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Iowa House Bill HF2176
Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session
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Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2176

Introduced
1/29/24  
Introduced
1/29/24  

Caption

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment fund and program under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.(See HF 2599.)

Impact

The bill specifies that eligible grocery stores must meet certain criteria to qualify for financial assistance, including having a maximum of ten grocery store locations and being compliant with required documentation filings. Eligible projects could leverage up to $500,000 in grant funding. This initiative appears to be a response to growing concerns about food deserts and the lack of grocery stores in certain areas, aiming to enhance local food systems and improve the viability of grocery operations throughout the state.

Summary

House File 2176, also known as the Grocer Reinvestment Bill, is designed to establish a Grocer Reinvestment Fund and program under the direction of the Economic Development Authority. The proposed legislation aims to address issues related to grocery accessibility in Iowa by providing financial assistance to eligible grocery stores. The program is particularly focused on supporting grocery stores located in underserved and low-income communities, ensuring that a broader segment of the population has reliable access to fresh and affordable food.

Reporting

The legislation mandates that by November 1st, 2025, and annually thereafter, the authority must submit a report to the General Assembly detailing the outcomes of the program including the geographic distribution of projects and the job creation associated with the financial assistance provided. This oversight aims to ensure accountability and transparency regarding the impact of the Grocer Reinvestment Fund and its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.

Contention

Notably, the bill's implementation may encounter various challenges, particularly around the definition of eligible communities and grocery store types. Critics may argue that the funding could disproportionately favor certain types of stores or locales over others. Additionally, the requirement for matching funds could pose barriers for smaller operations, raising questions about the true accessibility of the financial assistance intended to aid both urban and rural grocery stores.

Latest IA HF2176 Activity

View All Events: IA 2023-2024 Regular Session HF2176

Companion Bills

IA SSB3074

Related A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment fund and program under the purview of the economic development authority, and making appropriations.

IA HF2599

Similar To A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2176.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF59

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.(See HF 550, HF 1032.)

IA SSB1054

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.

IA HF550

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, modifying the local food and farm program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 59; See HF 1032.)

IA HF1032

A bill for an act creating a grocer reinvestment program, a local produce processing grant program, and a grocer reinvestment and local food processing fund under the purview of the economic development authority, and modifying the local food and farm program. (Formerly HF 550, HF 59.)

IA HSB336

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and eliminating the repeal of the housing renewal pilot program.(See HF 1040.)

IA HF1040

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and eliminating the repeal of the housing renewal pilot program.(Formerly HSB 336.)

IA HSB216

A bill for an act relating to the double up food bucks program, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, including a waiver for eligible foods, and making an appropriation.(See HF 796, HF 970.)

IA SF645

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and extending the repeal date for the housing renewal pilot program. (Formerly SSB 1236.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB773

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and codifying the housing renewal program.(See HF 2772.)

IA SF2027

A bill for an act relating to the double up food bucks program, and making appropriations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.