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DUE to line limitations of the Listserv I have to send you this list by
parts.
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EXTRAORDINARY SESSION!
This session has been extraordinary in so many ways, most of which you have
seen reported in the various media. Budget reductions, Revenue Shortfalls,
more Budget Reductions, and now another for 2003! No words to adequately
explain the ugliness of it, in some ways the short-sightedness of not
raising revenues, and the danger and harm to Iowašs citizens, and
environment.
I will be glad when this next election is over, so we can get to solving
some real problems and hopefully seeing more readiness to respond to Iowašs
needs.
BILLS OF INTEREST
Below is the bills that have made it through the 1st and 2nd Funnel
deadlines to remain alive and moving (most of them) for the remainder of
this Session. I would be happy to respond to any questions about them.
Perhaps the best thing, would be to email me: [log in to unmask]
Keep talking to your legislators about the importance of responding to the
needs of our neighbors!
From Lyle Krewson, Lobbyist
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Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Regulation - SF 2293/HF 2468
The House and Senate continue to work on the development of a bill to
improve regulation of CAFOs. We will see a draft from the Working Group of
12, who have been developing it, later this week, we are told. So far, we
remain optimistic that good legislation with new protections for Iowans and
our environment will emerge.
** Legislators continue to need to hear your voice that you want good CAFO
legislation this year. Please let your legislators know now!
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The below are the bills that made it through the Second Funnel deadline, and
are moving on the House or Senate Calenars. Ways & Means and Appropriations
bills are not required to meet deadlines so remain viable, and all are
included here also.
In other words, any bill below is alive so far. This is a very inclusive
list, so if a bill you heard about is not here, you can check with me to be
certain, but it should not be alive at this point.
I include the URL address for the bills, so you can also just click on those
to take you to the bill on the General Assembly website, where you can read
the text, print it off, and check the most recent Bill History actions.
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SIERRA CLUB, IOWA CHAPTER
BILLS OF INTEREST, FOR REMAINDER OF 2002 SESSION, IOWA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
H.F. 2019 A bill for an act relating to the resources enhancement and
protection fund by reallocating moneys between the open spaces account and
the state land management account, by reallocating moneys within the open
spaces account, and making an appropriation.
EXPLANATION This bill reduces the allocation of resources enhancement and
protection fund moneys to the open spaces account from 28 percent to 21
percent. Within the open spaces account, the minimum percentage allocated
to match private funds for open space projects is increased from 10 percent
to 13 percent. Also, the percentage of the open spaces account allocated to
fund the protected waters program is increased from 5 percent to 7 percent.
The bill also increases the allocation of resources enhancement and
protection fund moneys to the state land management account from 9 percent
to 16 percent. The increased allocation of moneys is appropriated to
maintain existing park facilities under the jurisdiction of the department
and to repay park waste water improvement loans.
Introduced by Rep. Gipp and Drake, referred to House Appropriations
Committee and assigned to a subcommittee of Reps. Gipp, Drake, Hatch,
Horbach and Mascher.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02000/HF02019.html
H.F. 2092 A bill for an act relating to a tax credit for pollution
control and recycling property connected to property used for the care and
feeding of livestock.
EXPLANATION This bill amends the property tax exemption for pollution-
control and recycling property. The bill provides that this tax exemption
is not available for property used for purposes related to the care and
feeding of livestock. The bill provides that the exemption is still
available for property which is eligible for a family farm tax credit up to
the first $100,000 in assessed value.
Introduced by Reps. Witt, Frevert, Scherrman, Stevens, Atteberry, Kuhn,
Connors, Kreiman, Dotzler, Hatch, Bukta, Jochum, Mascher, Murphy, Osterhaus,
Shoultz and Richardson, referred to House Ways & Means Committee.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02000/HF02092.html
H.F. 2154 A bill for an act relating to appropriations made from the Iowa
economic emergency fund for emergency expenditures and providing an
effective date.
EXPLANATION This bill relates to appropriations made from the Iowa economic
emergency fund for emergency expenditures. Under current law Code section
8.55 provides that moneys can only be appropriated from the fund for
emergency expenditures. This bill provides that an appropriation for
emergency expenditures may include an appropriation made during an economic
downturn that is intended to stimulate the state's economy or made to
preclude spending reductions in education or other critical programs. The
bill takes effect upon enactment.
