Actualización legislativa de Iowa—Ene. 26, 2021

While Gov. Kim Reynolds decided not to reintroduce the Invest in Iowa Act she proposed during the last legislative session, we remain committed to securing resources for watershed management authorities, watershed coordinators, and other locally directed watershed improvement efforts. We will continue to work with legislators throughout the session and provide updates as we make progress on these important topics.

Proyecto de ley de estudio de la casa (HSB) 56—Undecided: This bill, sponsored by Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, changes state code to define county flood mitigation activities as an "essential county purpose," which would allow county boards of supervisors to contract debt and approve bonds, as allowed, for other essential county purposes. 

Archivo del Senado (SF) 1—Undecided: Sponsored by Sen. Brad Zaun, this legislation modifies state code that defines which animal feeding operations are, and are not, identified as a single operation in law. The intent is to comply with air and water regulations on animal feeding operations, as enforced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

As of today, the renewable-energy landscape at the Iowa Legislature has remained relatively quiet. We are working with our partners and lawmakers from both parties to encourage them to decouple Iowa’s Solar Tax Credit from the federal Investment Tax Credit, as well as raise the state-mandated cap of $5 million annually. 

Data from the Iowa Department of Revenue shows the tax credit has been oversubscribed since 2015, meaning the demand for solar energy has far outpaced the state’s ability to provide this tax incentive to farmers, small business owners, and others who have already invested in solar energy. The same information also shows if a solar customer were to invest in solar energy today, they would be waiting well into 2023 to receive the incentive.

For more information on the importance of the Iowa Solar Tax Credit, check out this resource from our partners at the Iowa Environmental Council. 

Rural communities have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. But, as those of us who live and work in rural Iowa know, many of our communities have been eager for more economic investment for a long time. While our main priorities remain advancements in watershed management and renewable energy, we’ve been following bills that could also bring some change to rural Iowa. They include: 

HSB 1-Para: This bill, sponsored by Rep. Lee Hein, relates to tax credits awarded by the economic development authority for specific capital contributions made to certified rural business growth funds for investment in qualified businesses. The bill would allow private investors to raise capital for funds dedicated to aiding rural small businesses. Contributions to those funds are then eligible for a tax credit. The amount of tax credit is contingent upon the number of jobs created by those businesses the fund is used to support.  

SF 68—Undecided: Sponsored by Sen. Chris Cournoyer, this bill amends state traffic laws to require drivers of motor vehicles to pass bicyclists in the same legal manner as when they pass another motor vehicle. This bill appears to prioritize cyclist safety and promote outdoor recreation in rural Iowa. 

Les animamos a participar en el proceso legislativo comunicándose con sus representantes sobre los temas que les preocupan. Aquí les ofrecemos algunos consejos para interactuar con sus legisladores y un breve tutorial sobre cómo navegar por el sitio web legislativo del estado. 

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