SIXTH WEEK OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION
This week, subcommittees took center stage as the legislature approaches the first funnel week, just two weeks away.
To stay eligible for further debate, a bill must pass through a committee before the funnel deadline. The only exceptions to this deadline are bills related to spending (Appropriations) and taxes (Ways & Means).
Outdoors groups were highly active this week, engaging with legislators to emphasize the importance of preserving IWILL, eliminating the celebrity deer tag, and addressing various other deer-related issues.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
One of ISC’s top legislative priorities, eliminate the celebrity deer tag (SF 293), passed a Senate subcommittee with unanimous support. ISC members attended the meeting to raise awareness about the issue. We’re looking forward to the full Senate Natural Resources Committee discussing the bill next week.
In a separate development, 17 members of the Senate Republican caucus introduced a constitutional amendment to repeal IWILL. Hunters and conservationists turned out in large numbers—so many that the subcommittee room was standing room only, with people spilling out into the hallway.
We’ll need your support in the coming weeks to ensure these bills are either passed or defeated before funnel week!
BILL TRACKER
**New information highlighted in yellow**
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
As the calendar sheds another week towards the first funnel, we need the hunter voice to be heard on the following bills:
SF 293: The Celebrity Deer Tag
• Issue: This bill seeks to eliminate the “celebrity deer tag” in Iowa. Over the last 30 years, this tag has generated some controversy, especially with increased pressure from nonresidents pushing for more non-resident hunting opportunities. The bill has already passed out of a subcommittee with unanimous support.
• Action Needed: Contact the Senators on the Senate Natural Resources Committee to voice your support for this bill and its common-sense approach to managing Iowa’s wildlife resources. The goal is to get it through the full committee.
SJR 6: Repealing the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund (IWILL)
• Issue: This proposed constitutional amendment would repeal the IWILL fund, created by Iowans in 2010 by approval of 63% of voters that would direct sales tax revenue to conservation and outdoor recreation projects. If the amendment passes, funds raised by any potential sales tax increase would go to lowering property tax rates instead. The amendment needs to pass two consecutive General Assemblies before it can go to voters.
• Action Needed: Contact Senators on the Senate State Government Committee to oppose the amendment, which would undo the voters’ intent and potentially cut funding for Iowa’s conservation efforts.
HF 378: Depredation Tags and Deer Shooting Permits
• Issue: HF 378 is a bill that has passed the House Natural Resources Committee and is now eligible for floor debate. This bill includes several provisions that raise concerns for wildlife management in Iowa.
• What the Bill Proposes:
o Allows producers who experience $1,000+ economic loss to receive depredation tags and deer shooting permits.
o Extends eligibility for depredation and deer shooting permits to tenants who experience economic losses of $1,000+.
o Empowers conservation officers to issue depredation and shooting permits.
o Creates a January 11-31 depredation season, increasing the time and scope of deer hunting.
o Allows any deer taken with a depredation tag or shooting permit to be disposed of by composting or wastage, which could have negative environmental impacts.
• Action Needed: Contact the full House of Representatives and urge them to oppose this bill. It introduces concerns about wildlife management practices and could have broader environmental consequences.
The bill passed the committee by one vote, indicating there is concern about it. Now is the time to make your voices heard!
Check out this link to see where/when your legislators are hosting town hall meetings.
House Natural Resources Committee
Senate Natural Resources Committee
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME!
Phil Jeneary
Proud Chapter of
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