A bill for an act concerning common carriers and including effective date and applicability provisions.

HF 491 modifies Iowa's eminent domain laws for pipeline projects. It requires pipeline companies seeking to use eminent domain to first qualify as "common carriers" (transporting goods for unaffiliated shippers who retain ownership, not selling to the pipeline company). For hazardous liquid pipelines, the government must now prove "public use" with "clear and convincing evidence" instead of the lower standard. This directly affects pipeline companies seeking infrastructure rights and landowners whose property could be taken for pipeline projects. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.