Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2353

Introduced
2/9/26  

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.(Formerly HF 971, HF 581, HF 130; See HF 2741.)

Impact

The legislation allows for funds collected from vehicle registration renewals to be allocated specifically for the support of scenic byways, which includes development and maintenance as well as litter prevention initiatives. Notably, the bill includes a provision allowing counties to retain a small percentage (up to 5%) of the moneys collected for their own general fund, thus providing local governments with a direct financial incentive to promote contributions. Overall, HF2353 will create a dedicated funding stream for the enhancement of scenic byways, potentially improving both environmental quality and tourism within the state.

Summary

House File 2353 establishes a Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund in the state treasury, which is aimed at supporting the maintenance and enhancement of scenic byways across Iowa. The fund will be financed through voluntary contributions made by individuals during vehicle registration renewals, encouraged by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and county treasurers. It aims to promote the preservation and enhancement of scenic routes within the state, thereby increasing tourism and community engagement with local attractions.

Contention

While most discussions around HF2353 seem focused on its potential benefits, some concerns may arise regarding the reliance on voluntary contributions for funding. Opponents could argue that making funding contingent upon voluntary contributions may limit the effectiveness and sustainability of the enhancement fund. Moreover, the percentage retained by counties could lead to disparities in funding and prioritization of scenic byway projects across different regions of Iowa.

Companion Bills

IA HF130

Similar To 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.)

IA HF581

Similar To 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 130; See HF 971, HF 2353, HF 2741.)

IA HF971

Similar To 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 581, HF 130; See HF 2353, HF 2741.)

IA HF2741

Similar To 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 2353, HF 971, HF 581, HF 130.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2741

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 2353, HF 971, HF 581, HF 130.)

IA HF971

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 581, HF 130; See HF 2353, HF 2741.)

IA HF581

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 130; See HF 971, HF 2353, HF 2741.)

IA HF130

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.)

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 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.)

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 HF2718

A bill for an act relating to the seizure of firearms, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 430.)

IA HF2752

A bill for an act relating to the teach Iowa scholar program, including modifying eligibility provisions and establishing funding allocations. (Formerly HF 2441, HSB 648.)

IA HF2793

A bill for an act relating to a railway tracks overpass and underpass fund, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 882, HF 729.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.