Introduced by Reps. Hatch, Witt, Dotzler, Greimann, Taylor D. Foege, Taylor
T. Bukta, Jochum, Winckler, Lensing, Murphy, Osterhaus, Scherrman, Ford and
Kreiman, referred to House Appropriations Committee and assigned to a
subcommittee of Reps. Millage, Brunkhorst and Hatch.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02100/HF02154.html
H.F. 2172 A bill for an act allocating moneys to the Iowa Lewis and Clark
bicentennial fund and providing an effective date.
EXPLANATION This bill amends an appropriation to the department of economic
development for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001, for tourism
operations. The bill allocates $100,000 of the appropriation to the Iowa
Lewis and Clark bicentennial fund. The bill takes effect upon enactment.
Introduced by Rep. Warnstadt, referred to House Appropriations Committee and
assigned to a subcommittee of Reps. Millage, Brunkhorst and Warnstadt.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02100/HF02172.html
H.F. 2193 A bill for an act relating to modal transportation, including
changes in transit coordination requirements, elimination of the Iowa
railway finance authority, and changes in the aircraft registration process.
EXPLANATION This bill makes changes in current law relating to modal
transportation, including abolishing the Iowa railway finance authority and
transferring certain powers and duties of the authority to the state
department of transportation, making changes relating to sanctions for
noncompliance with public transit coordination requirements, and making
changes relating to aircraft registration. Division I of the bill repeals
Code chapter 327I relating to the Iowa railway finance authority, makes
corresponding reference changes, and transfers certain powers and duties of
the authority to the state department of transportation. The authority
currently has various powers and responsibilities associated with rail
preservation and acquisition. The bill transfers all of the Code provisions
relating to the substantive powers and duties of the authority to the
department, except provisions relating to the authority's existence as an
entity and relating to the bonding capability of the authority. The bill
also provides that moneys provided to the department for railroad assistance
under Code chapter 327H shall be used for the purposes of the department's
exercise of powers formerly exercised by the Iowa railway finance authority.
Currently, such moneys are dedicated to providing assistance for the
restoration, conservation, improvement, and construction of railroad main
lines, branchlines, switching yards, and sidings. The bill eliminates a
provision restricting the portion of such moneys that may be used for
restoration, conservation, improvement, and construction of railroad main
lines, switching yards, and sidings to 20 percent of the funds appropriated
to the department for railroad assistance from the general fund of the
state. The bill also eliminates a provision allowing a railroad assistance
agreement between the department and a railroad corporation, the United
States government, a city, a county, or another person to require the
railroad corporation to establish a separate account. Currently, such an
agreement may require all or a part of the costs paid from funds provided by
the department to be credited to the account from revenue derived from use
of the main line, branchline, switching yard, or siding defined in the
agreement, which account may be used for the restoration, conservation,
improvement, and construction of the corporation's main line, branchlines,
switching yards, and sidings within the state. The bill repeals Code
sections 327G.64 through 327G.69, regulating the construction, operation,
and maintenance of spur tracks by railroad corporations. Some of the
regulatory responsibilities assigned to the state department of
transportation in those sections have been preempted by federal law.
