This bill appropriates state funds from the road use tax fund and the primary road fund to the Iowa Department of Transportation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The legislation allocates specific amounts for various operational needs, including salaries, vehicle maintenance, utility services, and administrative costs, as well as funding for projects like driver's license system modernization and road facility repairs. A key provision allows certain unspent funds designated for multi-year projects to remain available for up to three years after the fiscal year ends, rather than reverting to the general fund, provided the projects are not completed earlier.
This bill appropriates state funds from the road use tax fund and the primary road fund to the Iowa Department of Transportation for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The legislation specifies exact dollar amounts allocated for various operational needs, including salaries, vehicle maintenance, utility services, and specific projects like driver's license system modernization and road facility repairs. Key provisions also establish rules for how unspent money from certain maintenance and project categories can be carried over for up to three years after the fiscal year ends, ensuring funds remain available for designated purposes unless projects are completed earlier.
This bill establishes funding and operational rules for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to promote state-produced agricultural products. It allocates up to $1.75 million annually for renewable fuel infrastructure at retail fuel stations and creates a Choose Iowa promotional program that allows farms and businesses to use a state logo for marketing their products. The legislation also creates two new purchasing programs: one that matches school district spending on eligible Iowa food products with state funds, and another that reimburses food banks and emergency feeding organizations on a one-dollar-for-one-dollar basis when they buy from participating Iowa producers. These programs are limited to specific food categories and include administrative caps and reporting requirements to ensure accountability.
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.
HF 2561 prohibits "street takeovers" - events involving three or more motor vehicles operating in violation of traffic laws (like reckless driving or drag racing) or with spectators present. Participants face escalating penalties: a first offense includes a $500-$2,000 fine and driver’s license revocation, while third offenses carry up to $7,500 fines and five years in prison. Organizers face a class D felony charge (up to five years in prison), and spectators risk a $400 fine. Police must impound vehicles used in these events for 30 days, with unclaimed vehicles subject to abandonment laws.
This bill (SSB 3132) sets a new enforcement standard for motor vehicle front windshields in Iowa, requiring a minimum of 50% light transmittance (down from the current 70% standard for visibility). Drivers operating vehicles with windshields below this 50% threshold face a citation and potential vehicle impoundment, though they may instead immediately fix the windshield to meet the 70% standard or tow the vehicle off the road. The bill prohibits operating an impounded vehicle until its windshield meets the 70% transmittance requirement, with a $70 fine for violations. It excludes law enforcement vehicles operated during official duties from these rules.
HSB 699 requires commercial drivers in Iowa to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to obtain or renew a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The bill mandates a computer-based exam covering reading, speaking, and understanding English for tasks like interpreting traffic signs, responding to officials, and completing reports - aligning with federal standards (49 C.F.R §391.11(b)(2)). It prohibits issuing licenses without proof of proficiency and imposes penalties: $3,000-$10,000 civil fines for carriers employing unproficient drivers (with escalating amounts for repeat violations) and $1,000 fines plus a serious misdemeanor charge for drivers operating commercial vehicles without proficiency. The law applies directly to CDL applicants, commercial motor carriers, and drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in Iowa.
This bill (HSB 686) expands traffic law exemptions for drivers of authorized emergency vehicles and police officers riding bicycles during official duties in Iowa. It specifically allows these drivers to proceed through red lights after slowing to a safe speed and exceed speed limits, provided they do not recklessly endanger people or property. The changes apply to all authorized emergency vehicles - including privately owned vehicles like towing trucks - and explicitly include police officers on bicycles. These exemptions require the use of audible or visual signals unless officers are pursuing speed violators, transporting patients with urgent medical needs, or in other specific safety-related scenarios. The bill clarifies existing rules without creating new penalties, maintaining the current $135 fine for violations of these provisions.
HF 2655 amends Iowa law to clarify that drivers of authorized emergency vehicles (including police officers riding bicycles in the line of duty) may proceed through red lights after slowing safely and exceed speed limits without reckless endangerment. The bill explicitly extends these traffic exemptions to privately owned emergency vehicles like towing trucks and specifies the conditions under which officers may operate without audible or visual warning devices (e.g., pursuing speed violators or transporting critical patients). These exemptions remain conditional on using warning devices unless specific safety or operational circumstances apply. The bill does not change which vehicles qualify as emergency vehicles but refines when traffic law exemptions apply.
This bill increases the state appropriation for nonpublic school pupil transportation reimbursement by $186,883.55, raising the total limit to $9,183,974.55 for fiscal year 2025-2026. It directly affects nonpublic schools (like private or religious schools) that receive state funding for student transportation services. The key provision requires the Department of Education to use the additional funds to pay claims delayed due to administrative errors, while also mandating proration of all approved claims if total requests exceed the new appropriation limit. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
