This bill amends the allocation process for special nonresident deer hunting licenses in Iowa. Previously, the director of the Department of Natural Resources had the discretion to allocate 50 licenses as deemed appropriate. The new legislation specifies that 40 of these licenses will be allocated to Iowa conservation organizations, while 10 will be allocated to the governor. The governor has the option to accept all, part, or none of the allocated licenses, and any licenses not accepted by September 1 will be redistributed to the conservation organizations.

Additionally, the bill defines a "conservation organization" as one that is incorporated and managed under Code chapter 504, with a mission focused on natural resource conservation or science-based management. This definition includes local or state chapters of national or international conservation organizations. The purpose of these licenses remains to promote Iowa's natural resources to nonresident guests and dignitaries, and the bill includes provisions to ensure that media resulting from hunting visits cannot be used for political campaign purposes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 483A.24