Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF643

Introduced
3/7/23  
Refer
5/4/23  
Introduced
3/7/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to entering property for surveying purposes, and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 299.)

Impact

The bill modifies current laws regarding land surveyors by explicitly stating the circumstances under which they are allowed to access properties. By requiring permission, HF643 strengthens property rights and sets penalties for surveyors who fail to comply with the permission requirement. If a landowner does not respond to a surveyor's request for access within sixty days, the surveyor may assume implicit permission to enter. However, the bill allows for entry without prior permission only in emergencies or disaster relief situations.

Summary

House File 643 is a legislative act that establishes regulations concerning entry onto private property for the purposes of surveying. The bill introduces specific protocols that surveyors must follow before entering a property. It emphasizes the need for explicit permission from individuals with ownership interests in the land, or their next of kin in cases where the owner is unable to give consent. This explicit permission must be documented either electronically or through certified mail prior to entry. The legislation aims to clarify existing laws related to surveying activities and property access.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HF643 may invoke tension between the rights of landowners and the operational needs of surveyors. Proponents of the bill argue that it protects private property rights and ensures transparency in land access for surveying, enhancing landowner autonomy over their property. Conversely, opponents might express concern that the necessary formalities could delay essential surveying projects, especially those related to public works or utilities, potentially hindering development efforts or emergency responses.

Companion Bills

IA HF299

Similar To A bill for an act relating to entering property for surveying purposes, and providing penalties.(See HF 643.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2629

A bill for an act relating to trespass, and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 981.)

IA HF2190

A bill for an act relating to requirements for proof of ownership of dogs and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 2016.)

IA HF978

A bill for an act relating to the production and administration of psilocybin, and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 620.)

IA HF2658

A bill for an act relating to street takeovers, and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 2561.)

IA HF826

A bill for an act relating to obscene materials involving minors, and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 81.)

IA HF2701

A bill for an act relating to the use of automatic registration plate readers and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 2555.)

IA HF2348

A bill for an act relating to animal torture, and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 557.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

IA HF2763

A bill for an act providing for services relating to agricultural production, providing penalties, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2709, HSB 751.)

IA HF1031

A bill for an act relating to county recorder fees and land record information systems management. (Formerly HF 328.)

IA HF842

A bill for an act relating to theft, forgery, and fraud involving a gift card, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 181.)

Similar Bills

HI SB1506

Relating To Professional Land Surveyors.

HI SB1506

Relating To Professional Land Surveyors.

LA SR25

Designates Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.

TX HB2203

Relating to liability for land surveying services in or in connection with certain construction or services contracts.

TX SB687

Relating to liability for land surveying services in or in connection with certain construction or services contracts.

MD SB545

Land Surveyors and Property Line Surveyors - Private Property Access - Prohibition

NC S756

Right of Entry for Professional Surveyors

MD HB716

Land Surveyors and Property Line Surveyors - Private Property Access - Prohibition