SF 203 Iowa Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

A bill for an act relating to the taking of black bears, gray wolves, and mountain lions, and providing penalties.

SF 203 prohibits the taking (hunting or killing) of black bears, gray wolves, and mountain lions in Iowa, except under specific exceptions. The bill removes wolves from the definition of "fur-bearing animals" and creates strict requirements for livestock owners who take these animals to protect their animals, including written reports and department approval. Violations are classified as aggravated misdemeanors with potential jail time (up to 2 years) and fines up to $8,540, plus civil penalties of up to $2,000 per violation that fund the state fish and game protection fund. The bill directly affects hunters, trappers, livestock owners, and wildlife professionals, while providing limited exceptions for immediate safety or authorized activities.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 4, 2025 Last action Feb 5, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Subcommittee: Evans, De Witt, and Trone Garriott.
upper
Feb 4, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, referred to Natural Resources and Environment.
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Molly Donahue
Molly Donahue
DDemocratic
IA
37