Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB155

Introduced
2/9/23  
Introduced
2/9/23  

Caption

A bill for an act establishing a dairy innovation fund and program to be administered by the economic development authority.(See HF 580, HF 700.)

Impact

The bill is expected to enhance state laws regarding financial assistance for dairies by establishing eligibility criteria that businesses must meet to qualify for grants and loans. These include provisions that limit assistance to businesses located in Iowa, without recent regulatory violations, and restrict eligibility to those employing fewer than fifty individuals. The focus on local production is designed to boost the state's dairy economy and support local farmers, especially small-scale producers, potentially leading to job creation and greater local economic activity.

Summary

House Study Bill 155 establishes a Dairy Innovation Fund and Program to be administered by the Economic Development Authority of Iowa. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to eligible businesses involved in dairy processing. This assistance can come in the form of grants, low-interest loans, and forgivable loans aimed at enhancing the capacity and efficiency of dairy production and processing within the state. The bill ensures that funds appropriated remain available for utilization in future fiscal years, promoting sustained support for the dairy industry.

Contention

Notably, the bill stipulates priority for financial assistance to projects that will create new jobs, expand local marketing opportunities for milk products, and improve the efficiency of labor related to on-farm production. While these points are aimed at fostering growth in the dairy sector, discussions may arise around the adequacy of the funding levels, the impact of eligibility restrictions on larger dairy businesses, and how effectively the program can address the diverse needs of dairy producers across different scales. The legislative discourse will likely reflect varying perspectives on state involvement in supporting agricultural sectors through direct funding.

Companion Bills

IA HF580

Replaced by A bill for an act establishing a dairy innovation fund and program to be administered by the department of agriculture and land stewardship.(Formerly HSB 155; See HF 700.)

IA HF700

Replaced by A bill for an act establishing a dairy innovation fund and program to be administered by the department of agriculture and land stewardship. (Formerly HF 580, HSB 155.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

Previously Filed As

IA AB363

Establishing a dairy cattle innovation program. (FE)

IA SB323

Establishing a dairy cattle innovation program. (FE)

IA SB1285

Establishing the Biobonds Innovation Fund, the Biobonds Innovation Fund Loan Program and the Biobonds Innovation Fund Loan Guarantee Program; and providing for duties of Department of Community and Economic Development.

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 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 HB1400

Relating to creation of the groundwater science, research, and innovation fund to be administered by the Texas Water Development Board.

IA SB718

Relating to creation of the groundwater science, research, and innovation fund to be administered by the Texas Water Development Board.

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 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 HSB755

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the economic development authority, the utilities commission, and the department of education, including creation of the headquarters expansion and development for growth and employment program, and the business incentives for growth program training fund; repeal of the new jobs tax credit program; the major economic growth attraction program; load forecasting and analysis of electric transmission system expansion plans; creation of the electric transmission system expansion planning and analysis and load forecasting fund; the industrial new jobs training program; and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2799.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.