March 22, 2024

You Need to Know

Iowa’s legislature is required to use estimates from the Revenue Estimating Conference to craft a budget. This group met on March 15 for the last time before the end of session.
These estimates show a steady increase in expected revenues, including sales taxes. While the statewide sales tax estimates should not be used for an individual city’s budget, they show positive expectations in the coming fiscal years.

Capitol Pulse

In order for a bill to become law, identical language must pass the House and Senate then be signed by the Governor. Many subjects undergo significant revision in one chamber only to be revised in another. LSA has put together this guide on How a Bill Becomes Law.
The “personality” of each Chamber is unique and finding agreement on a subject can take significant time, energy, and political capital. This time of year we see this facet of the legislative process more than early in session.

Legislation

SF 455 | Regulation of Stormwater in New Construction

This legislation has not seen movement in several weeks, however a vote could be scheduled at any time in the Senate.
Preempts a local government from regulating the preservation, compaction, placement, or depth of topsoil at a construction site. Does allow cities to regulate stormwater runoff to match flow rates before construction. Defines construction site, topsoil, and allows cities and counties to provide more restrictive storm water regulations at construction sites if they meet all of the four criteria outlined in the amendment which generally requires cities to pay for the study and engineering as well as cover the costs of added regulation.

League Registered in Opposition

Talking Points

Socialization of Costs/Cost-Shift: Shift some costs of stormwater management from individual developments to the community at large.
Local Issue: Stormwater and flooding are very local issues, impacting communities across the state differently. Cities need tools and flexibility to address stormwater in a way that works for their community.
Growth Impacted: Growth communities may find it difficult to respond to the impacts of new developments, which will require adding additional staff or slowing down growth.

HSB 738 | Public Safety Omnibus

Grants the Iowa Attorney General oversight and investigatory powers over Code of Iowa Chapter 27B: Enforcement of State, Local, and Municipal Laws. Prevents an employer from retaliating against an employee who makes a good faith complaint under Code of Iowa Chapter 27B. Limits what actions the Law Enforcement Academy can take against an officer’s certification. Updates the Peace Officer Bill of rights to include EMS, Telecommunicators, and anyone trained by the Law Enforcement Academy.
Passed out of subcommittee and will be eligible for consideration in the House Ways & Means Committee.

HF 2648 | 5-day Special Class C Alcohol Permits

Creates a new Class C retail alcohol permit and sets the fee for this permit at $50. Specifies that holding a Class A Native Distillery permit does not preclude a business from holding the newly created Special Class C permit.
Passed out of the House and sent to the Senate for consideration in the Ways & Means Committee.

HF 2661 | Sheriff Pension, New Public Safety Tax Credit

Provides additional benefits to Sheriff and Sheriff Deputies through Code of Iowa Section 97B.49C. Adds enhanced penalties for assaulting an officer. Provides a tax credit for moving expenses for officers who relocate to Iowa.
Passed out of Ways & Means Committee and will be eligible for consideration on the House Floor.
The League is registered undecided on this legislation. While we appreciate additional tools and resources to recruit new officers, we often hear about the disparity between city and county benefits as a challenge to keeping qualified officers.

HF 2655 | Childcare Facility Assessed as Residential Property

Allows commercial facilities used for childcare to make applications to the county assessor and be granted the residential rollback. The fiscal note published March 13 estimates that the shift in property taxes caused by this legislation will equal $17.7M in FY 2026 and increase to $23.3M by FY 2030.
Passed out of the House and sent to the Senate where a companion bill awaits a subcommittee in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

HSB 740 | Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE)

Creates an application process through the Department of Transportation to approve a city to utilize Automated traffic enforcement on Primary Roads. This legislation is the first “reasonable regulation” bill to be introduced in the House this year and shows progress towards a regulatory framework rather than preemption.
Passed out of subcommittee and will be eligible for consideration in the Ways & Means Committee.

