A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa providing that the people of the state have a right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Summary of SSB 1132 / SJR 7 OverviewBill Number: SSB 1132 / SJR 7 Title: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa providing that the peop

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SJR 7.

#constitutionofiowa #eminentdomain #fish #fishing #generalassembly #harvesting #hunting #property #resolutions #resolutions-substantive #rights #trapping #wildlife

Overview

Bill Number: SSB 1132 / SJR 7
Title: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa providing that the people of the state have a right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife.
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SJR 7.
Introduced: February 17, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this joint resolution is to amend the Iowa state constitution to establish a fundamental right for the people of Iowa to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife. The intent is to enshrine these activities as protected rights, ensuring they cannot be infringed upon or prohibited by the state government.

Key Provisions

Proposes an amendment to Article I of the Iowa Constitution to add a new section stating: "The people have a right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, subject only to laws, rules, and regulations that promote wildlife conservation and management and that preserve the future of hunting, fishing, trapping, and harvesting of wildlife."

Specifies that this right shall be "a valued part of the State's heritage" and "a safeguard to ensure the conservation of natural resources for the people's benefit and use."

Requires the proposed amendment to be submitted to voters for ratification at the next general election.

Affected Parties and Impacts

This proposed constitutional amendment would affect all residents of Iowa by establishing hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife harvesting as protected rights. Proponents argue it would preserve these traditional activities and ensure they remain accessible to the public. Opponents may be concerned about potential impacts on wildlife conservation efforts or conflicts with other property rights.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SSB 1132 was approved by a committee and renumbered as SJR 7. If passed by the Iowa General Assembly, the proposed constitutional amendment would be placed on the ballot for voter ratification at the next general election. The timeline for the amendment process is dependent on the legislative calendar, but it would need to be approved by both chambers and a majority of Iowa voters to take effect.