Division II of the bill makes several changes relating to public
transportation programs. The bill eliminates provisions relating to two
pilot projects established by the state department of transportation to
enable the department to evaluate the feasibility of a cooperative effort
among public and private transportation providers, including public school
transportation providers. The pilot projects have been completed. The bill
requires public, private, and private nonprofit organizations applying for
or receiving federal, state, or local aid for providing transit services to
annually report to the department the costs of their transportation
programs. Currently, such organizations are required to provide a copy of
their fiscal year operating budgets annually prior to June 1. The bill
eliminates a provision prohibiting the department of human services from
purchasing services from any transportation provider that has been denied a
certificate of compliance with the provisions of Code chapter 324A
regulating transportation programs. The bill also eliminates a provision
requiring all agencies or organizations purchasing or providing
transportation services, except public school transportation, with federal,
state, or local funds to comply with certain requirements prior to July 1,
1985. Division III of the bill amends Code provisions relating to
unairworthy aircraft and aircraft registration. The bill amends a
provision, which exempts unairworthy aircraft from aircraft registration
fees if the owner of the aircraft submits information required by the state
department of transportation, to eliminate a requirement that the
unairworthy aircraft be damaged to receive such exemption. The bill also
amends Code provisions relating to issuance of special certificates for
aircraft registration. The bill eliminates the requirement that a special
certificate of registration be issued for each aircraft in a manufacturer's,
transporter's, or dealer's inventory upon payment of a $100 fee and an
additional $10 fee for each aircraft. The bill instead provides for the
issuance of one special certificate for all aircraft in the manufacturer's,
transporter's, or dealer's inventory upon payment of a $100 fee. The
aircraft may only be operated under the special certificate for purposes of
transporting, testing, demonstrating, or selling the aircraft. The bill
makes corresponding changes in Code provisions relating to maintenance of
records for aircraft operated under a special certificate and exempting
aircraft for which a special certificate has been issued from the regular
aircraft registration requirements. The bill provides that a special
certificate expires at midnight on June 30 rather than midnight on the last
day of the registration year. The bill also repeals a Code provision
relating to issuance of additional special certificates for aircraft added
to a manufacturer's, transporter's, or dealer's inventory and removal of
aircraft from a manufacturer's, transporter's, or dealer's inventory.
(Formerly HSB 524). Introduced by House Transportation Committee, placed on
House calendar. Passed House, ayes 89, nays 0, 2/7/2002, and immediately
messaged to the Senate. Read first time, referred to Senate Transportation
Committee and assigned to a subcommittee of Sens. Drake, Jensen, and Kibbie.
Placed on the Senate Calendar 2/18/2002.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02100/HF02193.html
H.F. 2405 A bill for an act relating to the acquisition and holding of
agricultural land by qualified enterprises, by providing for activities
related to baby chicks and fertilized chicken eggs, providing penalties, and
providing an effective date.
EXPLANATION This bill creates new Code chapter 10D. According to the bill,
the purpose of the new Code chapter is to promote economic and agricultural
prosperity in this state, by providing opportunities for leading commercial
enterprises that are engaged in the advancement of animal and human health
sciences.
(Formerly HSB 643). Introduced by House Agriculture Committee and placed on
the House Calendar 2/18/2002. Amendment H-8124 filed. Placed on calendar
under unfinished business 3/14/2002. Amendment H-8293 filed.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02400/HF02405.html
H.F. 2417 A bill for an act relating to statewide standards,
site-specific cleanup standards, and public participation in the Iowa land
recycling and environmental remediation standards Act.
EXPLANATION This bill amends the Iowa land recycling and environmental
remediation standards Act in Code chapter 455H by amending the
considerations for establishing the statewide standards, site- specific
standards, amending the considerations for establishing site-specific
cleanup standards and appropriate response actions, and adding a public
participation component for all sites in the program. The bill amends the
criteria which must be considered when establishing statewide standards.
