This bill redefines Iowa's "national electrical code" to reference the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) instead of the standard National Electrical Code. It requires Iowa's electrical board to analyze cost impacts on average home prices before adopting future code changes, with the analysis published publicly. Sellers of single-family homes built after January 1, 2027, must inform buyers in writing if the home doesn't meet the 2024 IECC standards. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, affecting homebuilders, sellers, and the electrical board.
This bill requires electric transmission owners to restore agricultural land after constructing new high-voltage transmission lines (200+ kilovolts). It directly affects landowners whose property is used for transmission lines and the companies building them. Key provisions include repairing damaged drain tiles to original quality, removing non-native rocks larger than 3 inches, deep tilling soil to relieve compaction (18 inches for crop land), restoring vegetation and soil conservation practices, and designating a point of contact for landowner inquiries. The Utilities Commission oversees compliance and can order corrective actions or impose penalties for violations.
This bill requires rate-regulated electric utilities in Iowa to file a comprehensive resource plan at least every three years. The plan must evaluate all reasonable energy sources - including supply options and conservation programs - to meet future demand over 5- and 20-year timeframes, incorporating approved energy efficiency initiatives. Utilities must include proposed resource additions for each scenario studied but cannot be mandated to specific outcomes. The commission must acknowledge receipt within 90 days and may suggest improvements, while the bill establishes a stakeholder process involving consumers, the commission, and the state load forecasting center for input during planning.
HF 2167 establishes a state program to help landowners create buffer strips - permanent vegetation along rivers, streams, and other waterways - to reduce soil erosion, manage nutrients, and improve water quality. Landowners who enroll in the program will work with the state's soil conservation division to establish and maintain these buffer strips, sharing costs and potentially receiving compensation for income lost during their first year of enrollment. The program is funded by a $5 million annual appropriation from the state general fund, starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, managed through a dedicated fund under the division's control.
HF 2227 requires electric transmission owners to restore agricultural lands to their pre-construction condition after building high-voltage transmission lines (200 kV or more) approved on or after July 1, 2022. Specific requirements include repairing damaged underground drain tiles to original specifications, removing non-native rocks larger than three inches, deep tilling soil to alleviate compaction (18 inches for crop land, 12 inches for other agricultural land), and restoring soil conservation features and vegetation. The Utilities Commission enforces these rules through inspections, can order corrective actions for violations, and requires transmission owners to provide landowners with a dedicated contact point for inquiries. This law directly affects landowners with agricultural properties in transmission line easements and transmission owners constructing qualifying lines.
This bill removes the expiration date for an annual $20 million appropriation from Iowa's general fund to the Resources Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Fund. Currently, this funding is set to end June 30, 2028, but the bill makes it permanent. The REAP Fund, which supports conservation and environmental projects, will continue receiving this $20 million annually unless lottery funds are also appropriated to the fund (in which case the general fund amount would be reduced by the lottery contribution). The bill directly affects the long-term funding mechanism for the REAP Fund's conservation programs.
HF 2210 amends Iowa's water allocation law by removing the existing definition of "beneficial use" and requiring the Department of Natural Resources to determine beneficial use on a case-by-case basis when reviewing water permit applications. The bill mandates that permits for water diversion, storage, or withdrawal must be approved or denied within 90 days (or 30 days for renewals), with the department considering public health, safety, and conservation. It also requires all new permits issued after July 1, 1986, to include mandatory conservation practices and emergency measures. The bill directly affects water users applying for permits, shifting decision-making from categorical rules to individualized assessments by the department.
This bill creates a mandatory fee for anglers in Iowa who wish to fish for or keep muskellunge (a type of large fish). Anyone needing a standard fishing license must pay this fee to legally catch or possess muskellunge. The money collected will fund the state's muskellunge conservation program, managed by the natural resource commission. An exception allows free fishing during community events where muskellunge are stocked in non-designated waters, but only if the commission grants a special permit for the event. Violating the fee requirement carries a $1,000 penalty per fish.
HF 797 creates special "National Wild Turkey Federation" license plates for Iowa vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, applicants pay a one-time $25 fee for standard letter-number plates (or $50 total for personalized plates), plus an annual $10 fee on top of regular registration. All fees collected are directed to the state's general fund and then allocated to the Department of Natural Resources to provide grants specifically for wild turkey habitat conservation and hunting programs. Priority for these grants goes to Iowa chapters of nonprofits focused on wild turkey conservation and increasing hunter participation. The bill ensures the Department of Transportation cannot require a minimum number of plate orders before issuing the special plates.
HF 433 allows Iowa drivers to obtain special National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) license plates for a one-time $25 fee (plus $25 for personalized plates) and an annual $10 fee on top of regular registration. The fees collected are deposited into the road use tax fund and then transferred monthly to the state general fund, with the money appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR must use these funds to award grants prioritizing Iowa chapters of organizations focused on wild turkey habitat conservation, improving hunting opportunities, and increasing hunter participation. This directly affects vehicle owners who choose these specialty plates and supports conservation efforts through dedicated funding.
