Iowa House Bill HF2362

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of protected and endangered species in counties and cities, and making appropriations.

Impact

If enacted, HF2362 would further define the responsibilities of local governments regarding wildlife conservation. Specifically, counties and cities would be empowered to draft ordinances that explicitly comply with federal protections for migratory birds and endangered species. Collected civil penalties from violations of these ordinances would be funneled into funding for habitat protection and conservation plans at the local level, thus aligning financial incentives with wildlife protection efforts.

Summary

House File 2362 focuses on regulating protected and endangered species at the county and city level in Iowa. The bill allows counties and cities to adopt ordinances that comply with federal regulations outlined in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act. This initiative is intended to enhance local abilities to address wildlife protection in compliance with existing federal laws by giving local governments the authority to create specific ordinances aimed at preventing the incidental take of listed species.

Contention

While the bill presents a framework for local engagement in wildlife protection, there may be divisions in opinion regarding the appropriateness of local governmental authority versus federal oversight. Proponents of the bill may assert that empowering local jurisdictions enhances regional conservation efforts by addressing local ecological conditions. Conversely, opponents may express concern over the potential implications for consistency in the enforcement of federal protections and the adequacy of local plans to realistically meet endangered species recovery goals.