Bill
Bill > SF298
summary
Introduced
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
In Committee
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill creates a muskellunge fishing fee. The bill requires any person required to have a fishing license to pay a muskellunge fishing fee to fish for or possess muskellunge. The bill directs the proceeds of the fee to be used exclusively by the natural resource commission (commission) for the muskellunge program designated by the commission. The bill provides an exception to the muskellunge fishing fee requirement for the period of a community event where muskellunge are stocked in water not designated muskellunge water. For the fee exception to apply, the event must be granted a permit by the commission. In addition to any applicable penalties, a person who unlawfully takes muskellunge shall reimburse the state $1,000 for each muskellunge caught or possessed.
AI Summary
This bill introduces a new requirement for anglers in Iowa: anyone fishing for or possessing muskellunge (a type of large freshwater fish) must pay a specific muskellunge fishing fee in addition to their standard fishing license. The proceeds from this fee will be dedicated exclusively to the state's muskellunge program, which likely involves conservation, habitat management, and stocking efforts. The bill does provide one exception: the commission can grant a permit for a community event where muskellunge will be stocked in non-designated muskellunge waters, and during this event, participants can catch and possess muskellunge without paying the additional fee. This legislation appears aimed at generating dedicated funding for muskellunge management while providing some flexibility for special community fishing events.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 428. S.J. 360. (on 02/25/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF298 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF298.html |
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