SF 182 | Land Redevelopment Trusts

Grants cities the ability to create Land Redevelopment Trusts. Sometimes known as Land Banks, a Land Redevelopment Trust is a tool for redevelopment of perpetually blighted or slummed areas. The Redevelopment Trust may acquire, enhance, dispose of, and perpetuate infill development.
Passed Out of Ways & Means committee and will be eligible for consideration on the Senate Floor.

League Registered in Support

Talking Points

Land Redevelopment Trusts have shown great value to local governments in other parts of the country and are a welcome tool for Iowa’s Communities.
Focusing on infill development, where cost of development often prohibits projects, is crucial to maintain city core and once thriving areas.

Upcoming Legislative Forums

Eldridge Legislative Forum

When: Mar. 23, 8 – 9 a.m.

Where: Tasty Café, 209 East Le Claire Rd., Eldridge

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Vondran

Rock Rapids Legislative Forum

When: Mar. 23, 8:30 – 10 a.m.

Where: Forster Community Center, 404 1st Ave., Rock Rapids

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Skyler Wheeler, Sen. Jeff Taylor

Oskaloosa Coffee & Conversation

When: Mar. 23, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Smokey Row Coffee, 109 S. Market St., Oskaloosa

Fort Dodge Eggs & Issues Legislative Forum

When: Mar. 23, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Iowa Central Community College - Triton Café, One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Ann Meyer

Camache Legislative Coffee

When: Mar. 23, 9 – 10 a.m.

Where: City of Camanche City Hall, 818 7th Ave., Camanche

Confirmed Participants: Sen. Chris Cournoyer

Okoboji Legislative Forum

When: Mar. 23, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Tweeter's Bar & Grill, 1027 US-Highway 71, Okoboji

Confirmed Participants: Rep. John Wills

Spencer Eggs & Issues Legislative Forum

When: Mar. 23, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Spencer City Hall - Council Chambers (101 W. 5th St., Spencer

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Megan Jones, Rep. John Wills

Orient Legislative Forum

When: Mar. 23, 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: The Dugout Café, 101 1st St., Orient

Confirmed Participants: Sen. Amy Sinclair

Logan Legislative Coffee

When: Mar. 23, 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: Logan Community Center, 108 W. 4th St., Logan

Bellevue Legislative Forum

When: Mar. 23, 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: Bellevue City Hall, 106 N. Third St., Bellevue

Confirmed Participants: Sen. Chris Cournoyer

Carroll Legislative Forum

When: Mar. 23, 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: New Hope, 1211 E. 18th St., Carroll

Confirmed Participants: Sen. Jason Schultz, Rep. Brian Best

Webster City Legislative Forum

When: Mar. 23, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Iowa Central Community College, 1725 Beach St., Webster City

Confirmed Participants: Sen. Dennis Guth

Dewitt Legislative Coffee

When: Mar. 23, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: DeWitt Community Center, 512 10th St., DeWitt

Confirmed Participants: Sen. Chris Cournoyer

Manchester Town Hall with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

When: Mar. 25, 9 – 10 a.m.

Where: Manchester County Courthouse, 301 E. Main St., Manchester

Confirmed Participants: U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley

Des Moines Office Hours with Rep. Baeth

When: Mar. 25, 8 – 9 p.m.

Where: Lua Brewing, 1525 High St., Des Moines

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Austin Baeth

Van Horne Town Meeting with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

When: Mar. 26, 9 – 10 a.m.

Where: Van Horne Community Center, 508 First Ave., Van Horne

Confirmed Participants: U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley

Montezuma Town Meeting with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

When: Mar. 27, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Poweshiek County Courthouse, 302 E. Main St., Montezuma

Confirmed Participants: U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley

Marshalltown Listening Post

When: Mar. 29, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit St., Marshalltown

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Sue Cahill

You can view all editions of Legislative Link at iowaleague.org/resource/legislative-link.

Like our membership, the Iowa League of Cities is a non-partisan, service-oriented organization that does not participate in elections, make campaign contributions, or have a political action committee (PAC).