This Iowa bill extends the expiration date for the biodiesel blended fuel tax credit from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2033. The change directly affects retail dealers who sell biodiesel fuel blends, allowing them to continue claiming a state income tax credit for promoting these fuels. By updating the relevant tax code sections, the legislation ensures that dealers whose tax years do not align with the original repeal date can still claim the credit for a full calendar year. The bill also clarifies how the credit amount should be calculated for dealers claiming it in the year following the extension period.
This Iowa bill modifies the state tax refund program specifically for biodiesel producers. The legislation increases the refund rate from four cents to five cents per gallon of biodiesel produced within the state. It also extends the expiration date for this tax benefit from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2031. These adjustments apply to the total number of gallons produced by eligible producers during each quarter of a calendar year.
This bill creates a new state fund to provide financial assistance for building highway overpasses and underpasses across railway tracks. The Department of Transportation will manage the fund and distribute grants to cities and counties to help cover construction costs. Unlike current rules that only apply to cities, this measure extends similar support to counties, ensuring both local governments can address safety and convenience issues related to railway crossings. The bill also specifies that any interest earned on the fund will remain within it and that the money will not automatically revert to the general treasury at the end of each fiscal year.
This bill increases the state funding limit for nonpublic school pupil transportation claims from approximately $8.997 million to $9.184 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The additional funds are specifically designated to reimburse claims that were not previously paid because they were submitted late due to administrative errors. It directs the Iowa Department of Education to use these new moneys to process those delayed reimbursements and takes effect immediately upon enactment.
SF 628 allocates specific state transportation funds to renovate the Waterloo maintenance garage for Department of Transportation (DOT) employees. It directs money from the road use tax fund, primary road fund, and statutory allocations fund toward this facility upgrade. The bill directly affects DOT maintenance staff working at the Waterloo location by improving their workplace. Signed by the Governor in June 2025, it became law to fund this specific infrastructure project.
HF 879 strengthens penalties for intentionally damaging critical infrastructure, such as power grids, water systems, or transportation networks. It increases criminal penalties for sabotage acts that threaten public safety or disrupt essential services. The law directly affects individuals who commit such acts by imposing stricter fines and potential prison sentences. This bill, signed into law by the Governor on May 1, 2025, modifies existing statutes to apply enhanced penalties to these specific offenses.
HF 395 requires school bus drivers in the state to complete approved training courses for their position. The bill establishes a standardized training program that must be approved by the state education authority, directly affecting all school bus drivers and the school districts that employ them. Key provisions include defining the content and standards for these courses and including specific effective date language. The law, signed by the Governor on June 6, 2025, mandates this training requirement for new and existing drivers.
This bill clarifies the administrative process for approving payments during the construction of farm-to-market roads. It specifies that county boards of supervisors, county engineers, or the Department of Transportation (DOT) are authorized to approve both partial and final claims for work in progress. This change formalizes the payment approval authority for these entities, affecting contractors and those overseeing rural road development.
HF 918 modifies Iowa law regarding motor vehicle financial liability coverage. It requires vehicle owners to certify and provide proof of insurance when registering or renewing their motor vehicle registration, effective December 1, 2028. The bill also revises penalties for operating a vehicle without coverage, increasing fines, particularly for violations connected to an accident or for repeat offenses. Drivers cited for lacking coverage can have their charge dismissed if they provide proof that coverage was in effect at the time of the stop, though court costs will be assessed. Fines collected will be distributed among the victim compensation fund, counties, and the state general fund.
House File 977 expands the ground emergency medical transportation (GEMT) program. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to employ dedicated staff to increase enrollment of eligible GEMT providers. These staff will offer technical assistance, actuary support, and help with Medicaid enrollment to providers seeking to participate. The department is also directed to develop the program to ensure access to emergency medical services statewide. Additionally, an annual report on the program's status, including enrollment numbers and barriers, must be submitted to the general assembly.
