is up to local authorities. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has said it won’t be issuing tickets for any boaters breaking 2-person limit.
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