The bill provides that, in groundwater which is a protected groundwater
source, the standards shall be the maximum contaminant levels established
pursuant to the department's drinking water standards or, for contaminants
that do not have established drinking water standards, the standards shall
be derived in a manner comparable to that used for establishment of drinking
water standards. The bill provides that, in groundwater which is not a
protected groundwater source, the standards shall be no more protective than
a standard reflecting an increased cancer risk of one in 10,000 from
exposure to contaminants that are known or probable human carcinogens; a
standard reflecting a noncancer health risk of one-tenth from exposure to
contaminants that are possible human carcinogens; or a standard reflecting a
noncancer health risk of one from exposure to contaminants that are not
known, probable, or possible human carcinogens. The bill provides that, in
soil, the standards shall be no more protective than a standard reflecting
an increased cancer risk of five in one million from exposure to
contaminants that are known or probable human carcinogens; a standard
reflecting a noncancer health risk of one-tenth from exposure to
contaminants that are possible human carcinogens; or a standard reflecting a
noncancer health risk of one from exposure to contaminants that are not
known, probable, or possible human carcinogens. The bill provides that the
amended statewide standards assume exposure to individual contaminants in
groundwater or soil. The bill provides that, if one or more contaminants
exist in a medium or exposure to contaminants can occur from more than one
medium, standards shall be adjusted to reflect a cumulative increased cancer
risk that is no less protective than one in 10,000 and a cumulative
noncancer health risk to the same target human organ that is no less
protective than one. The bill provides that risks associated with
background levels of contaminants shall not be included in the cumulative
risk determination. The bill amends the criteria that must be considered in
establishing site-specific standards and appropriate response actions. The
bill provides that cleanup shall not be required in an affected area that
does not present an increased cancer risk from a single contaminant at the
point of exposure of five in 1,000,000 for residential areas or one in
10,000 for nonresidential areas, an increased cancer risk from multiple
contaminants or multiple routes of exposure greater than one in 10,000, an
increased noncancer health risk from a single contaminant at the point of
exposure of greater than one, or greater than one-tenth for possible
carcinogens, or an increased noncancer risk to the same target human organ
from multiple contaminants or multiple routes of exposure greater than one.
The bill adds a required public participation component for participants for
all sites enrolled in the land recycling program. The bill provides that
the level of participation shall vary depending on the conditions existing
at the site and shall range from notification provisions to public notice in
local newspapers. The bill provides that the department shall consider
reasonable comments from potentially affected parties in determining whether
to approve or disapprove a proposed response action or site closure.
(Formerly HSB 644). Introduced by House Environmental Protection Committee
and, placed on House calendar 2/19/2002. Amendment H-8088 filed, adopted.
Passed House, ayes 93, nays 0, 3/6/2002, and immediately messaged to the
Senate. Read first time, referred to Senate Natural Resources & Environment
Committee. Amendment H-8088 filed., adopted. Passed House, ayes 93, nays 0,
3/6/2002, and immediately messaged to the Senate. Read first time, referred
to Senate Natural Resources & Environment Committee. and assigned to a
subcommittee of Sens. Sexton, Bolkcom, and Freeman. Placed on the Senate
Calendar 3/12/2002.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02400/HF02417.html
H.F. 2418 A bill for an act relating to the applicability of the thermal
efficiency energy conservation standards in the state building code.
EXPLANATION This bill relates to the minimum energy efficiency standards in
the state building code. The bill provides that a governmental subdivision
may adopt or enact a minimum energy standard which is substantially in
accordance and consistent with applicable federal standards and with the
provisions adopted or recommended by a nationally recognized organization.
(Formerly HF 2084). Introduced by House State Government Committee and,
placed on House calendar 2/19/2002. Amendment H-8160, H-8193 filed.
Amendment H-8160, H-8193 filed. Amendment H-8160 withdrawn. Amendment H-8193
adopted. Passed House, ayes 94, nays , 3/12/2002, and immediately messaged
to the Senate. Read first time, referred to Senate State Government, and
assigned to a subcommittee of Sens. Sexton, Fink, and Jensen. Placed on the
Senate Calendar 3/14/2002.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02400/HF02418.html
H.F. 2432 A bill for an act relating to the Iowa energy center, including
changes relating to salary adjustments, and promotion and administration of
the alternative energy revolving loan program.
EXPLANATION This bill amends Code sections in Code chapters 266 and 476 that
relate to the Iowa energy center. The bill amends Code section 266.39C to
provide that the current $700,000 limit on salary expenditures for the Iowa
energy center shall be adjusted annually according to the salary adjustment
approved by the state board of regents for professional and scientific
employees at Iowa state university of science and technology. The bill
amends Code section 476.46, relating to the alternate energy revolving fund,
to provide that up to 50 percent of the interest earned on the fund shall be
used for promotion and administration of the fund. Related changes are made
to language in Code section 476.10A. Both of those provisions are also
subdivided into subsections, paragraphs, and subparagraphs, and other
grammatical changes have been made, and date provisions have been removed
and language updated. The bill also deletes Code section 266.39C, subsection
6, which relates to a study and report on rural rail feasibility that was
completed in 1992.
