Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF706

Introduced

4/10/23

Refer

5/4/23

Introduced

4/10/23

Refer

5/4/23

Caption

A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 339, HF 153; See HF 2541.)

Impact

This bill is expected to bring significant changes to local economic development efforts in Iowa by providing financial support specifically for the demolition of unutilized school properties. The initiative targets cities or townships with populations under 2,500, giving priority to lower populated counties when awarding grants. Furthermore, it emphasizes collaboration between the authority and local governments to ensure that demolition plans align with broader community development and economic goals, thereby contributing to revitalization efforts in smaller rural areas.

Summary

House File 706 establishes a new grant program aimed at promoting the demolition of vacant school buildings throughout Iowa. The bill mandates the creation of a vacant school building demolition grant fund under the control of the economic development authority. The fund will support grant applications from political subdivisions for demolishing buildings that became vacant before January 1, 2021, which were previously used as school attendance centers or administration buildings and are no longer utilized for any government purpose. This initiative intends to clear up blighted properties and potentially repurpose them for future community needs.

Contention

As HF706 moves forward, there may be discussions surrounding its potential impact on local governance and land use. While supporters argue that demolishing unused school buildings can enhance community aesthetics and safety, detractors might raise concerns about the adequacy of funding processes and the criteria used to prioritize grants. Additionally, there may be scrutiny over how effectively the program will be managed, particularly regarding its requirement for yearly reporting to the general assembly, outlining program results and recommendations for improvements. This year-to-year accountability is essential to ensure the program meets its objectives and financial investments yield beneficial outcomes for the communities involved.

Latest IA HF706 Activity

View All Events: IA 2023-2024 Regular Session HF706

Companion Bills

IA HF153

Similar To A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and making appropriations.(See HF 339, HF 706, HF 2541.)

IA HF339

Similar To A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 153; See HF 706, HF 2541.)

IA HF2541

Similar To A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 706, HF 339, HF 153.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF517

A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund, and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 133.)

IA HF133

A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund, and including contingent effective date provisions.(See HF 517.)

IA HF2750

A bill for an act relating to the collection and distribution of fees for wire transmissions, the establishment of the school security grant program, and including contingent effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 601.)

IA HF2353

A bill for an act establishing a scenic byways enhancement fund, including by providing for voluntary contributions to the fund, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 971, HF 581, HF 130; See HF 2741.)

IA HF971

IA HF581

IA HF761

A bill for an act providing for the direct shipment of alcoholic liquor, providing fees, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 140; See HF 993, HF 2354.)

IA HF993

A bill for an act providing for the direct shipment of alcoholic liquor, providing fees, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 761, HF 140; See HF 2354.)

IA HF2741

IA HF2354

A bill for an act providing for the direct shipment of alcoholic liquor, providing fees, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 993, HF 761, HF 140.)

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