91st General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

HF 2099: Relating to the taking of black bears, and making penalties applicable

Died when the session ended · The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died.

What it does

This bill relates to the taking of black bears. The bill designates black bears as a fur-bearing animal. The natural resource commission may allow for the hunting or trapping of black bears upon the acquisition of a fur harvester license and subject to limitations the commission imposes by rule. A person who unlawfully takes a black bear is subject to a scheduled fine dependent on the matter of the offense relating to an unlawful take or attempt to take. Additionally, a person who is convicted of unlawfully taking a black bear shall pay civil damages in the amount of $2,500. A black bear taken unlawfully is subject to seizure by the director of the department of natural resources.

Cost

No fiscal note

House subcommittee · named January 26, 2026

Rep. Sam Wengryn (R) · sam.wengryn@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Austin Baeth (D) · austin.baeth@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Jennifer J. Smith (R) · jennifer.smith@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 2 against

For: Iowa Bowhunters Association; Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club; Iowa Conservation Alliance; Izaak Walton League - Iowa Division

Against: Humane World for Animals; Iowa Cattlemen's Association

In plain words

January 15, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Natural Resources committee
January 26, 2026House subcommittee named: Wengryn, Baeth and Smith
February 4, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it