A bill for an act prohibiting counties from charging a fee to operate a registered all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on secondary roads.(See HF 1015.)
Summary
HF 257 would amend Iowa Code section 321I.10 to prohibit counties from charging a fee for the operation of a registered all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or off-road utility vehicle (UTV) on secondary roads within the county. The bill applies to secondary-road use only and does not change the underlying authority of counties to regulate or restrict ATV/UTV travel in other ways already allowed under current law.
Under existing law, registered ATVs and UTVs may be operated on certain secondary roads, including some unpaved roads and some paved roads when authorized by a county, and counties may still prohibit operation on particular roads or segments in specified circumstances. HF 257 would add a new limitation on county authority by removing the ability to impose a local operating fee for these vehicles on secondary roads. The bill’s explanation notes that a similar prohibition already applies to cities, so the measure extends that same no-fee rule to counties.
Impact
The bill would narrow county fiscal and regulatory authority by preempting local fees tied to ATV/UTV operation on secondary roads. It would not broadly legalize ATV/UTV use statewide, but it would standardize local treatment by preventing counties from charging a fee where operation is otherwise permitted under chapter 321I. Counties that currently rely on such fees would lose that revenue source, while riders and vehicle owners would benefit from reduced local costs.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was generally well received in committee, with the House Committee on Appropriations reporting it 23-1. No committee transcript is available, but the strong vote indicates broad support for the bill’s fee prohibition. The bill was later withdrawn, so it did not advance to enactment despite the favorable committee action.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be local control versus statewide uniformity. Supporters likely favored aligning county rules with the existing city-level prohibition on fees and reducing costs for ATV/UTV users, while the lone dissenting vote suggests at least one member objected to limiting county authority or to the revenue impact on counties. Because no transcripts are available, the specific arguments were not recorded in the provided materials.
Similar To
A bill for an act prohibiting counties from charging a fee to operate a registered all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on secondary roads.(Formerly HF 257.)
A bill for an act prohibiting counties from charging a fee to operate a registered all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on secondary roads.(Formerly HF 257.)
A bill for an act requiring persons to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle, off-road motorcycle, or off-road utility vehicle on certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 762, HF 1005.)
A bill for an act requiring persons twelve years of age or older to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on streets, highways, certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 73; See HF 1005.)
A bill for an act requiring persons twelve years of age or older to pass a written test and obtain an education certificate prior to operating an all-terrain vehicle or off-road utility vehicle on streets, highways, certain land, ice, and trails, providing fees, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 762, HF 73.)