FIRST WEEK OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The first week of the legislative session is largely ceremonial. This is the second year of the two-year General Assembly. Legislators started business right away by listening to speeches from the leaders in each chamber outlining their priorities.
Governor Reynolds gave her Condition of the State address Tuesday night, followed by the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court, Susan Christensen, giving the Condition of the Judiciary address Wednesday morning. On Thursday morning, Major General Stephen Osborn, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard gave the Condition of the Guard address.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Last legislative session set a record for the number of bills introduced, and this year is off to another strong start with more than 300 bills already filed. So far, outdoor-related legislation has been relatively light, all things considered. Any bill that did not pass last year may be reintroduced this session and move through the legislative process again.
Our bill to eliminate the celebrity deer tag passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee last year but did not reach the Senate floor. That bill is scheduled for a subcommittee hearing on January 20 at 11:30 a.m. A Zoom link will be included for those who wish to attend virtually and voice their support. Let’s hope for a quiet year on deer-related legislation so we can focus our efforts where they matter most—on conservation issues.
BILL TRACKER
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MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
This upcoming week, January 20, two important subcommittee hearings will take place at the Iowa Capitol that directly impact Iowa’s hunting heritage. The first addresses the ISC-supported bill eliminating celebrity deer tags, and the second advances a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and trap. Members are strongly encouraged to attend in person at the Capitol or participate via Zoom using the link above. Showing up matters—legislators pay attention when hunters and anglers are visible, engaged, and united.
In addition, we urge you to continually contact your legislators and ask them to support and pass IWILL. The only way this gets done is if lawmakers keep hearing from us. Hunters and anglers have a powerful voice in Iowa, and legislators are looking to us to provide answers, perspective, and leadership.
Please look to see if your senator or representative serves on the Natural Resources Committee. If they do, tell them to support our legislation, and legislative agenda.
House Natural Resources Committee
Senate Natural Resources Committee
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME!
Phil Jeneary
Proud Chapter of