(Formerly HSB 575). Introduced by House Commerce-Regulation Committee,
referred to House Appropriations Committee and assigned to a subcommittee of
Reps. Jenkins, Jacobs and Mascher.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02400/HF02432.html
H.F. 2436 A bill for an act relating to condemnation, including service
of notice when appealing an appraisement of damages in a condemnation
proceeding and application for payment of certain fees and costs associated
with a condemnation of property.
EXPLANATION This bill requires that notice of appeal of appraisement of
damages in a condemnation proceeding be filed with the district court where
the property is located within 30 days of the sheriff's mailing of the
appraisement of damages. The bill specifies that a notice of appeal of
appraisement of damages shall be personally served by the party making the
appeal. The bill provides that notice of appeal must be served on the
adverse party, any lienholders or encumbrancers of the property, and the
sheriff within 30 days of filing of the notice of appeal with the district
court. The bill also provides that, in all instances, the appealing party
shall serve the notice of appeal. The bill provides that if notice cannot
be personally served, the court may prescribe an alternative method of
service. Finally, the bill provides that an application for fees and costs
occasioned by the condemnation be filed by the landowner before adjournment
of the final compensation commission meeting held on the matter.
Introduced by Rep. Petersen, referred to House Local Government Committee
and assigned to a subcommittee of Reps. Alons, Petersen and Weidman. Placed
on the House Calendar 2/21/2002. Amendment H-8246, H-8271 filed. Similar to
SF 37 and SF 2042.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02400/HF02436.html
H.F. 2447 A bill for an act relating to the operation and regulation of
personal watercraft or motorboats, and to watercraft safety courses and
certificates, and subjecting violators to a penalty.
EXPLANATION This bill includes the following requirements and restrictions
regarding the operation of various types of vessels: 1. "Personal
watercraft" is defined as a vessel, under 16 feet in length, which is
propelled by a water jet pump or similar machinery and is designed to be
operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel.
"Motorboat" is also defined to include personal watercraft. 2. The owner or
operator of any vessel operated by a motor of more than 10 horsepower,
including an owner of a boat livery, shall not permit any person under 12
years of age to operate a personal watercraft or motorboat unless
accompanied in or on the same personal watercraft or motorboat by a
responsible person of at least 18 years of age. However, commencing January
1, 2003, a person who is 12 years of age or older but less than 18 years of
age shall not operate any personal watercraft or motorboat propelled by a
motor of more than 10 horsepower unless the person has successfully
completed a department-approved watercraft safety course. A person required
to have a watercraft safety certificate shall carry and exhibit the
certificate upon request of an officer of the department. A person charged
with violating the water safety certificate requirements shall not be
convicted if the person produces in court, within a reasonable time, a
department-approved certificate. The cost of a certificate shall not exceed
$5. 3. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft at any time between
one-half hour after sunset and before eight a.m. 4. A person shall not
chase or harass animals while operating a personal watercraft. Violations of
Code section 462A.12 relating to watercraft safety certification, safe
watercraft operation, hours of operation, and harassment of animals are
punishable by a scheduled fine of $25.
(Formerly HSB 600). Introduced by House Natural Resources Committee, placed
on House calendar 2/20/2002. Amendment H-8089, H-8179 filed. Amendment
H-8089, H-8179 adopted. Passed House, ayes 90, nays 4, 3/12/2002, and
immediately messaged to the Senate. Attached to similar SF 2250.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02400/HF02447.html
H.F. 2468 A bill for an act relating to animal agriculture.
EXPLANATION This bill provides that it is the intent of the general assembly
to regulate animal agriculture. (Formerly HSB 668). Introduced by House
Agriculture Committee, placed on House calendar 2/20/2002. This is the
shell billš for the CAFO proposal by the 12 Working Group.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02400/HF02468.html
H.F. 2480 A bill for an act relating to an increase in the resident
hunting license fee and establishing a pheasant and quail restoration
program and making an appropriation.
EXPLANATION This bill increases the resident hunting license fee by $4.50
commencing July 1, 2002. An amount equal to the resident hunting license
fee increase in the bill for each fiscal year of the fiscal period beginning
July 1, 2002, and ending June 30, 2007, is appropriated to the department
and at least 60 percent of the amount appropriated pursuant to the bill
shall be used to fund a pheasant and quail restoration program.
