Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the taking of black bears, and making penalties applicable
Sponsored by Rep. David Jacoby (D), Rep. Brian K. Lohse (R)
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 15, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 26, 2026
- Stopped: House committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- 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 could hunt or trap black bears if they get a special fur harvester license. If someone takes a black bear illegally, they must pay a fine and could be required to pay $2,500 in damages. The Department of Natural Resources also has the power to take away any illegally caught bears.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to the taking of black bears. The bill designates black bears as a fur-bearing animal. The natural resource commission may allow for the hunting or trapping of black bears upon the acquisition of a fur harvester license and subject to limitations the commission imposes by rule. A person who unlawfully takes a black bear is subject to a scheduled fine dependent on the matter of the offense relating to an unlawful take or attempt to take. Additionally, a person who is convicted of unlawfully taking a black bear shall pay civil damages in the amount of $2,500. A black bear taken unlawfully is subject to seizure by the director of the department of natural resources.
House subcommittee
Named January 26, 2026. On February 4, 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
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
4 for · 2 against · 3 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Tried before
91st General Assembly
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 became law, though one got through a chamber.
- HF 175 Relating to the taking of black bears, and making penalties applicable90th General Assembly · Passed House · same titlePassed a chamber
Similar bills this General Assembly
- HF 195 Relating to the taking of black bears, and making penalties applicable91st General Assembly · In committeeNearly identical
Matched by wording or an identical title.