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STATE OF IOWA
KliM REYNOLDS
GOVERNOR
June 11,2025
The Honorable Paul Pate
Secretary of State of Iowa
State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Dear Mr. Secretary,
I hereby transmit:
Senate File 646, an Act relating to and making appropriations involving state government
entities associated with agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection.
The above Senate File is hereby approved on this date.
Sincerely
Kim Refolds
Governor of Iowa
cc: Secretary of the Senate
Clerk of the House
STATE CAPITOL DES MOINES, IOWA 50319 515.281.5211 WWW.GOVERNOR.IOWA.GOV
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Senate File 646
AN ACT
RELATING TO AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS INVOLVING STATE
GOVERNMENT ENTITIES ASSOCIATED WITH AGRICULTURE, NATURAL
RESOURCES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
DIVISION I
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP
Section 1. GENERAL FUND.
1. There is appropriated from the general fund of the state
to the department of agriculture and land stewardship for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026,
the following amount, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be
used for the purposes designated:
For purposes of supporting the department, including its
divisions, for administration, regulation, and programs; for
salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes; and
for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
$ 20,377,294
FTEs 420.00
2. Of the amount appropriated in subsection 1, the following
amount is transferred to Iowa state university of science and
technology, to be used for the university's midwest grape and
wine industry institute:
$ 325,000
3. The department shall submit a report each quarter of
the fiscal year to the general assembly and the department
Senate File 646, p. 2
of management. The report shall describe in detail the
expenditure of moneys appropriated in this section to support
the department's administration, regulation, and programs.
Sec. 2. UNCLAIMED PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING WINNINGS —
HORSE AND DOG RACING. There is appropriated from the moneys
available under section 99D.13 to the department of agriculture
and land stewardship for the fiscal year beginning July 1,
2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the following amount, or so
much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes
designated:
For purposes of supporting the department's administration
and enforcement of horse and dog racing law pursuant to section
99D.22, including for salaries, support, maintenance, and
miscellaneous purposes:
$ 305,516
Sec. 3. RENEWABLE FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND — MOTOR
FUEL INSPECTION. There is appropriated from the renewable
fuel infrastructure fund created in section 159A.16 to the
department of agriculture and land stewardship for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the
following amount, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be
used for the purposes designated:
For purposes of the inspection of motor fuel, including
salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes:
$ 500,000
Sec. 4. SKILLED WORKER AND JOB CREATION FUND — BUTCHERY
INNOVATION AND REVITALIZATION PROGRAM.
1. There is appropriated from the Iowa skilled worker and
job creation fund created in section 8.57J to the department of
agriculture and land stewardship for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the following amount,
or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes
designated:
For support of the butchery innovation and revitalization
program established pursuant to 2024 Iowa Acts, chapter
1148, section 28, to award financial assistance to eligible
businesses for projects based on criteria described in section
15E.370:
$ 249,695
Senate File 646, p. 3
2. The department may use not more than 5 percent of the
moneys appropriated in subsection 1 to pay for the costs of
administering the program described in subsection 1.
3. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
subsection 1 that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the
close of the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027.
Sec. 5. SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS FROM GENERAL FUND TO
DEPARTMENT. There is appropriated from the general fund of the
state to the department of agriculture and land stewardship
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June
30, 2026, the following amounts, or so much thereof as is
necessary, to be used for the purposes designated:
1. DAIRY REGULATION
a. For purposes of performing functions pursuant to section
192.109, including conducting a survey of grade ^^A" milk and
certifying the results to the secretary of agriculture:
$ 189,196
b. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the
close of the succeeding fiscal year.
2. LOCAL FOOD AND FARM PROGRAM
a. For purposes of supporting the local food and farm
program pursuant to chapter 267A:
$ 125,000
b. Of the amount appropriated in this subsection, $50,000 is
allocated to the department to support a project conducted by
Iowa state university of science and technology to study the
ability of the choose Iowa food program, created under section
187.304, as enacted by this Act, to serve rural grocers.
c. The department shall enter into a cost-sharing agreement
with Iowa state university of science and technology to support
the local food and farm program coordinator position as part of
the university's cooperative extension service in agriculture
and home economics pursuant to chapter 267A.
d. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
Senate File 646, p. 4
this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the
close of the succeeding fiscal year.
3. AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
a. For purposes of allocating moneys to an Iowa association
affiliated with a national organization that promotes
agricultural education providing for future farmers:
$ 150,000
b. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the
close of the succeeding fiscal year.
4. FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASES AFFLICTING LIVESTOCK
For deposit in the foreign animal disease preparedness and
response fund created in section 163.3B for purposes designated
in that section:
$ 1,050,000
5. FARMERS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM
a. For purposes of supporting a program for farmers with
disabilities:
$ 230,000
b. The moneys appropriated in this subsection shall be
used for the public purpose of providing a grant to a national
nonprofit organization with over 80 years of experience in
assisting children and adults with disabilities and special
needs. The moneys shall be used to support a nationally
recognized program that began in 1986 and has been replicated
in at least 30 other states, but is not available through
any other entity in this state, and that provides assistance
to farmers with disabilities in all 99 counties to allow the
farmers to remain in their own homes and be gainfully engaged
in farming through provision of agricultural worksite and home
modification consultations, peer support services, services
to families, information and referral, and equipment loan
services.
c. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
Senate Pile 646, p. 5
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the
close of the succeeding fiscal year.
6. LOESS HILLS DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND
a. For deposit in the loess hills development and
conservation fund created pursuant to section 161D.2:
$ 300,000
b. (1) Of the amount appropriated in this subsection,
$260,000 shall be allocated to the fund's hungry canyons
account.
(2) Not more than 10 percent of the moneys allocated in this
paragraph may be used for administrative costs.
c. (1) Of the amount appropriated in this subsection,
$40,000 shall be allocated to the fund's loess hills alliance
account.
(2) Not more than 10 percent of the moneys allocated in this
paragraph may be used for administrative costs.
7. SOUTHERN IOWA DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND
a. For deposit in the southern Iowa development and
conservation fund created pursuant to section 161D.12;
$ 100,000
b. Not more than 10 percent of the moneys appropriated in
this subsection may be used for administrative costs.
8. GRAIN REGULATION
For the administration and enforcement of chapters 203
and 203C, including salaries, support, maintenance, and
miscellaneous purposes:
$ 350,000
9. CHOOSE IOWA FUND
a. For deposit in the choose Iowa fund created in section
187.201:
$ 1,813,000
b. (1) Of the amount appropriated in this subsection,
the department shall use at least $500,000 to support the
value-added agricultural grant program created in section
187.321.
(2) Of the amount appropriated in this subsection, the
department may use up to $813,000 to support the choose Iowa
promotional program as provided in chapter 187, subchapter III,
Senate Pile 646, p. 6
part 1.
(3) Of the amount appropriated in this subsection, the
department shall use at least $500,000 to support the dairy
innovation and revitalization program created in section
187.311.
c. The department may increase or decrease the amount of
moneys used to support a program described in paragraph ^^b"
based on the amount of moneys awarded to persons participating
in the program. The department shall publish a notice of the
department's action to increase or decrease the amount on the
department's internet site where the programs are advertised at
least thirty days prior to the day that the department takes
such action.
10. CHOOSE IOWA FOOD PURCHASING PROGRAM
a. For purposes of supporting the choose Iowa food
purchasing program to assist eligible participants in
purchasing qualified food products pursuant to section 187.331,
as enacted by this Act:
$ 200,000
b. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the
close of the succeeding fiscal year.
Sec. 6. NEW SECTION. 187.331 Choose Iowa food purchasing
program.
1. There is created within the department a choose Iowa food
purchasing program.
2. The department shall administer the program according to
all of the following;
a. A farm or business that owns or operates the farm
source shall be given a preference to participate in the
program if the farm or business is currently participating
in the choose Iowa promotional program as provided in this
part 1 of subchapter III. Otherwise, a farm or business may
participate in the program if the farm or business has applied
to participate in the choose Iowa promotional program and the
department determines that the application will be approved.
b. An eligible participant is limited to any Iowa food bank
Senate File 646, p. 7
or an Iowa emergency feeding organization, recognized by the
department.
c. A qualified food product is limited to meat and poultry,
dairy products, grains, flour, eggs, honey, and produce.
3. a. Of the moneys appropriated to support the program in
a fiscal year, not more than two hundred thousand dollars shall
be used to reimburse Iowa food banks and Iowa emergency feeding
organizations.
b. An eligible participant shall be reimbursed on a matching
basis with the department contributing one dollar for every one
dollar expended by the eligible participant.
c. An Iowa food bank or Iowa emergency feeding organization
shall not receive more than fifty thousand dollars per fiscal
year for participating in the program.
4. The department may use not more than five percent of the
moneys appropriated to support the program in a fiscal year to
pay for the costs of administering the program.
5. The department shall prepare and submit a report
regarding its findings and recommendations to the governor and
general assembly not later than January 15 of each year.
6. This section is repealed July 1, 2030.
Sec. 7. DIRECTIONS TO CODE EDITOR. The Code editor shall
designate section 187.331, as enacted in this division of this
Act, as a new part within chapter 187, subchapter III, entitled
^Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program".
DIVISION II
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Sec. 8. GENERAL FUND.