(Formerly HSB 695). Introduced by House Natural Resources Committee and,
referred to House Ways & Means Committee. Assigned to a subcommittee of
Reps. Sievers, Hahn and Richardson.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02400/HF02480.html
H.F. 2523 A bill for an act restricting investment tax credits related to
confinement feeding operations, providing for an effective date, and
providing for the Act's retroactive applicability.
EXPLANATION This bill amends provisions in Code chapters 422 (and
specifically divisions II, III, and V of that chapter), 432, and 533. In
Code chapter 422, division II provides for taxation of personal income,
division III provides for taxation of businesses, and division V provides
for taxation of financial institutions. Code chapter 432 provides for a
premium tax on insurance companies. Code chapter 533 provides for a moneys
and credits tax on credit unions. The bill provides a common restriction for
each of these chapters. Specifically, the bill provides that unless
expressly provided otherwise by another statutory provision, a provision
that allows a taxpayer to claim a tax credit shall not apply to an
investment that is used for the financing of a confinement feeding
operation, including the construction or maintenance of an animal feeding
operation structure that is part of the confinement feeding operation, or
the acquisition or maintenance of an animal that is kept by a confinement
feeding operation. The bill provides that a taxpayer finances a confinement
feeding operation or the acquisition or maintenance of an animal, regardless
of whether the taxpayer makes the investment directly, the taxpayer makes
the investment through another person or a chain of persons, or the taxpayer
makes an investment through an investment company. The bill takes effect
upon enactment and applies retroactively to tax years beginning on and after
January 1, 2002.
(Formerly HSB 550). Introduced by House Agriculture Committee, referred to
House Ways & Means Committee.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02500/HF02523.html
H.F. 2543 A bill for an act relating to the establishment of renaissance
zones, providing certain tax exemptions, refunds, and credits to persons
located in the renaissance zones, reimbursing school districts for lost
property tax due to renaissance zone designation, and providing an
applicability date.
EXPLANATION This bill provides for the establishment of a program
designating renaissance zones to assist local governments in encouraging
economic development by providing certain tax exemptions, refunds, and
credits. The bill provides that applications for a designation of a
renaissance zone may be made to the Iowa economic development board by a
qualified local governmental unit which is defined as either a city or
township that contains an urban renewal area or a county. Included in the
application must be a development plan, proposed boundaries of the zone
which must be located within the qualified local governmental unit, the
proposed duration of the designation which shall not exceed 15 years, and
written approval of the city council and county board of supervisors. The
bill provides that a qualified local governmental unit shall not be part of
more than one renaissance zone and shall not have more than one application
under consideration by the board. The bill provides that a qualified
governmental unit may apply to amend a renaissance zone or to extend the
duration of renaissance zone status. The bill provides that applications
must be submitted between July 1, 2002, and January 1, 2003. The board
shall review all applications submitted and shall designate renaissance
zones by February 28, 2003. The board shall not alter the boundaries or
duration of a renaissance zone described in the application unless the
qualified local governmental unit and the local governmental unit in which
the renaissance zone is to be located consent by resolution. The bill
provides that criteria in determining designations of renaissance zones
shall include: 1. Evidence of adverse economic and socioeconomic
conditions. 2. The viability of the plan. 3. Whether the development plan
is creative and innovative. 4. Public and private commitment to and other
resources available for the zone. 5. How the plan relates to a broader plan
for the community as a whole. 6. The level of demonstrated cooperation from
surrounding communities. 7. How the local regulatory burden will be eased
for businesses operating in the zone. 8. Commitment to improving abandoned
real property. 9. A resolution from the governing body of the local
governmental unit stating that if the renaissance zone designation is
granted, persons and property within the renaissance zone are exempt from
property taxes. Applications which include new business activity shall
receive priority consideration. The bill provides that the board shall not
designate more than a total of 11 zones, not more than five of which may be
located in urban areas and not more than six of which may be located in
rural areas. The bill provides that the board may, on its own motion,
designate an additional five renaissance zones for agricultural processing
facilities if the governing body of the qualified local governmental unit
and each local governmental unit, within which the proposed renaissance zone
is to be located, agrees pursuant to a resolution. The bill provides that
the board may revoke the renaissance zone designation for all or a portion
of an agricultural facility renaissance zone designated if the board
determines that the agricultural processing facility fails to commence
operation or ceases operation in the renaissance zone. The bill provides
that any renaissance zone approved and designated by the board shall become
effective on March 1, 2003. The bill provides the following tax incentives:
