This bill amends existing Iowa law regarding fishing privileges for disabled veterans. It allows any person, regardless of residency, who has served in the armed forces of the United States on federal active duty and was disabled during their military service to fish without needing to acquire a fishing license. This change expands the current law, which only provided this privilege to Iowa residents. Additionally, individuals fishing under this provision must display proof of their veteran and disability status upon request from a peace officer. Failure to provide this documentation is classified as a simple misdemeanor, subject to a $35 fine, although individuals can avoid conviction by presenting the required proof in court within a reasonable timeframe.

The bill also includes amendments to the Code regarding nonresident paddlefish fishing licenses, specifying that nonresidents fishing for paddlefish on the Missouri or Big Sioux River must have a valid Iowa fishing license and a nonresident paddlefish fishing license, with an exception for certain qualified nonresidents. These changes aim to enhance fishing access for disabled veterans while ensuring compliance with licensing requirements for nonresidents.

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