Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3123

Introduced
2/9/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to agriculture, including by providing for the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, including the promotion and regulation of commodities and products, the regulation of the transportation of agricultural commodities, and the use of agricultural land, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2420, SF 2465.)

Impact

This legislation significantly alters state agricultural policy, enhancing the role of DALS in regulating and promoting agricultural practices and products. By removing conditional use permits and similar restrictions for agricultural experiences, it promotes agricultural tourism, potentially increasing economic viability for local farms. The bill's provisions can lead to a clearer regulatory environment for agricultural businesses while supporting local markets through initiatives like the Choose Iowa program, aimed at connecting schools with Iowa farms for fresh food procurement.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3123 addresses various aspects of agriculture, focusing on the powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS). Key provisions include the promotion and regulation of agricultural commodities and products, as well as regulations surrounding the transportation of these commodities. The bill also aims to enhance the use of agricultural land by incorporating agricultural tourism as a legitimate use case, facilitating promotional activities without burdensome permit requirements. It outlines penalties for non-compliance and delineates effective date provisions, emphasizing implementation upon enactment.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the impact on local zoning laws and the potential for increased commercialization of agricultural lands. Critics may argue that easing regulations around agricultural tourism could lead to conflicts with residential interests or environmental concerns. Additionally, questions could be raised regarding the financial implications of the programs funded under the new initiatives, especially related to food banks and the extent of state support for local agricultural businesses compared to larger entities.

Companion Bills

IA SF2420

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to agriculture, including by providing for the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, including the promotion and regulation of commodities and products, the regulation of the transportation of agricultural commodities, and the use of agricultural land, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3123; See SF 2465.)

IA SF2465

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to agriculture, including by providing for the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, including the promotion and regulation of commodities and products, the regulation of the transportation of agricultural items, the use of agricultural land, sales and use taxes, and veterinary practice and income taxes, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SF 2420, SSB 3123.) Effective date: Enactment, 07/01/2026, 01/01/2027. Applicability date: 01/01/2027.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2420

A bill for an act relating to agriculture, including by providing for the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, including the promotion and regulation of commodities and products, the regulation of the transportation of agricultural commodities, and the use of agricultural land, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3123; See SF 2465.)

IA HSB588

A bill for an act relating to agriculture, including by providing for the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, including the promotion and regulation of commodities and products; the regulation of the transportation of agricultural commodities; the use of agricultural land; and taxation, including property taxes, excise and sales taxes, and income taxes; making penalties applicable; and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 2340, HF 2748.)

IA HF2340

A bill for an act relating to agriculture, including by providing for the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, including the promotion and regulation of commodities and products; the regulation of the transportation of agricultural commodities; the use of agricultural land; and taxation, including property taxes, excise and sales taxes, and income taxes; making penalties applicable; and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 588; See HF 2748.)

IA HF2748

A bill for an act relating to agriculture, including by providing for the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, including the promotion and regulation of commodities and products; the regulation of the transportation of agricultural commodities; the use of agricultural land; and taxation, including property taxes, excise and sales taxes, and income taxes; making penalties applicable; and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2340, HSB 588.)

IA SF2465

A bill for an act relating to agriculture, including by providing for the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, including the promotion and regulation of commodities and products, the regulation of the transportation of agricultural items, the use of agricultural land, sales and use taxes, and veterinary practice and income taxes, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SF 2420, SSB 3123.) Effective date: Enactment, 07/01/2026, 01/01/2027. Applicability date: 01/01/2027.

IA SSB1160

A bill for an act providing for programs and regulations related to agriculture, including crop production, animal health, and agricultural processing, providing for powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, providing fees, and providing penalties.(See SF 522, SF 632.)

IA SF522

A bill for an act providing for programs and regulations related to agriculture, including crop production, animal health, and agricultural processing, providing for powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, providing fees, and providing penalties.(Formerly SSB 1160; See SF 632.)

IA HF799

A bill for an act providing for programs and regulations related to agriculture, including crop production, animal health, agricultural processing, and agricultural marketing, providing for powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, providing fees, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 143; See HF 998.)

IA HSB143

A bill for an act providing for programs and regulations related to agriculture, including crop production, animal health, agricultural processing, and agricultural marketing, providing for powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, providing fees, and providing penalties.(See HF 799, HF 998.)

IA SF632

A bill for an act providing for programs and regulations related to agriculture, including crop production, animal health, and agricultural processing, providing for powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, providing fees, and providing penalties. (Formerly SF 522, SSB 1160.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Similar Bills

HI SB2887

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB2017

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB966

Relating To Agricultural Tourism.

HI HB966

Relating To Agricultural Tourism.

HI HB2246

Relating To Agricultural Grant Administration.

HI HB498

Relating To Agricultural Crimes.

HI HB498

Relating To Agricultural Crimes.

NJ S1702

Bans foreign ownership of agricultural or horticultural land and agricultural woodlands in State.