1. Exemption from personal net income tax to residents living in the zone.
2. Exemption from corporate and franchise taxes for businesses located
within the renaissance zone on the portion of income attributed to the
businesses located within the zone. 3. Exemption from local property tax.
4. Exemption from state sales tax on utilities. 5. The sales, services,
and use tax refund, provided in Code section 15.331A, and the new jobs
credit from withholding, provided in Code section 15.331, for businesses
located within a zone. The bill provides that the tax incentives shall be
phased out during the final three years of the renaissance zone designation.
The bill provides for exceptions to the tax incentives for tax delinquency,
business relocation into a renaissance zone under some circumstances, and
when tax incentives received by an individual accumulate to $10 million
during a designation of a renaissance zone. The bill provides that the
department of economic development shall specify the application form and
the board may request any additional information not included on the form.
The bill provides that, by January 15 of each year, the board shall file a
report with the general assembly which includes, but is not limited to, the
number of new jobs created in renaissance zones, the percentage change in
value of property located in renaissance zones, the average wage of new jobs
created in renaissance zones, and the percentage change of adjusted gross
income of residents located in renaissance zones. The bill requires the
department of management to annually compute the dollar amount that a school
district would lose due to the exemption of property in a renaissance zone
from property tax. The bill provides that the lost dollar amount is paid to
school districts from the state general fund in the form of supplementary
aid. An applicability date is provided for the exemption on state sales tax
on utilities.
(Formerly HF 2392). Introduced by House Economic Development Committee,
referred to House Ways & Means Committee.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02500/HF02543.html
H.F. 2554 A bill for an act relating to the use of moneys appropriated to
the department of natural resources for purposes of tire-related
initiatives, disposal fees charged by retail tire dealers, and the
registration of waste tire haulers and providing an effective date.
EXPLANATION This bill relates to the use of moneys appropriated to the
department of natural resources for purposes of tire-related initiatives.
The bill eliminates a July 1, 2002, repeal of Code section 455D.11G relating
to disposal fees charged by retail tire dealers. This provision of the bill
takes effect upon enactment. The bill repeals Code section 9B.1 relating to
the registration of waste tire haulers and the provisions to Code section
455D.11I. Currently, the secretary of state administers the registration
program. The bill moves the program to the department of natural resources.
The bill provides that, if moneys are appropriated during the 2002 Regular
Session of the Seventy-ninth General Assembly, to the department of natural
resources for purposes of tire initiatives, the moneys shall be used for the
following purposes and in the following amounts: 1. Thirty-two percent of
the moneys appropriated shall be used for full-time equivalent positions
related to the administration of permits and registrations for tire
processing, storage, and hauling activities, and tire program initiatives
and for compliance checks and inspections from field offices in the state.
2. Eighteen percent of the moneys appropriated shall be used for a public
education and awareness initiative related to proper tire disposal options
and environmental and health hazards posed by improper tire storage. 3.
Thirty percent of the moneys appropriated shall be used for market
development initiatives for waste tires. 4. Fifteen percent of the moneys
appropriated shall be used for a waste tire stockpile abatement initiative
which would require a cost-share agreement with the landowner. 5. Five
percent of the moneys appropriated shall be used over a period of three
fiscal years for a study on the west nile virus.
(Formerly HSB 658). Introduced by House Environmental Protection Committee,
placed on House calendar 2/26/2002. Amendment H-8125 filed, adopted. Passed
House, ayes 94, nays 0, 3/5/2002, and immediately messaged to the Senate.