1. There is appropriated from the general fund of the state
to the department of natural resources for the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the following
amount, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the
purposes designated:
For purposes of supporting the department, including its
divisions, for administration, regulation, and programs; for
salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes; and
for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
$ 12,816,738
FTEs 1,145.95
Senate File 646, p. 8
2. Of the number of full-time equivalent positions
authorized to the department pursuant to subsection 1, 50.00
full-time equivalent positions shall be allocated by the
department for seasonal employees for purposes of providing
maintenance, upkeep, and sanitary services at state parks.
This subsection shall not impact conservation officer, park
ranger, or park manager positions within the department.
3. The department shall submit a report each quarter of
the fiscal year to the general assembly and the department
of management. The report shall describe in detail the
expenditure of moneys appropriated under this section to
support the department's administration, regulation, and
programs.
Sec. 9. STATE FISH AND GAME PROTECTION FUND REGULATION
AND ADVANCEMENT OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
1. There is appropriated from the state fish and game
protection fund created pursuant to section 456A.17 to the
department of natural resources for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the following amount,
or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes
designated:
For purposes of supporting the regulation or advancement of
hunting, fishing, or trapping, or the protection, propagation,
restoration, management, or harvest of fish or wildlife,
including for administration, regulation, law enforcement, and
programs; and for salaries, support, maintenance, equipment,
and miscellaneous purposes:
$ 51,404,790
2. Notwithstanding section 455A.10, the department may use
the unappropriated balance remaining in the state fish and game
protection fund to provide for the funding of health and life
insurance premium payments from unused sick leave balances of
conservation peace officers employed in a protection occupation
who retire, pursuant to section 97B.49B.
3. Notwithstanding section 455A.10, the department may
use the unappropriated balance remaining in the state fish
and game protection fund for the fiscal year beginning July
1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, as is necessary to fund
salary adjustments for departmental employees for which the
Senate File 646, p. 9
general assembly has made an operating budget appropriation in
subsection 1.
Sec. 10. GROUNDWATER PROTECTION FOND — WATER
QUALITY. There is appropriated from the groundwater protection
fund created in section 455E.11 to the department of natural
resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025,
and ending June 30, 2026, from those moneys that are not
allocated pursuant to that section, the following amount, or
so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes
designated:
For purposes of supporting the department's protection
of the state's groundwater, including for administration,
regulation, and programs, and for salaries, support,
maintenance, equipment, and miscellaneous purposes:
$ 3,455,850
Sec. 11. SPECIAL SNOWMOBILE FUND — SNOWMOBILE
PROGRAM. There is appropriated from the special snowmobile
fund created under section 321G.7 to the department of natural
resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and
ending June 30, 2026, the following amount, or so much thereof
as is necessary, to be used for the purposes designated:
For purposes of administering and enforcing the state
snowmobile programs:
$ 100,000
Sec. 12. SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS FROM GENERAL FUND TO
DEPARTMENT. There is appropriated from the general fund of the
state to the department of natural resources for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the
following amounts, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be
used for the purposes designated:
1. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND DAM SAFETY
a. For purposes of supporting floodplain management and dam
safety:
$ 1,510,000
b. Of the amount appropriated in this subsection, up to
$400,000 may be used by the department to acquire or install
stream gages for purposes of tracking and predicting flood
events and for compiling necessary data to improve flood
frequency analysis.
Senate Pile 646, p. 10
c. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the
close of the succeeding fiscal year.
2. FORESTRY HEALTH MANAGEMENT
a. For purposes of providing for forestry health management
programs:
$ 525,000
b. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the
close of the succeeding fiscal year.
3. STATE PARK OPERATIONS
For supporting operations at state parks, including
maintenance and repair of grounds and facilities:
$ 1,000,000
4. STATE PARK MAINTENANCE
For structural and infrastructural repairs in state parks:
$ 300,000
DIVISION III
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Sec. 13. SPECIAL GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS. There is
appropriated from the general fund of the state to Iowa state
university of science and technology for the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the following
amounts, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the
purposes designated:
1. VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY
a. For purposes of supporting the college of veterinary
medicine for the operation of the veterinary diagnostic
laboratory, and for not more than the following full-time
equivalent positions:
$ 4,799,898
FTEs 51.00
b. (1) Iowa state university of science and technology
shall not reduce the amount that it allocates to support the
college of veterinary medicine from any other source due to the
Senate File 646, p. 11
appropriation made in this subsection.
(2) Subparagraph (1) does not apply to a reduction made
to support the college of veterinary medicine if the same
percentage of reduction imposed on the college of veterinary
medicine is also imposed on all of Iowa state university of
science and technology's budget units.
c. If by June 30, 2026, Iowa state university of science
and technology fails to allocate the moneys appropriated in
this subsection to the college of veterinary medicine in
accordance with this subsection, the moneys appropriated in
this subsection for that fiscal year shall revert to the
general fund of the state.
2. MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE FORESTS
a. For purposes of supporting the Iowa cooperative
extension service in agriculture and home economics in
providing technical support to landowners and loggers regarding
the management of private forests in northeast Iowa, and for
not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
$ 150,000
FTEs 1.00
b. The department of natural resources shall cooperate with
the Iowa cooperative extension service in agriculture and home
economics in administering this subsection.
3. LIVESTOCK DISEASE RESEARCH
a. For deposit in the livestock disease research fund
created in section 267.8:
$ 291,390
b. Moneys appropriated under this subsection shall be used
by Iowa state university of science and technology to support
animal disease research in areas of importance to livestock
producers.
Sec. 14. IOWA NUTRIENT RESEARCH FUND — VETERINARY
DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY. Notwithstanding section 466B.46, there
is appropriated from the Iowa nutrient research fund created
in section 466B.46 to Iowa state university of science and
technology for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and
ending June 30, 2026, the following amount, or so much thereof
as is necessary, to be used for the purposes designated:
For purposes of supporting the college of veterinary
Senate File 646, p. 12
medicine for the operation of the veterinary diagnostic
laboratory:
$ 120,000
DIVISION IV
STATE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Sec. 15. IOWA'S CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
(I-CASH).
1. There is appropriated from the general fund of the state
to the state university of Iowa for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the following amount,
or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes
designated:
For supporting the operations of Iowa's center for
agricultural safety and health, as part of the university's
college of public health, and in cooperation with the
department of agriculture and land stewardship, to anticipate,
recognize, and prevent occupational illness and injury among
members of the agricultural community:
$ 128,154
2. a. As a condition of the appropriation made in
subsection 1, the state university of Iowa shall retain the
director of Iowa's center for agricultural safety and health
employed on the effective date of this division of this Act for
at least the same number of hours for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2025, as worked by the director during the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2024.
b. As a condition of the appropriation made in subsection
1, the state university of Iowa shall not reduce the amount
allocated to support Iowa's center for agricultural safety and
health from any other source due to the appropriation made in
subsection 1.
3. If by June 30, 2026, the state university of Iowa fails
to use the moneys appropriated in subsection 1 in accordance
with the purposes and conditions of subsections 1 and 2, any
unencumbered or unobligated moneys appropriated in subsection
1 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June
30, 2026, shall revert to the general fund of the state. In
addition, if moneys revert as required pursuant to section
8.33, the state university of Iowa shall transfer to the
Senate File 646, p. 13
general fund of the state from any otherwise unencumbered or
unobligated moneys from any other general fund appropriation or
from any moneys available from other funding sources an amount
equal to the amount appropriated in subsection 1 less any
amount that reverted to the general fund of the state pursuant
to section 8.33.
Sec. 16. IOWA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY — GROUNDWATER PLANNING AND
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT PROJECT.
1. There is appropriated from the general fund of the state
to the state university of Iowa for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the following amount,
or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes
designated:
For purposes of supporting a groundwater planning and
resource assessment project to be administered by the Iowa
geological survey of the state as created pursuant to section
456.1:
$ 200,000
2. The moneys appropriated in subsection 1 shall be used
by the Iowa geological survey to map and assess the condition
of this state's aquifers. The Iowa geological survey may
measure the volume of groundwater that is available for various
uses, the current and predicted allocations of groundwater to
support those uses, the recharge rate for the aquifers, and
the development of models for budgeting this state's water
resources.
3. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
subsection 1 that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated in
subsection 1.
DIVISION V
ENVIRONMENT FIRST FUND GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS
Sec. 17. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND
STEWARDSHIP. There is appropriated from the environment first
fund created in section 8.57A to the department of agriculture
and land stewardship for the fiscal year beginning July 1,
2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the following amounts, or so
much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes
Senate File 646, p. 14
designated:
1. CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (CREP)
a. For the conservation reserve enhancement program to
restore and construct wetlands for the purposes of intercepting
tile line runoff, reducing nutrient loss, improving water
quality, and enhancing agricultural production practices;
$ 1,000,000
b. Not more than 10 percent of the moneys appropriated
in paragraph ^^a" may be used for costs of administration and
implementation of soil and water conservation practices.
c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
department may use moneys appropriated in this subsection,
in combination with other appropriate environment first
fund appropriations, for cost sharing to match United States
department of agriculture, natural resources conservation
service, wetlands reserve enhancement program (WREP) funding
available to Iowa.
