This bill amends existing Iowa law to expand fishing privileges for disabled veterans. Currently, only residents who have served in the armed forces and were disabled during their military service can obtain a lifetime fishing license or a combined hunting and fishing license. The new provisions allow any person, regardless of residency, who is a disabled veteran to fish without needing to acquire a fishing license, provided their disability occurred during their military service.

Additionally, the bill requires that individuals fishing under this exemption must display proof of their veteran and disability status upon request from a peace officer. Failure to provide this documentation will result in a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a $35 fine. However, individuals charged with this offense can avoid conviction by presenting the required proof in court within a reasonable timeframe. The bill also includes a conforming change related to nonresident paddlefish fishing licenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 483A.6A, 483A.24