This Iowa bill establishes a new water quality practice program that provides tax credits to farmers for implementing specific environmental measures on their land. The program offers two main tax credits: one for edge-of-field practices like wetlands or buffer strips that filter water draining from fields, and another for cover crops planted to protect soil health between growing seasons. Farmers must meet eligibility requirements including a net worth limit of two million dollars and qualify for the family farm tax credit to receive these credits. The Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will administer the program and has the authority to inspect practices on farms to verify compliance. The bill also clarifies that farmers receiving these tax credits cannot simultaneously receive other non-repayable financial assistance for the same water quality improvements.
This bill establishes funding and programs to improve water quality in Iowa through agricultural best management practices, tax credits, and monitoring initiatives. It allocates approximately $28 million to support a water quality monitoring network and the water quality initiative, which will help farmers implement practices that reduce nutrient pollution in watersheds. The legislation creates a tax credit for agricultural operations that install eligible water quality practices and expands funding for the Iowa Clean Water Farm Program to encourage voluntary adoption of conservation measures. Additionally, the bill provides for water quality practices loans and establishes a cost-share program where the state may contribute up to 50 percent of the cost for eligible projects, while also supporting urban soil and water conservation efforts.
This bill creates a new Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund in Iowa to support the maintenance and improvement of scenic roads across the state. The fund will be financed through voluntary one-dollar contributions collected from vehicle registration applicants and existing state transfers, with all collected money going to the state treasury except for a small portion counties may keep. The state department of transportation will manage the fund to cover costs for litter prevention, upkeep, and development of scenic routes. The legislation takes effect on January 1, 2027, and requires the department to establish rules for administering the program.
This bill authorizes the Iowa Department of Transportation to issue special registration plates for the National Wild Turkey Federation, allowing vehicle owners to display support for wild turkey conservation. The plates cost $25 for standard designs and $50 for personalized versions, with an additional $10 annual fee that goes toward funding wild turkey habitat conservation and hunting programs. Funds collected from these fees are transferred to the Department of Natural Resources, which must prioritize grants to nonprofit organizations working on wild turkey habitat improvement and hunter recruitment. The legislation also ensures that the Department of Transportation cannot limit plate availability based on order volume, making the program accessible to any eligible vehicle owner.
This bill appropriates state funds to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support its administrative operations, regulatory programs, and specific initiatives. The legislation allocates money for various programs including dairy regulation, local food and farm support, agricultural education, foreign animal disease preparedness, and assistance for farmers with disabilities. It also establishes reporting requirements for fund expenditures and creates cost-sharing agreements with Iowa State University of Science and Technology for certain programs. The bill designates specific funding sources for different purposes, such as unclaimed pari-mutuel wagering winnings for horse and dog racing enforcement and renewable fuel infrastructure funds for motor fuel inspection.
This bill allocates state funds from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund and Technology Reinvestment Fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to various departments and agencies. The appropriations include money for water quality demonstration projects on agricultural land, facility repairs at the Department for the Blind building, air conditioning installation at two correctional facilities, and grants for tourism, sports venues, and community development projects. The bill also designates specific amounts for updating agricultural nitrogen modeling systems and supports education and outreach programs related to environmental conservation practices.
HF 2446 requires wind energy developers in Iowa to conduct a subsurface and environmental survey before obtaining construction permits. The survey must assess risks to karst terrain, wells, septic systems, groundwater, and nearby structures, and must be shared publicly with local authorities. Developers must also maintain third-party insurance naming landowners and the state as insureds, and provide a legal opinion confirming the project isn’t a nuisance. These requirements apply to all wind energy projects seeking permits under Iowa law, directly affecting developers, landowners, and county permitting boards.
This bill adds shellfish to Iowa's animal feeding operation (AFO) regulations, defining how shellfish count toward regulatory thresholds. It specifies that shellfish weighing 25 grams or more equal 0.001 animal units (1,000 shellfish = 1 unit), while smaller shellfish (under 25 grams) equal 0.00006 animal units (16,667 shellfish = 1 unit). These definitions apply to existing AFO rules governing water and air quality, permitting, and manure management. The bill directly affects shellfish farming operations by subjecting them to the same regulatory framework as livestock. It does not change penalty amounts but ensures shellfish are included in the animal unit calculations used for compliance.
HF 2460 requires Iowa's Department of Natural Resources and the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality (within the Department of Agriculture) to publish regular online reports on state-funded clean water projects. These reports must track progress toward water quality goals using data collected before, during, and after projects that monitor surface water for nutrient levels, runoff, or stormwater discharges. The reports, hosted on a joint agency website, must include benchmark measurements established to measure progress toward clean water objectives. This bill directly affects state agencies managing water quality programs funded by state money.
SSB 3178 requires wind energy developers in Iowa to conduct mandatory subsurface and environmental surveys by licensed professionals before obtaining construction permits. These surveys assess risks to karst terrain, groundwater, wells, septic systems, and nearby structures, with reports shared publicly and submitted to county boards and state agencies. Developers must also secure third-party insurance covering identified risks (like contamination or structural damage) and obtain a legal opinion confirming the project isn’t a nuisance. Violations carry daily civil penalties of at least $5,000 and allow affected landowners to sue for damages, injunctions, or $10,000 per violation. The bill directly affects wind facility applicants, county permitting bodies, and nearby residents whose properties may face environmental or structural risks.