2. WATERSHED PROTECTION
a. For continuation of a program that provides
multiobjective resource protections for flood control, water
quality, erosion control, and natural resource conservation:
$ 900,000
b. Not more than 10 percent of the moneys appropriated
in paragraph ^a" may be used for costs of administration and
implementation of soil and water conservation practices.
3. CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM (CRP)
a. To encourage and assist farmers in enrolling in and the
implementation of the federal conservation reserve program and
to work with them to enhance their revegetation efforts to
improve water quality and habitat;
$ 900,000
b. Not more than 10 percent of the moneys appropriated
in paragraph ""a" may be used for costs of administration and
implementation of soil and water conservation practices.
4. SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
a. For use by the department in providing for soil and water
conservation:
$ 8,325,000
b. (1) Of the amount appropriated in paragraph ^'a", for
Senate File 646, p. 15
transfer to the hungry canyons account of the loess hills
development and conservation fund created in section 161D.2:
$ 140,000
(2) Not more than 10 percent of the moneys transferred in
subparagraph (1) may be used for administrative costs.
c. Of the remaining amount appropriated in paragraph ^^a",
for use by the department in providing for soil and water
conservation administration, the conservation of soil and
water resources, or the support of soil and water conservation
districts;
$ 8,185,000
d. Of the amount appropriated in paragraph ""^c" that the
department allocates to a soil and water conservation district,
the first $15,000 may be expended by the district for the
purpose of providing financial incentives under section 161A.73
to establish management practices for the control of soil
erosion on land that is row-cropped, including but not limited
to nontill planting, ridge-till planting, and contouring
strip-cropping. Of any remaining amount of that appropriation
allocated by the department to a district, 30 percent may be
expended by the district for that same purpose.
e. Not more than 5 percent of the moneys appropriated in
paragraph ^^c" may be allocated for cost sharing to address
complaints filed under section 161A.47.
f. Of the moneys appropriated in paragraph ^^c", 5 percent
shall be allocated for financial incentives to establish
practices to protect watersheds above publicly owned lakes of
the state from soil erosion and sediment as provided in section
161A.73.
g. The division of soil conservation and water quality
created within the department pursuant to section 159.5 may
allocate moneys appropriated in paragraph ^^c" to conduct
research and demonstration projects to promote conservation
tillage and nonpoint source pollution control practices.
h. The allocation of moneys as financial incentives as
provided in section 161A.73 may be used in combination with
moneys allocated by the department of natural resources.
i. Not more than 15 percent of the moneys appropriated
in paragraph ^^c" may be used for costs of administration and
Senate File 646, p. 16
implementation of soil and water conservation practices.
5. SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION — ADMINISTRATION
a. For use by the department for costs of administration and
implementation of soil and water conservation practices:
$ 3,800,000
b. Of the moneys appropriated in paragraph ^^a", $150,000
is allocated to support field staff providing technical
assistance.
Sec. 18. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. There is
appropriated from the environment first fund created in section
8.57A to the department of natural resources for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the
following amounts, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be
used for the purposes designated:
1. STATE PARK MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS
For regular maintenance and operations of state parks and
staff time associated with these activities:
$ 6,235,000
2. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
To provide local watershed managers with geographic
information system data for their use in developing,
monitoring, and displaying results of their watershed work:
$ 195,000
3. WATER QUALITY MONITORING
For continuing the establishment and operation of water
quality monitoring stations:
$ 2,955,000
4. PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM ACCOUNT
For deposit in the public water supply system account of the
water quality protection fund created in section 455B.183A:
$ 500,000
5. REGULATION OF ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS
For the regulation of animal feeding operations, including
as provided for in chapters 459, 459A, and 459B:
$ 1,320,000
6. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND DAM SAFETY
For supporting floodplain management and dam safety:
$ 375,000
7. AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
Senate File 646, p. 17
For the abatement, control, and prevention of ambient
air pollution in this state, including measures as necessary
to assure attainment and maintenance of ambient air quality
standards from particulate matter;
$ 425,000
Sec. 19. STATE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA GEOLOGICAL
SURVEY. There is appropriated from the environment first
fund created in section 8.57A to the state university of Iowa
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June
30, 2026, the following amounts, or so much thereof as is
necessary, to be used for the purposes designated:
1. IOWA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OPERATIONS
For purposes of supporting the operations of the Iowa
geological survey of the state as created within the state
university of Iowa pursuant to section 456.1, including but not
limited to providing analysis; data maintenance, collection,
and compilation; investigative programs; and information for
water supply development and protection:
$ 200,000
2. WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
For purposes of supporting the Iowa geological survey in
measuring, assessing, and evaluating the quantity of water
sources in this state and assisting the department of natural
resources in regulating water quantity as provided in chapter
455B, subchapter III, part 4, pursuant to sections 455B.262B
and 456.14:
$ 495,000
Sec. 20. REVERSION.
