Iowa House Bill HSB205

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Refer: 2/23/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to hunting by persons with disabilities arising from military service.(See HF 582.)

Impact

The proposed legislation alters existing regulations concerning hunting licenses for individuals with disabilities. By expanding the definition of permanent disability to encompass those who served in the armed forces, HSB205 aims to ensure that veterans can engage in hunting activities more freely and with tools that may be more accessible to them. Furthermore, financial provisions within the bill suggest that state funds may be allocated to facilitate the purchase of hunting licenses for these veterans, underscoring a commitment to support their recreational opportunities post-service.

Summary

House Study Bill 205 (HSB205) focuses on expanding hunting opportunities for veterans who have disabilities resulting from military service. The bill proposes amendments to several sections of the Iowa Code, notably defining permanent disability to include veterans who have sustained injuries during their service. Under the new provisions, these veterans will be eligible to obtain hunting licenses and tags that allow the use of crossbows during archery seasons, a significant allowance given that crossbows are typically restricted in such settings. This change aims to enhance inclusivity and access for veterans within the sporting hunting community.

Contention

While there appears to be strong bipartisan support for the bill due to its positive focus on veterans' rights and recreation, there could be points of contention related to the logistics of implementing the amendments, such as ensuring that the Natural Resources Commission adequately facilitates the adoption of the necessary rules. Potential concerns may also arise around the management of hunting resources and the implications of increased crossbow usage in state wildlife areas during designated seasons.