2023 Illinois Compiled Statutes › Chapter 510 - ANIMALS › 510 ILCS 68/ - Herptiles-Herps Act › Article 25 - Monitor Lizards

(510 ILCS 68/Art. 25 heading)
ARTICLE 25.   MONITOR LIZARDS
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/25-5)
Sec. 25-5. Monitor lizards. "Monitor lizards" means the following members of the Varanidae family, specifically crocodile monitors and Komodo dragons.
(Source: P.A. 102-315, eff. 1-1-22.)
(510 ILCS 68/25-10)
Sec. 25-10. Monitor lizard permit requirements.   In addition to those requirements listed in Articles 60 and 65 of this Act, Herptile Special Use permits may be issued to residents using monitor lizard species only for bona fide educational programs, following an inspection and approval of the proposed facilities.  A minimum of 6 documented programs on the family Varanidae shall be required of each permittee per calendar year.  Unless addressed or exempted by administrative rule, annual permit renewal must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as set by the Department and documented proof of educational programs completed on the recipient's letterhead. The Department or the Department of Agriculture reserves the right to inspect permittees and facilities during reasonable hours.  Additions to permits must be approved prior to acquisition of additional monitor lizards, and any changes shall be reported to the Department in writing no later than the first business day after that change occurred.
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/25-15)
Sec. 25-15. Maintenance of monitor lizards.   Permittees shall keep monitor lizards maintained in suitable, strong, impact resistant, escape-proof enclosures at all times unless being used for bona fide educational programs or trips for veterinary care.
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/25-20)
Sec. 25-20. Educational programs with monitor lizards.   During any bona fide educational program involving monitor lizards, the owner or affiliated agent must maintain physical possession and control of the monitor lizard at all times if removed from a container or cage.  Interiors of cages or containers used during educational programs may not be accessible to the public.  Monitor lizards removed from their cage or enclosure for educational programs must have either the mouth banded or taped shut, or kept at a minimum of 10 feet from the public and also kept out of direct contact with the public.
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/25-25)
Sec. 25-25. Transport of monitor lizards.   During transport of any monitor lizard, it must be kept out of sight of the public in an escape-proof enclosure at all times.  Transport of a monitor lizard to any public venue, commercial establishment, retail establishment, or educational institution shall only be for bona fide educational programs or veterinary care.
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/25-30)
Sec. 25-30. Additional regulations.   Monitor lizards shall not be bred, sold, or offered for sale within this State.

However, the Department may approve, by rule, limited transfers among existing permittees.
As determined by the Department, non-residents may apply for a permit not to exceed 15 consecutive days to use monitor lizards in bona fide educational programs.  The fee for the permit shall be set by administrative rule, and all fees shall be deposited into the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund.
(Source: P.A. 102-315, eff. 1-1-22; 103-363, eff. 7-28-23.)