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Bill > HF473
IA HF473
IA HF473A bill for an act relating to operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on public hunting areas.(Formerly HF 107.)
summary
Introduced
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to the operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on a public hunting area. The bill allows for the operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on a public hunting area for the express purpose of removing a lawfully taken deer carcass. The bill requires the all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle operator and all passengers to wear a visible blaze orange vest, coat, jacket, sweatshirt, sweater, shirt, or coveralls until the deer carcass has been removed from the public hunting area. Under current law, the natural resource commission (NRC) may prohibit operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on public lands, public ice, or designated riding trails in the interest of safety for persons, property, or the environment. Additionally, barring limited exceptions, operation of an all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle is prohibited in any park, wildlife area, preserve, refuge, game management area, or navigable stream, except on designated riding areas and trails. Under current law, a person in violation of relevant all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle prohibitions is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $135. A person convicted may also be assessed a civil penalty of $250 to be deposited in the special all-terrain vehicle fund, may be ordered to pay restitution for damage caused by the violation, and may have registration and permit privileges revoked or suspended.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Iowa law to specifically allow registered all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road utility vehicles to be operated on public hunting areas for the sole purpose of removing a legally harvested deer carcass. The bill requires that any operator and passengers of such vehicles must wear highly visible blaze orange clothing (such as vests, coats, jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, shirts, or coveralls) while transporting the deer carcass out of the public hunting area. This provision creates a narrow exception to current restrictions on ATV and off-road utility vehicle use in wildlife and conservation areas, recognizing hunters' need to efficiently and safely remove harvested game. By specifying the precise purpose and requiring high-visibility clothing, the bill aims to balance conservation area protection with practical hunting needs while maintaining safety considerations. The legislation amends section 321I.10 of the Iowa Code and will take effect in 2025.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Natural Resources (House)
Last Action
Referred to Natural Resources. H.J. 895. (on 04/03/2025)
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=HF473 |
| Fiscal Note - Transportation of Harvested Deer from Public Lands, Vehicles | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/FN/1524395.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF473.html |
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