HF2215: DNR Matters

Allows the DNR director's office to be located at or near the state capitol rather than strictly at the capitol, and transfers various powers and duties relating to state preserves from the DNR to the Natural Resource Commission. It also lowers the minimum age for unsupervised deer hunting with a pistol or revolver from 21 to 18, removes certain supervision and consent requirements, and strikes related penalties. 

Key Points & Impact:

• Permits the director of the Department of Natural Resources to maintain an office at or near the state capitol complex, broadening the previous requirement of 'at' the capitol.

• Transfers all powers and duties concerning state preserves from the DNR to the Natural Resource Commission, including the authority to approve dedications, amend articles, and determine public necessity for alienation.

• Replaces the DNR with the commission as the authority for approving and recording articles of dedication for preserves, and for making findings regarding public necessity and amendments to dedications.

• Changes language throughout the relevant Code sections to reflect the transfer of powers from the 'department' to the 'commission.'

• Lowers the age threshold for needing supervision while deer hunting with a pistol or revolver from '20 years of age or less' to 'under the age of eighteen.'

• Removes the requirement that the supervising person be at least 21 years old and have the consent of a parent, guardian, or spouse for those under the previous threshold; now only requires supervision for those under 18 by a responsible licensed hunter.

• Strikes the requirement that the responsible supervising person convey the pistol or revolver while not in use by the minor, and removes related penalty provisions.

• Removes references to expired Lake Manawa and Waubonsie state park user fee pilot programs.

Signed by Governor on April 9. Takes effect July 1, 2026.