HF 672 (LSB 2740HV (2) 88)

HOUSE FILE 672

BY  COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

(SUCCESSOR TO HSB 216)

A BILL FOR

An Act prohibiting the discharge of a weapon over public open waters or from a motor vehicle and making penalties applicable.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 481A.54, Code 2019, is amended to read as follows:
   481A.54  Shooting rifle, shotgun, pistol, or revolver over open water, highway, or railroad right-of-way —— discharging weapon from a motor vehicle —— exceptions.
   1.  A person shall not shoot any rifle on or over any of the public open waters or public highways of the state or any railroad right-of-way.
   2.  A person shall not shoot a shotgun with a slug load, pistol, or revolver on or over a public roadway as defined in section 321.1, subsection 65.
   3.  A person shall not discharge a weapon from a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or any other motor vehicle, as defined in section 321.1. This subsection does not prohibit a person who uses a stationary motor-driven land conveyance intended to accommodate that person’s physical disability from hunting from the conveyance, as provided by rules adopted by the department pursuant to section 483A.8C. For purposes of this subsection, “weapon” means a firearm, bow and arrow, crossbow, or any other hunting weapon.
   3.  4.  This section does not apply to any peace officers or military personnel in the performance of their official duties.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to discharging a weapon over public open waters or from a motor vehicle.
   Current law prohibits firing a rile over public waters. Hunting from a snowmobile is also prohibited under current law. The bill prohibits firing a rifle over public open waters. The bill prohibits a person from discharging a weapon from a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or any other motor vehicle. However, the bill does not prohibit a person who uses a stationary motor-driven land conveyance intended to accommodate that person’s disability from hunting from the conveyance. 
   A person who violates the provisions of the bill is subject to a scheduled fine of $20.