Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2429

Introduced
2/12/24  
Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to vessel registration exemptions, including paddlecraft and water use permit decals, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

Under this bill, paddlecraft operators are mandated to display a water use permit decal when using waters under the jurisdiction of the Natural Resources Commission, specifically when operating outside designated swimming areas. The decal, which costs $7, is an essential compliance requirement, and proceeds from its sale are designated for the state fish and game protection fund. This fund will be utilized for various efforts, including water trail management and navigation law enforcement, thereby promoting overall water safety throughout the state.

Summary

House File 2429 is a legislative measure that addresses vessel registration exemptions, specifically for paddlecraft such as canoes and kayaks. It introduces a definition of 'paddlecraft' as any human-powered vessel where a paddle is the primary mode of propulsion. The bill allows the owners of such vessels to register them with the Natural Resources Commission while simultaneously exempting them from certain existing registration requirements under the law. This legislative shift aims to streamline the regulatory process for paddlecraft owners in Iowa.

Contention

While HF2429 is primarily aimed at simplifying the registration process and enhancing safety, there might be points of contention regarding the effectiveness of the permit system. Some stakeholders may argue whether the additional layer of permit requirements could serve as a deterrent for paddlecraft usage or whether it effectively contributes to the intended benefits of water safety and resource management. Additionally, the transition to implementing this system with the proper resources and education for the users could be a subject of future discussions as the effective date of the bill is set to January 1, 2025.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF312

A bill for an act relating to the registration requirements for certain vessels, requiring water use permits, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF331

A bill for an act relating to the registration requirements for certain vessels, requiring water use permits, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF2423

A bill for an act relating to snowmobile registrations and nonresident user permits, providing fees, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly SF 2155, SSB 3067.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SSB3067

A bill for an act relating to snowmobile registrations and nonresident user permits, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2155, SF 2423.)

IA SF2155

A bill for an act relating to snowmobile registrations and nonresident user permits, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 3067; See SF 2423.)

IA HF202

A bill for an act relating to explosive materials including blasting agents, detonators, and destructive devices, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 79.) Effective date: 03/22/2023.

IA HSB613

A bill for an act relating to software security measures for text messages, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

IA HSB12

A bill for an act relating to consumer data protection, providing civil penalties, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 346.)

IA HF346

A bill for an act relating to consumer data protection, providing civil penalties, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 12.)

IA HF2681

A bill for an act relating to automated traffic systems, including for traffic law enforcement and for capture of registration plate images, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 740.) Effective date: 05/17/2024, 07/01/2024.

Similar Bills

TN HR0154

A RESOLUTION to recognize the Tennessee Paddlesports Association.

IA HF312

A bill for an act relating to the registration requirements for certain vessels, requiring water use permits, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF331

A bill for an act relating to the registration requirements for certain vessels, requiring water use permits, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

VA SB141

Boat ramps; removes authorization for Department of Wildlife Resources to charge a fee for use.

VA HB463

Boat ramps; removes authorization for Department of Wildlife Resources to charge a fee for use.

OH SB156

Regards designation of wild, scenic, and recreational rivers

US HB187

Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act or the MAPWaters Act of 2025 or the MAPWaters Act of 2025This bill directs the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to standardize and publish data relating to public's access to federal waterways for recreational use.Specifically, the Forest Service and Interior must jointly develop and adopt interagency standards for data collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational access of federal waterways and federal fishing restrictions. The standards must ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable federal databases with respect to collection and dissemination of such data.Within five years, the Forest Service and Interior must also digitize and make publicly available online certain geographic information system data about (1) federal waterway restrictions, (2) federal waterway access and navigation information, and (3) federal fishing restrictions. They must also update the data about waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation information at least twice per year. Data about fishing restrictions must be updated in real time as changes go into effect. Finally, the Forest Service and Interior must develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the data regarding waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation information.

US SB3123

Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act