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Bills › 91st General Assembly

Relating to hunter education requirements

Sponsored by Rep. Jason Gearhart (R)

Topics:Environment & natural resources

Same legislation: SSB 3120, HF 2335

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Also covers SSB 3120 and HF 2335.

Official bill pageLobbyist declarationsOne-pager to print

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedJanuary 13, 2026
  2. Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 14, 2026
  3. Done: House committeeFebruary 3, 2026
  4. Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 2335
  5. Next: Senate committee
  6. Next: Passes the Senate
  7. Next: To the Governor
  8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2335 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2335 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary People born after 1972 who want a hunting license can now use certifications from nationally recognized organizations like the National Rifle Association to meet their education requirements. Hunters can also complete their training through an online course approved by the Department of Natural Resources. While an in-person field day is no longer required, it can still be offered as an optional extra.1

Read the official explanation

This bill relates to hunter education requirements. Under current law, a person born after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course prior to receiving a hunting license. The department of natural resources (department) recognizes certifications issued by another state, country, or province for completion of a course that meets the standards adopted by the international hunter education association —— United States of America as valid to satisfy the hunter education requirement. The bill adds certifications issued by a nationally recognized organization, including the national rifle association, to the list of recognized certifications that may fulfill the hunter education requirement. The bill allows a person to satisfy the hunter education requirement by completing an online hunter education course offered or approved by the department. The bill states that an in-person field day is not required but may be offered as an optional supplemental opportunity.

Full bill text2

House subcommittee

Named January 14, 2026. On January 26, 2026 it recommended passage.

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

1 written public comment to its subcommittee: February 12, 2026 (1) · on the Legislature’s site

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§483A.27

How the Code works3

Lobbying

4 for · 1 against · 5 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Study bill

SSB 3120Cleared committee

91st General Assembly

HF 2020RenumberedHF 2335Passed a chamberfrom HF 2020