HF 580 Iowa House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

A bill for an act relating to selective harvesting of timber on public lands, providing penalties, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

HF 580 authorizes private logging companies to selectively harvest mature timber on public lands (including state parks) under strict environmental and safety conditions, with revenue funding park maintenance and forest management. Companies must submit proposals detailing environmental impact assessments, reforestation plans, and justification for harvesting (e.g., improving forest health or removing hazardous trees), which the Department of Natural Resources must review and approve. Proceeds from harvesting in state parks go to a dedicated park maintenance account, while other public land harvesting funds flow to a natural resources account, both requiring annual public reporting on harvests and spending. The bill mandates sustainable practices, including native tree regeneration and long-term forest management plans, to balance revenue generation with ecological protection.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 24, 2025 Last action Feb 26, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Feb 25, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Subcommittee Meeting: 02/26/2025 12:30PM House Lounge 2.
legislature
Feb 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee: Gearhart, Fisher and Scholten.
lower
Feb 24, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, referred to Natural Resources.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jason Gearhart
Jason Gearhart
RRepublican
IA
64