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

SF 203: Relating to the taking of black bears, gray wolves, and mountain lions, and providing penalties

Died when the session ended · The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died.

What it does

This bill relates to the taking of black bears, gray wolves, and mountain lions. The bill removes wolves from the definition of “fur-bearing animals”. The bill prohibits a person from taking a black bear, gray wolf, or mountain lion unless such take is otherwise authorized. The bill provides exceptions to the prohibition provided taking pursuant to an exception does not violate federal law. The bill provides additional requirements for a landowner or lessee who is a livestock owner who takes a black bear, gray wolf, or mountain lion when such take is immediately necessary to protect livestock.

Cost

No fiscal note

Senate subcommittee · named February 5, 2025

Sen. Lynn Evans (R) · lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Rocky De Witt (R)
Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott (D) · sarah.trone.garriott@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 0 against

For: Humane World for Animals; Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club; Izaak Walton League - Iowa Division

In plain words

February 4, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Natural Resources and Environment committee
February 5, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Evans, De Witt and Trone Garriott