Read first time, referred to Senate Natural Resources and Environment
Committee, and assigned to a subcommittee of Sens. Freeman, Bolkcom, and
Lundby. Placed on the Senate Calendar 3/14/2002, with committee amendment
S-5167 filed.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02500/HF02554.html
H.F. 2562 A bill for an act relating to energy, by providing tax
incentives for alternate energy projects, providing for approval of utility
power purchase contracts and authorizing related expenditures, changing the
voltage threshold for electric line franchises, reassigning responsibilities
of the energy bureau of the department of natural resources, providing for
ownership of alternate energy production facilities or small hydro
facilities by public electric utilities, and including effective and
retroactive applicability dates.
EXPLANATION This bill relates to energy, by providing tax incentives for
alternate energy projects, providing for approval of utility power purchase
contracts, changing the voltage threshold for electric line franchises, and
reassigning responsibilities of the energy bureau of the department of
natural resources. The bill adds new Code sections 476.48 through 476.48C,
which provide various tax credits for businesses that invest $50 million or
more in Iowa by building an alternate energy production facility or small
hydro facility, and is approved to receive the incentives and assistance by
the utilities board after submitting an application. The incentive period
lasts 10 years. The tax incentives in new Code section 476.48 may include a
property tax exemption for the value added to the property, if so exempted
by the city or county where the business is located. New Code section
476.48B provides for tax increment financing (TIF) for renewable energy
zones, constructed similarly to the existing TIF statute for urban renewal
districts in Code section 403.19. Definitions for the new Code section are
contained in Code section 476.48A, and bonding provisions are provided in
Code section 476.48C. New Code sections 476.48 through 476.48C take effect
upon enactment, and apply retroactively to January 1, 2002, for tax years
beginning on or after that date. The bill adds a new subsection to Code
section 476.6 regarding board approval of contracts to purchase power by
rate-regulated public utilities. If the contract meets all of the following
criteria, the utility shall file the contract with the board, and may
recover the costs of the contract in regulated retail electric rates: (1)
the contract is for five years or longer; (2) the power is being purchased
from an electric power generation facility built after 2001. The board
shall approve the contract if, after a contested case proceeding, it finds
that the terms of the contract are reasonable and prudent. Approval by the
board shall constitute a final determination of the prudence and
reasonableness of the contract and its terms, and the board may order the
parties to comply with the terms of the contract. The board is authorized
to contract for additional temporary staff as necessary to review such
contracts. Any new wholesale contract for 100 megawatts or more is subject
to competitive bidding regulations established by the board. The bill allows
public electric utilities to own alternate energy production facilities or
small hydro facilities to satisfy their obligation for renewable energy
under Code sections 476.43 and 476.44. The bill also increases the
transmission line franchise requirement threshold in Code chapter 478 from
34.5 kilovolts to 69 kilovolts, by making changes in Code sections 478.1,
478.2, 478.3, and 478.13. The bill divides some existing Code sections into
subsections, paragraphs, and subparagraphs, and makes some grammatical
changes. The bill deletes several redundant references to "person, company
or corporation" in Code section 478.2, using instead the simpler "person",
which is defined in Code section 4.1, subsection 20, as an "individual,
corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental
subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or
association, or any other legal entity". This portion of the bill is
effective upon enactment. The bill also reassigns the responsibilities of
the energy bureau of the department of natural resources, renames the energy
and geological resources division, and removes authority over Code chapter
473 from the department of natural resources. Most of the energy
responsibilities under Code chapter 473 are reassigned to the utilities
board within the utilities division of the department of commerce, and
appropriate changes are made to that effect throughout Code chapter 473.
Certain emergency energy functions in Code sections 473.8 and 473.10 are
assigned to the emergency management division of the department of public
defense. Duties regarding monthly fuel price surveys and sharing of
information regarding fuel allocation are assigned to the department of
agriculture and land stewardship under new Code section 473.7A, moved from
former subsections of Code section 473.7. The state building code
commissioner is reassigned responsibility for building efficiency rating
systems under Code section 473.40, exit signs under Code section 473.42, and
efficient plumbing products under Code section 473.44.
(Formerly HSB 667). Introduced by House Commerce-Regulation Committee,
referred to House Ways & Means Committee. Not expected to move further
during 2002 session.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/BillHistory/HF/02500/HF02562.html
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