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

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedFebruary 4, 2025
Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 5, 2025
Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
Next: Passes the Senate
Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
Next: Passes the House
Next: To the Governor
Next: Signed into law

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’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary People would be prohibited from hunting or killing black bears, gray wolves, and mountain lions unless they have special permission or are protecting livestock. If a landowner kills one of these animals to protect their livestock, they must follow new specific rules. Breaking these laws can result in fines, jail time, and paying the state for the value of the animal.¹

Read the official explanation

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. A person who violates the bill commits an aggravated misdemeanor. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540. The person is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 for each violation with the moneys collected being deposited in the state fish and game protection fund. Additionally, the person shall reimburse the state for the value of the unlawfully taken animal in the amount of $2,500. A black bear, gray wolf, or mountain lion taken in violation of the bill is subject to seizure by the director of the department of natural resources.

Full bill text²

Senate subcommittee

Named February 5, 2025. It hasn’t reported yet.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§481A.41

Amends§456A.17 §481A.1 §481A.130

How the Code works³

Lobbying

3 for · 0 against · 1 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Tried before

HF 2118Cleared committee89th GA

91st General Assembly

SF 203Cleared committee

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.

Tried before

This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None got through a chamber.

HF 2118 Relating to the taking of black bears, gray wolves, and mountain lions, and providing pena…
89th General Assembly · In committee · same title
Cleared committee

Matched by wording or an identical title.