This bill authorizes specific funding for the Iowa Department of Transportation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, drawing from the Road Use Tax Fund and the Primary Road Fund. The legislation allocates money for various operational needs, including salaries for over 2,600 employees, maintenance of roads and facilities, modernization of vehicle registration systems, and support for driver licensing services. Additionally, the bill establishes rules for how any leftover funds from certain maintenance and modernization projects must be used, ensuring they remain available for up to three years after the fiscal year ends rather than reverting to the state treasury.
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.
HF 766 modifies regulations for motor vehicle window tint, directly affecting individuals who operate vehicles on Iowa highways. The bill establishes specific light transmittance standards in state law, removing the Department of Transportation's authority to set these rules. It prohibits front windshields from having less than 70% light transmittance and side windows immediately next to or forward of the driver from having less than 50% light transmittance. Operating a vehicle in violation of these standards would be subject to a scheduled fine.
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.
HF 2497 establishes rules for peer-to-peer car sharing programs in Iowa, where individuals rent their personal vehicles through a platform (not traditional rental companies) to other drivers. The bill requires programs to ensure minimum liability insurance coverage during sharing periods, covering third-party injury or property damage claims up to state-mandated limits. It mandates that insurance must apply to vehicle use through the program, and programs must assume primary liability for claims if disputes arise about vehicle control or return. This directly affects the platforms operating these services, vehicle owners participating in the programs, and drivers using shared vehicles.
This bill requires Iowa state agencies to ensure that any passenger vehicle rented or leased with a diesel engine can use biodiesel fuel blended at 20% or higher (B-20). Specifically, it mandates that private vendors must provide manufacturer documentation confirming the vehicle's engine is compatible with B-20 biodiesel before being awarded state contracts. The requirement applies to all new or renewed rental/lease contracts issued on or after July 1, 2026. It extends an existing certification rule currently used for state vehicle purchases to the rental/lease procurement process. The bill does not mandate biodiesel use but ensures state vehicles can utilize this fuel type if chosen.
SF 2214 requires Iowa's Department of Transportation (DOT) to coordinate with utility companies upon written request when planning transmission line placements on highway corridors. It mandates the DOT to assign a project coordinator within 30 days and share future highway project plans that might affect transmission lines. The bill allows longitudinal transmission lines on primary roads (including interstates) with DOT approval, unless safety or highway function is threatened, and requires public disclosure of denial reasons within 90 days. This directly affects utility companies seeking to install lines along highways and the DOT's permitting process. The law updates existing rules to create a more structured, timely coordination process for transmission line installations.
SF 384 requires railway companies to provide local governments with at least 30 days' notice before closing a railway crossing for repairs or upgrades, unless the closure is unexpected or an emergency. The notice must include an estimated completion date, and companies must update the government if the work extends beyond that date. This applies to all railway corporations operating in Iowa and directly affects local governments managing crossings. Violations carry a $100 penalty, aligning with existing fines for similar violations under current law.
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.
