HF 863: Relating to the use of blue lights on vessels operating on waters under the jurisdiction of the natural resource commission

What it does

Current law prohibits vessels from displaying or reflecting solid or flashing blue lights when operating on waters under the natural resource commission’s jurisdiction unless the vessel is an authorized emergency vessel. A person who violates this prohibition is subject to a scheduled fine of $35. This bill removes the prohibition on displaying or reflecting solid blue lights while operating a vessel in waters under the commission’s jurisdiction. The display or reflection of flashing blue lights is still prohibited.

Senate subcommittee · named March 3, 2026

• Sen. Ken Rozenboom (R) · ken.rozenboom@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Renee Hardman (D) · renee.hardman@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Mike Pike (R) · mike.pike@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 1 against

For: Lake Panorama Association

Against: VALOR Iowa

In plain words

1. March 7, 2025Filed in the House
2. April 3, 2025Sent to the House Natural Resources committee
3. January 27, 2026House subcommittee named: Wulf, Collins and Nielsen
4. January 29, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
5. February 10, 2026Approved by the House committee
6. February 10, 2026Committee vote: 18–2
7. February 26, 2026Passed the House, 89–1
8. March 2, 2026Arrived in the Senate
9. March 3, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Rozenboom, Hardman and Pike
10. March 9, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
11. March 18, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
12. March 31, 2026Passed the Senate, 46–0
13. April 16, 2026Sent to the Governor
14. April 16, 2026Signed into law