A bill for an act prohibiting the regulation of certain residential gardens by state agencies and local governments.

SF 161, the "Freedom to Garden Act," prohibits state agencies and local governments in Iowa from regulating residential gardens on properties with up to two family dwellings. It protects gardens where residents grow vegetables, fruits, or other edible plants primarily for personal or family use, not for sale. The law makes any regulation banning such gardens void and unenforceable, but excludes gardens intended for commercial sale, government-owned properties, gardens violating existing agricultural rules (like pesticide or weed control laws), or plants causing public safety hazards or property damage. This bill directly affects homeowners and renters who maintain small-scale food gardens on their residential property.