HF 505 (LSB 2151YH (2) 91)

HOUSE FILE 505

BY  SORENSEN

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to noodling licenses.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  483A.6C  Noodling licenses.
   1.  A person noodling must purchase a noodling license. For purposes of this section, “noodling” means the method of fishing for catfish using one’s bare hands or feet.
   2.  A noodling license shall allow a person to engage in noodling subject to the following restrictions:
   a.  The noodling must happen during daylight hours.
   b.  The person noodling may not harvest more than three catfish per noodling license.
   c.  Each catfish harvested must be at least ten inches in length.
   d.  Special equipment may not be used. For purposes of this section, “special equipment” includes scuba equipment, fins, bait, gloves, breathing tubes, and other items determined by the commission.
   3.  The commission shall establish, by rule, the tenure and applicable fee for the permit authorized in this section.
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 noodling licenses.
   The bill requires that a person noodling must purchase a noodling license. The bill defines “noodling” as a method of fishing for catfish using one’s bare hands or feet. The bill provides time of day, bag limit, size, and equipment restrictions on the license.
   The bill directs the natural resource commission to establish rules for the tenure and applicable fee of the noodling permit. A person who unlawfully takes a fish is subject to a scheduled fine of $35. A person who attempts to unlawfully take a fish is subject to a scheduled fine of $20.