- Your outreach is needed on HF 2296 & SF 2189, Right-of-Way and Conduit Preemption. Contact your State Senators and ask them to oppose these bills. More information on the impacts can be found below.
- Governor Reynolds signed into law HF 2317, the comprehensive tax reform bill. This proposal did not alter Local Option Sales and Service Tax. We expect to see a LOSST proposal filed in a stand-alone bill this year.
- The second legislative funnel is just two weeks away. With exceptions, legislation must have passed through a committee in the non-originating chamber to remain viable.
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This legislation can be debated any time in the Senate. |
- Prohibits local governments from requiring telecommunication providers to place their facilities in city-owned conduit as a condition of being in the right-of-way. Conduit is installed to lessen the burden of organizing an increasingly crowded right-of-way which ensures efficient and effective use of the space for current and future users. Additionally, utilizing conduit reduces the time and cost of projects within the right-of-way for public and private projects.
- Increases the likelihood of litigation. Using undefined terms like "nondiscriminatory access" increases the likelihood that litigation will arise, which could prevent or drastically delay local governments from making these types of investments. Additionally, this legislation will make it easier and less expensive to sue a city by expanding the existing federal language in the Code of Iowa.
- Conduit and other broadband infrastructure financed by local governments are public investments made in the public interest. This legislation is an attempt by private providers to control and reduce the value of those assets.
- Reduces the cost and time to deploy broadband for all providers, which enhances competition and quality of broadband services. Broadband is one of the few industries which currently compete for territory rather than the quality of service in the free market.
- This bill does nothing to expand broadband service in Iowa. It could have the opposite effect by creating legal uncertainty for local governments, thereby reducing the desire to make these types of investments.
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HF 2441 | Property Tax Exemption for Manufactured Homes |
- Removes the square footage-based property tax on mobile and manufactured homes within mobile or manufactured home parks.
- Passed out of subcommittee and will be eligible for consideration in the House Ways & Means Committee.
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- Allows a city or county to request an expedited hearing in order to abate a bar, which is a public safety nuisance under specific conditions including repeat assault, firearms discharge, or rioting caused by the patrons or ownership of the bar.
- Passed out of the House and will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
- The League is registered in support because it will help cities address public safety nuisances within their communities. If this is valuable to your community, we encourage you to reach out to your legislators and express support.
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SF 2350 | Alcohol License and Permit Fees |
- Makes alterations to alcohol license types and how alcohol permit fees are calculated in an effort to reduce the financial burden on license holders.
- This PDF, provided by the Senate Republican Caucus staff, outlines the changes to the permit types and fees.
- The League is trying to understand how impactful these changes will be. If you believe this will negatively impact your community, please reach out to your legislators and email us at legislativestaff@iowaleague.org.
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SF 2361 | Workforce/Housing Omnibus |
- Prohibits cities from enforcing zoning ordinances if 80% of the lots covered do not conform. Prohibits requiring inspections of manufactured homes that have been inspected and built in accordance with federal regulation. The League asked that this provision be stricken from the bill entirely.
- Prohibits local building codes and creates a statewide building code for electrical, plumbing, fire safety or energy efficiency standards that local governments cannot raise or lower. The League has heard from our membership that these local codes have been reviewed, honed, and implemented over decades of conversations at the local level.
- Increases the Veterans Property Tax Credit to reduce a veteran’s taxable value by $2,500, which would reduce revenues to local governments.
- Prohibits the enforcement of any parking fee or fine for an individual with a license plate specially designated for purple heart recipients, Prisoners of War or a "DV" designation.
- Local impacts need to be communicated directly to legislators. Contact your legislator with specific impacts.
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Legislation Being Monitored by the League |
- Removes the authority of mayor to remove utility board members.
- Eligible to be voted on in both House and Senate.
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- SF 2319 seeks to ban automatic traffic cameras entirely, while SF 2352 provides additional regulations and requirements to utilize automated traffic cameras.
- Both of these bills can be voted on in the Senate at any time.
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SF 2322 | Cost of Redacting Public Records Requests |
- States that cities should only charge for legal review of legally protected confidential information.
- Passed out of the Senate and will be given a subcommittee hearing in the House.
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- HF 417- increases cost and benefits in MFPRSI. Eligible to be voted on in the Senate.
- SF 2278 - alters the process and restrictions on officer disciplinary proceedings.
- SF 2267 - allows the creation of emergency response districts.
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Communication with your legislators is crucial to impacting policy in the statehouse. Take advantage of the local legislative forums listed below. Additionally, you can contact your legislative directly.
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