1. a. Except as provided in paragraph ^^b", and
notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, in this division of this
Act that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of
the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain available
for expenditure for the purposes designated until the close of
the succeeding fiscal year, or until the project for which the
appropriation was made is completed, whichever is earlier.
b. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated for
the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, in this division of
this Act to the department of agriculture and land stewardship
Senate File 646, p. 18
to provide financial assistance for the establishment of
permanent soil and water conservation practices that remain
unencumbered or unobligated at the close of the fiscal year
shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure
for the purposes designated until the close of the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2028.
2. Subsection 1 does not apply to moneys transferred
pursuant to this division of this Act to the loess hills
development and conservation fund created in section 161D.2,
which shall not revert as provided in that section.
DIVISION VI
ENVIRONMENT FIRST FUND — SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
Sec. 21. WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP.
1. There is appropriated from the environment first fund
created in section 8.57A to the department of agriculture
and land stewardship for the fiscal year beginning July 1,
2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the following amount, or so
much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes
designated:
For deposit in the water quality initiative fund created in
section 466B.45, for purposes of supporting the water quality
initiative administered by the division of soil conservation
and water quality as provided in section 466B.42, including
salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes:
$ 2,375,000
2. a. The moneys appropriated in subsection 1 shall be
used to support projects in subwatersheds as designated by the
division that are part of high-priority watersheds identified
by the water resources coordinating council established
pursuant to section 466B.3.
b. The moneys appropriated in subsection 1 shall be used to
support projects in watersheds generally, including regional
watersheds, as designated by the division and high-priority
watersheds identified by the water resources coordinating
council established pursuant to section 466B.3.
3. In supporting projects in subwatersheds and watersheds
as provided in subsection 2, all of the following apply:
a. The demonstration projects shall utilize water quality
Senate File 646r p* 19
practices as described in the Iowa nutrient reduction strategy
as defined in section 455B.171.
b. The division shall implement demonstration projects as
provided in paragraph ^*a" by providing for participation by
persons who hold a legal interest in agricultural land used in
farming. To every extent practical, the division shall provide
for collaborative participation by such persons who hold a
legal interest in agricultural land located within the same
subwatershed.
c. The division shall implement a demonstration project on
a cost-share basis as determined by the division. However,
except for edge-of-field practices, the state's share of the
amount shall not exceed 50 percent of the estimated cost of
establishing the practice as determined by the division or
50 percent of the actual cost of establishing the practice,
whichever is less.
d. The demonstration projects shall be used to educate other
persons about the feasibility and value of establishing similar
water quality practices. The division shall promote field day
events for purposes of allowing interested persons to establish
water quality practices on their agricultural land.
e. The division shall conduct water quality evaluations
within supported subwatersheds. Within a reasonable period
after accumulating information from such evaluations, the
division shall create an aggregated database of water quality
practices. Any information identifying a person holding a
legal interest in agricultural land or specific agricultural
land shall be a confidential record under section 22.7.
4. The moneys appropriated in subsection 1 shall be used
to support education and outreach in a manner that encourages
persons who hold a legal interest in agricultural land used for
farming to implement water quality practices, including the
establishment of such practices in watersheds generally, and
not limited to subwatersheds or high-priority watersheds.
5. The moneys appropriated in subsection 1 may be used
to contract with persons to coordinate the implementation of
efforts provided in this section.
6. The moneys appropriated in subsection 1 may be used by
the department to support urban soil and water conservation
Senate File 646, p. 20
efforts, which may include but are not limited to management
practices related to bioretention, landscaping, the use of
permeable or pervious pavement, and soil quality restoration.
The moneys shall be allocated on a cost-share basis as provided
in chapter 161A.
7. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the
contrary, the department may use moneys appropriated in
subsection 1 to carry out the provisions of this section on a
cost-share basis in combination with other moneys available to
the department from a state or federal source.
8. Not more than 10 percent of the moneys appropriated in
this section may be used to pay for the costs of administering
and implementing the water quality initiative by the
department's division of soil conservation and water quality as
provided in section 466B.42 and this section.
DIVISION VII
RESOURCES ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION OPEN SPACES
Sec. 22. REAP IN LIEU OF GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATION. In
lieu of the standing appropriation in section 455A.18, there is
appropriated from the environment first fund created in section
8.57A to the Iowa resources enhancement and protection fund
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June
30, 2026, the following amount, to be allocated as provided in
section 455A.19:
$ 12,000,000
Sec. 23. REAP — OPEN SPACES ACCOUNT — STATE PARK
MAINTENANCE, OPERATIONS, AND FACILITY REFURBISHMENT.
