SF 298 (LSB 2406XS (2) 91)

SENATE FILE 298

BY  GRUENHAGEN

A BILL FOR

An Act creating a muskellunge fishing fee.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  483A.6C  Muskellunge fishing fee.
   Any person required to have a fishing license shall not fish for or possess muskellunge unless that person has paid the muskellunge fishing fee. The proceeds from the fee shall be used exclusively for the muskellunge program designated by the commission. The commission may grant a permit to a community event in which muskellunge will be stocked in water that is not designated muskellunge water and a person may catch and possess muskellunge during the period and from the water covered by the permit without having paid the muskellunge fishing fee.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill creates a muskellunge fishing fee. The bill requires any person required to have a fishing license to pay a muskellunge fishing fee to fish for or possess muskellunge. The bill directs the proceeds of the fee to be used exclusively by the natural resource commission (commission) for the muskellunge program designated by the commission.
   The bill provides an exception to the muskellunge fishing fee requirement for the period of a community event where muskellunge are stocked in water not designated muskellunge water. For the fee exception to apply, the event must be granted a permit by the commission.
   In addition to any applicable penalties, a person who unlawfully takes muskellunge shall reimburse the state $1,000 for each muskellunge caught or possessed.