SF 654: Relating to wildlife, including the treatment of beaver dams, identification for traps, snares, and tree stands, maximum fur dealer license fees, and deer depredation, and making penalties applicable

What it does

This bill relates to wildlife, including the treatment of beaver dams, identification for traps, snares, and tree stands, and maximum fur dealer license fees. The bill requires that a stand placed on public land for hunting deer be affixed with and exhibit a metal plate that plainly shows the department-issued identification number of the owner of the stand. An owner who does not properly identify a tree stand placed on public land belonging to the owner is subject to a scheduled fine of $30. The bill provides that an owner of a tree stand placed on public land shall not be held liable for damage to personal property or an injury resulting from another person’s use of the tree stand.

House subcommittee · named January 29, 2026

• Rep. Derek Wulf (R) · derek.wulf@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Eric J. Gjerde (D) · eric.gjerde@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Christian A. Hermanson (R) · christian.hermanson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 9 for, 0 against

For: Humane World for Animals; Iowa Bowhunters Association; Iowa Conservation Alliance; Iowa Corn Growers Association; Iowa Drainage District Association; Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Iowa Sportsmans Club; Iowa Trappers Association; Izaak Walton League - Iowa Division

In plain words

1. May 9, 2025Filed in the Senate
2. May 9, 2025Approved by the Senate committee
3. May 14, 2025Passed the Senate, 45–0
4. January 13, 2026Arrived in the House
5. January 29, 2026House subcommittee named: Wulf, Gjerde and Hermanson
6. March 11, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
7. April 21, 2026Approved by the House committee
8. April 21, 2026Committee vote: 24–0
9. April 27, 2026Passed the House, 66–23
10. May 2, 2026Passed the Senate, 32–12
11. May 11, 2026Sent to the Governor
12. June 2, 2026Signed into law