Notwithstanding section 455A.19, subsection 1, paragraph ^a",
subparagraph (1), of the moneys allocated to the open spaces
account of the Iowa resources enhancement and protection fund,
up to $1,000,000 may be used by the department of natural
resources for state park maintenance, development, operations,
and facility refurbishment for the fiscal year beginning July
1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2026.
Sec. 24. Section 455A.18, subsection 3, paragraph a. Code
2025, is amended to read as follows:
a. For each fiscal year of the fiscal period beginning
July 1, 1997, and ending June 30, 2026 2028, there is
appropriated from the general fund, to the Iowa resources
Senate File 646, p. 21
enhancement and protection fund, the amount of twenty million
dollars, to be used as provided in this chapter. However,
in any fiscal year of the fiscal period, if moneys from the
lottery are appropriated by the state to the fund, the amount
appropriated under this subsection shall be reduced by the
amount appropriated from the lottery.
DIVISION VIII
ANIMAL DISEASE PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Sec. 25. IOWA ANIMAL DISEASE PREVENTION FUND — SPECIAL
APPROPRIATIONS.
1. a. There is appropriated from the Iowa animal disease
prevention fund created in section 165.18, as amended by this
Act, to the department of agriculture and land stewardship for
the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30,
2026, the following amount, or so much thereof as is necessary,
to be used for the purposes designated:
(1) For purposes of purchasing and maintaining equipment
to further the implementation of the foreign animal disease
preparedness and response strategy developed under section
163.30:
$ 250,000
(2) For purposes of assisting in the development of vaccines
against foreign animal diseases by a company based in Iowa that
develops livestock and other animal vaccines:
$ 100,000
(3) For deposit in the foreign animal disease preparedness
and response fund created in section 163.3B for purposes
designated in that section:
$ 100,000
(4) For purposes of upgrading information technology
resources used by the department:
$ 450,000
b. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in
this section that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the
close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain
available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the
close of the succeeding fiscal year.
2. There is appropriated from the Iowa animal disease
prevention fund created in section 165.18, as amended by this
Senate File 646, p. 22
Act, to Iowa state university of science and technology for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026,
the following amount, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be
used for the purposes designated:
a. To assist the college of veterinary medicine veterinary
diagnostic laboratory in installing and moving equipment into
its refurbished facility:
$ 250,000
b. (1) For deposit in the livestock disease research fund
created in section 267.8:
$ 100,000
(2) Moneys appropriated under this paragraph shall be used
by Iowa state university of science and technology to support
animal disease research in areas of importance to livestock
producers.
Sec. 26. Section 159.5, subsection 11, paragraph a,
subparagraph (5), Code 2025, is amended by striking the
subparagraph.
Sec. 27. Section 163.3B, subsection 3, Code 2025, is amended
to read as follows:
3. Moneys in the fund are appropriated to the department a^i4
shall be used exclusively to dcvolop^ establish/ and implement
for the following purposes:
a. Developing, establishing, and implementing a foreign
animal disease preparedness and response strategy as described
in section 163.3C# and shall not roquiro further Gpocial
authorization by the general asaombly.
b. Supporting activities related to animal health and
disease response that strengthen the staters overall ability
to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emerging or reemerging
animal diseases, including but not limited to salaries,
support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes.
Sec. 28. Section 163.10, Code 2025, is amended to read as
follows:
163.10 Quarantining or destroying animals.
The department may quarantine or destroy any animal exposed
to or afflicted with an infectious or contagious disease.
However# cattle exposed to or infected with tubcrculoQis shall
not be deotroyed without the owner's consent# unless there
Senate File 646, p. 23
aro Qufficiont moncya to reimburoc the owner for the cattloy
which may bo paid ao an Gxpcnsc authoriiaod aa provided in
section 163.15/—from monoyo in the brucelloaig and tuborculosis
eradication fund created in section 165.18/ or from moncya made
available by the United States department of agriculture*
Sec. 29. Section 163.15, subsection 1, Code 2025, is amended
to read as follows;
•i-!- If the secretary of agriculture determines that the
outbreak of the infectious or contagious disease tuberculosis
among an animal population constitutes a threat to the general
welfare or the public health of the inhabitants of this state,
the secretary shall formulate a program of eradication which
shall include the condemnation and destroying of the animals
exposed to or afflicted with the disease tuberculosis. The
program of eradication shall provide for the indemnification
of owners of the livestock under this section,—if there are no
other souroeo of indemnification. The program shall not be
effective until the program has been approved by the executive
council.
Sec. 30. Section 163.15, subsection 2, Code 2025, is amended
by striking the subsection.
Sec. 31. Section 163A.12, Code 2025, is amended to read as
follows;
163A.12 Owner requesting test.
