Bill
SF 253
Creates a lifetime fur harvester license for Iowa residents who are veterans with service-connected disabilities, issued by the DNR (fee set by rule) with VA verification.
Note on source documents
- The metadata provided with your request (title: "Wright Technical Center capital improvements bond issue and appropriation") does not match the text of the bill you supplied. The document content and enrolled bill text for Senate File 253 (S.F. 253) pertain to an Iowa law creating a lifetime fur harvester license for disabled veterans. This summary covers the actual bill text provided (lifetime fur harvester license).
Summary — Senate File 253 (Iowa), 2025
- Enacted as: Chapter 128
- Signed by Governor: June 6, 2025
- Code section amended: Adds new subsection 16A to Iowa Code § 483A.24
- Subject: Fisheries/wildlife licensing; veterans’ benefits
Purpose and intent
- To create a lifetime fur harvester license available to Iowa residents who served on federal active duty in the U.S. armed forces and who were disabled as a result of their military service, thereby making a lifetime licensing option available to qualifying disabled veterans.
Key provisions
- New statutory subsection (483A.24(16A)):
- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) shall issue a lifetime fur harvester license to an Iowa resident who (1) served in the U.S. armed forces on federal active duty and (2) was disabled during that military service.
- “Disabled” is defined as being entitled to a service‑connected rating under 38 U.S.C. chapter 11 (i.e., a service‑connected disability rating as recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
- The DNR must establish the lifetime license fee by rule under the agency’s rulemaking authority in § 483A.1.
- The DNR must prepare an application form for persons requesting the lifetime license.
- The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs shall assist the DNR in verifying applicants’ status or claims.
Who is affected
- Primary beneficiaries: Iowa residents who are veterans who (a) served on federal active duty and (b) have a service‑connected disability rating under federal law; these persons become eligible to obtain a lifetime fur harvester license.
- State agencies: DNR (to set fee, create application form, issue licenses, and adopt any necessary rules); Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (to assist with verification).
- Indirectly affected: users of the fur harvester licensing system and any administrative/fiscal processes tied to license issuance and fee revenue.
Fiscal and procedural notes
- Fee: The statute authorizes the DNR to set a fee by rule but does not specify the amount; fiscal impact will depend on the fee adopted and the number of qualifying veteran applicants.
- Implementation: Requires DNR rulemaking and administrative setup (application form and verification procedures with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs) before the license can be issued.
- Legislative history (selected): Introduced February 11, 2025; passed both chambers (Senate and House unanimous votes recorded); enrolled and signed by Governor on June 6, 2025 (enacted). Some session records also show an early procedural entry “Withdrawn and returned to author” on February 20, 2025, but the bill ultimately advanced, was enrolled, and was approved by the Governor.
For further detail
- Statutory text reference: Iowa Code § 483A.24 (as amended by S.F. 253, adding subsection 16A).
- Federal definition referenced: 38 U.S.C. chapter 11 — service‑connected disability ratings (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs criteria).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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