Iowa House Bill HF130

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

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.(See HF 581, HF 971, HF 2353, HF 2741.)

Summary

House File 130 would create a new Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund in the state treasury and dedicate its money to the Iowa Department of Transportation for the support, development, maintenance, and enhancement of the state’s scenic byways. The bill specifically allows fund dollars to be used for activities such as litter prevention, and it provides that unspent money would not revert at the end of a fiscal year. Interest and earnings on the fund would also stay in the fund. The bill also establishes a voluntary contribution program tied to vehicle registration renewals. County treasurers and the Department of Transportation would be required to ask applicants, in writing and, if in person, verbally, to contribute $1 or more to the fund. Contributions collected by counties or the department would be remitted to the state treasurer, with counties allowed to retain up to 5 percent of amounts collected for their general fund. The measure would take effect January 1, 2026.

Impact

HF 130 would amend Iowa law by adding new Code sections creating the scenic byways enhancement fund and authorizing a voluntary contribution mechanism during vehicle registration renewal. It would also update county treasurer duties to include collecting these contributions and would direct the Department of Transportation to adopt administrative rules. The bill would create a continuing, nonreverting funding source for scenic byway-related projects and shift some administrative responsibilities to county treasurers and DOT.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the bill was well received in committee, passing the House Transportation Committee unanimously 20-0. The bill’s purpose is framed as a transportation and beautification measure, with support implied for preserving and enhancing scenic byways through a small voluntary donation program. However, the bill was later withdrawn, so it did not advance to final enactment in the available record.

Contention

There is little evidence of substantive opposition in the materials provided, and no committee transcript is available to identify specific objections. The main structural point that could draw scrutiny is the use of a voluntary contribution request during vehicle registration renewals, along with allowing counties to retain up to 5 percent of collections. Any concern would likely focus on administrative burden, the effectiveness of voluntary funding, or whether the donation solicitation is appropriate in the registration process, but no explicit dispute is documented here.