HF 473 (LSB 1619HV (1) 91)

HOUSE FILE 473

BY  COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

(SUCCESSOR TO HF 107)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on public hunting areas.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 321I.10, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  8.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a registered all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle may be operated on a public hunting area, as defined in section 481A.123, subsection 4, for the express purpose of transporting a lawfully taken deer carcass out of the public hunting area. Any operator or passenger of the all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on the vehicle pursuant to this subsection must wear apparel described in section 481A.122, subsection 1, until the deer carcass has been transported out of the public hunting area.
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 the operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on a public hunting area. The bill allows for the operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on a public hunting area for the express purpose of removing a lawfully taken deer carcass. The bill requires the all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle operator and all passengers to wear a visible blaze orange vest, coat, jacket, sweatshirt, sweater, shirt, or coveralls until the deer carcass has been removed from the public hunting area.
   Under current law, the natural resource commission (NRC) may prohibit operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on public lands, public ice, or designated riding trails in the interest of safety for persons, property, or the environment. Additionally, barring limited exceptions, operation of an all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle is prohibited in any park, wildlife area, preserve, refuge, game management area, or navigable stream, except on designated riding areas and trails.
   Under current law, a person in violation of relevant all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle prohibitions is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $135. A person convicted may also be assessed a civil penalty of $250 to be deposited in the special all-terrain vehicle fund, may be ordered to pay restitution for damage caused by the violation, and may have registration and permit privileges revoked or suspended.