WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 79

District courts-change of venue.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Barry Crago and 5 co-sponsors

Creates a lifetime trapping license for eligible Iowa veterans with service-connected disabilities; DNR issues it, fees set by rule, DVA assists verification.

Assigned Chapter Number 68
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 79

Summary of Senate File 79 (SF 79)

Overview

SF 79 proposes to create a lifetime trapping license in Iowa for certain disabled veterans. The bill would authorize the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue a lifetime trapping license to eligible Iowa residents who served on federal active duty and were disabled during service, with the related application process and fees determined by rule. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) would assist DNR in verifying eligible applicants.

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Status: Subcommittee reassigned to Westrich, Pike, and Zimmer
  • Primary sponsor: Donahue
  • Referred to: Natural Resources and Environment
  • Legislative actions:
    • 2025-01-23: Subcommittee (Westrich, Celsi, Pike)
    • 2025-02-24: Subcommittee reassigned (Westrich, Pike, Zimmer)

What the bill would do

  • Create a new subsection (NEW SUBSECTION 16A) within Section 483A.24 of the Code to establish a lifetime trapping license.
  • Allow the Department of Natural Resources to issue a lifetime trapping license to an Iowa resident who:
    • served in the armed forces of the United States on federal active duty
    • was disabled during that veteran’s military service
    • is entitled to a service-connected rating (as defined by 38 U.S.C. ch. 11)
  • Require DNR to establish a fee for the lifetime trapping license by rule.
  • Require DNR to prepare an application form for individuals requesting the lifetime license.
  • Require the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist DNR in verifying the status or claims of applicants.

Key provisions and definitions

  • Eligibility:
    • Iowa resident
    • Veterans who served on federal active duty
    • Veterans who were disabled during that service
    • Disability status defined as a service-connected rating under 38 U.S.C. ch. 11
  • Fee structure:
    • A lifetime license fee to be established by rule (not specified in the introduced text)
  • Application process:
    • DNR to prepare an application for the lifetime license
  • Verification:
    • DVA to assist DNR in verifying applicants’ status or claims

Who is affected

  • Eligible veterans: Iowa residents who are disabled as a result of service-connected conditions.
  • DNR: Administration of licensing, fee setting by rule, and processing of applications.
  • DVA: Verification assistance to confirm veterans’ eligibility/status.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill has been assigned to a subcommittee and is in the early stages of legislative consideration.
  • Subcommittee assignments:
    • Initial: Westrich, Celsi, Pike (Jan 23, 2025)
    • Reassigned: Westrich, Pike, Zimmer (Feb 24, 2025)
  • No specific effective date is provided in the introduced text; details would be set by rulemaking and eventual enactment.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Provides a tangible recognition mechanism (lifetime license) for disabled veterans, potentially aiding wildlife-related livelihoods or recreation for eligible veterans.
  • Shifts some administrative responsibilities to DNR with a collaboration from DVA for verification.
  • The exact cost to recipients will depend on rulemaking by DNR.
  • The policy aligns veteran benefits with state natural resources programs, potentially requiring coordination across agencies and clear eligibility verification processes.

Note: The bill includes an explanatory section typical of Iowa legislation, clarifying intent; the explanatory text itself does not constitute policy agreement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.