Iowa House Bill HF886

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Engrossed: 3/19/25
• Refer: 3/20/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the improvement of United States highway 30, including prioritization by the state transportation commission and restrictions on associated use of eminent domain. (Formerly HF 614.)

Summary

HF 886 directs the Iowa State Transportation Commission to prioritize improvement of U.S. Highway 30 across the state, from the Missouri River west of Missouri Valley to the Mississippi River east of Clinton. The bill requires the commission to include in its long-range transportation program plans to expand all remaining two-lane portions of the corridor into four-lane divided roadway until the entire route is four lanes. The bill also adds a restriction on the use of eminent domain for this project. The Department of Transportation may not use eminent domain to acquire land needed for the expansion of two-lane portions of U.S. Highway 30 if the property is a century farm or residential real property, until all reasonable alternatives have been exhausted. The measure amends Iowa Code section 307A.2 and creates a new section in chapter 306 to limit property takings tied to the highway project.

Impact

HF 886 would change Iowa transportation planning law by elevating U.S. Highway 30 to a specific statewide priority and requiring the long-range plan to contemplate full four-lane expansion of the corridor. It would also constrain the Department of Transportation’s eminent domain authority for this project, especially where century farms or homes are involved, by requiring exhaustion of reasonable alternatives before land can be taken. The bill affects the Iowa Department of Transportation, the State Transportation Commission, landowners along the corridor, and property rights protections in highway expansion projects.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have broad support in the House, passing 81-15, which suggests generally favorable sentiment toward improving U.S. Highway 30. The framing of the bill as a transportation improvement measure likely appealed to members who support infrastructure investment and corridor development. At the same time, the inclusion of eminent domain restrictions indicates sensitivity to landowner concerns, especially for family farms and residential property, which may have helped build support among members concerned about property rights.

Contention

The main point of contention is the balance between highway expansion and property rights. Supporters of the project likely favor accelerating four-lane improvements on U.S. Highway 30, while opponents or skeptics may object to the cost, scope, or state prioritization of this corridor over other transportation needs. The eminent domain limitation reflects concern from century farm owners and homeowners who could be affected by right-of-way acquisition, and it suggests that land takings for the project are a significant issue in the debate.