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IA SF654

IA SF654
A bill for an act relating to wildlife, including the treatment of beaver dams, identification for traps, snares, and tree stands, and maximum fur dealer license fees, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SF 260, SSB 1093.)


summary

Introduced
05/09/2025
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
05/14/2025
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to wildlife, including the treatment of beaver dams, identification for traps, snares, and tree stands, and maximum fur dealer license fees. The bill requires that a stand placed on public land for hunting deer be affixed with and exhibit a metal plate that plainly shows the department-issued identification number of the owner of the stand. An owner who does not properly identify a tree stand placed on public land belonging to the owner is subject to a scheduled fine of $30. The bill provides that an owner of a tree stand placed on public land shall not be held liable for damage to personal property or an injury resulting from another person’s use of the tree stand. The natural resource commission shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of the bill relating to tree stands. Under current law, a person is generally prohibited from disturbing, in any manner, any den, lodge, or house of a fur-bearing animal or beaver dam except with written permission of an officer appointed by the director. The bill allows a property owner, the property owner’s agent, or a drainage district to breach or alter a beaver dam to protect the person’s property. Under current law, all traps and snares used for the taking of fur-bearing animals require a metal tag attached plainly labeled with the user’s name and address. The bill allows the user the option of labeling the trap or snare with the user’s department-issued identification number instead of the user’s name and address. The bill creates a maximum fur dealer license fee of $50, regardless of resident status. Under current administrative rules, a resident fur dealer license costs $264 annually and a nonresident fur dealer license costs $586.50 annually or $292.50 for one day and one location. Current law allows residents from another state to purchase a fur dealer license for the set fee unless that state has reciprocity with Iowa, in which case the nonresident shall pay the reciprocity fee amount that is less than the nonresident license fee but more than the Iowa resident license fee.

AI Summary

This bill introduces several changes to wildlife regulations in Iowa, focusing on tree stands, beaver dams, trapping, and fur dealer licensing. For tree stands placed on public land, hunters will now be required to affix a metal plate with a department-issued identification number, and will be subject to a $30 fine for non-compliance. The bill also provides liability protection for tree stand owners, meaning they cannot be held responsible for damage or injury caused by another person's use of their stand. Regarding beaver dams, property owners, their agents, or drainage districts will now be allowed to breach or alter beaver dams to protect their property, which was previously prohibited without written permission. The bill modifies trap labeling requirements, giving trappers the option to use either their name and address or a department-issued identification number on metal tags. Additionally, the legislation establishes a maximum fur dealer license fee of $50 annually for both residents and non-residents, which is significantly lower than current administrative rules. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for property owners, hunters, and trappers while maintaining wildlife management regulations.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Ways & Means (Senate)

Last Action

Message from House, with amendment S-5216. S.J. 896. (on 04/27/2026)

bill text


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