If the owner requests the department to inspect and test
breeding swine for brucellosis, and agrees to comply with
the rules made by the department under section 163A.9, the
department may designate a veterinarian to make an inspection
and test, with the expense to be paid as provided in section
164.6 for cattle brucellosis testingT—but only to the extent
the funds provided in that section are not required for the
cattle testing program.
Sec. 32. Section 164.6, Code 2025, is amended to read as
follows:
164.6 Expense of test.
The expense for an inspection and official test of a
designated animal other than for bovine animals shall be borne
by the owner. If the designated animal is a bovine animal, and
the owner agrees to comply with and carry out the provisions
Senate File 646, p. 24
of this chapter and the rules adopted by the department under
section 164.4, the expense of the inspection and test shall
niay be borne by the United States department of agricultureT-
or by the department^—or by the brucollosis and tuberculosis
eradication fund or any combination of those aourccs.
Sec. 33. Section 164.21, subsection 2, Code 2025, is amended
to read as follows:
2. The owner shall may be indemnified to the extent
that money is available in the brucellosis and tuberculosis
eradication fund as created in section 165.18 and
indemnification is also made by the United States department
of agriculture. However,—if the United States department of
agriculture is unable to indemnify the owner,—the department
may indemnify the owner,—if money is available.
Sec. 34. Section 164.21, subsection 3, Code 2025, is amended
by striking the subsection.
Sec. 35. Section 165.2, subsection 1, Code 2025, is amended
to read as follows:
1. The state of Iowa is declared to be and is established as
an accredited area for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis
from the dairy and breeding cattle of the state. It shall be
the duty of the department to eradicate bovine tuberculosis in
all of the counties of the state in the manner provided by law
as it appears in this chapter. The department shall proceed
with the examination, including the tuberculin test, of all
such cattle as rapidly as practicable and as is consistent
with efficient worky and as funds arc available for paying the
indemnities as provided by law.
Sec. 36. Section 165.10, Code 2025, is amended to read as
follows:
165.10 Examination by department.
The department may at any time, on its own motion, make an
examination of any herdy and in case animals are destroyed^
the appraisement and payment shall be made as provided in this
chapter.
Sec. 37. Section 165.18, Code 2025, is amended to read as
follows:
165.18 BruGollooia and tuberculooio eradication Iowa animal
disease prevention fund.
Senate File 646, p. 25
■4-5—A brucellosia and tuberculosis eradication fund is
created in the office of the secretary of agriculture^—to be
uocd together with state and federal funds available to pays
^—The indemnity and other ejcpenoeo provided in this
chapter.
^—The indemnity aa oet out in aection 164.21 and other
expenaeo provided in chapter 164.
—The expenses of the inspection and testing program
provided in chapter 163A# but only to the extent that the
moneys—in the fund are not required for expenses incurred under
chapter 164 or this chapter.
^5 Indemnities as provided in section 159.5,—subsection
11, but only to the extent that the moneys in the fund are not
required to pay expenses under chapter 163A# chapter 164, or
this chapter.
-2-5—If it appears to the secretary of agriculture that the
balance in the fund on January 20—is insufficient to carry
on the work in the state for the following fiscal year#—the
secretary shall notify the board of supervisors of each county
to levy an amount sufficient to pay the expenses estimated to
be incurred under subsection 1 for the following fiscal year#
subject to a maximum levy of thirty-three and three-fourths
cento per thousand dollars of assessed value of all taxable
property in the county.
-3-;—Not later than December 15 or June 15 of a year in which
the tax is collected^ the county treasurer shall transmit the
amount of the tax levied and collected to the treasurer of
state, who shall credit it to the brucellosis and tuberculosis
eradication fund.
1. An Iowa animal disease prevention fund is created in
the state treasury under the control and management of the
department»
2. The fund shall include moneys appropriated by the general
assembly credited to the fund. The fund may include other
moneys available to and obtained or accepted by the department
as provided in section 159.6A, including but not limited to the
federal government, other public sources, or private sources.
3. Moneys in the fund are appropriated to the department to
develop, establish, and implement an animal disease prevention
Senate File 646, p. 26
strategy.
4. a. Notwithstanding section 12C.7, interest or earnings
on moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund.
b. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys in the fund that
remain unencumbered or unobligated at the end of a fiscal year
shall not revert.
Sec. 38. Section 165.26, Code 2025, is amended to read as
follows:
165.26 Permitting test.
Every owner of dairy or breeding cattle in the state shall
permit the owner's cattle to be tested for tuberculosis as
provided in this chapter, and shall confine the cattle in a
proper place so that the examination and test can be applied.
If the owner refuses to so confine the cattle the department
may employ sufficient help to properly confine them and the
expense of such help shall be paid by the owner or deducted
from the indemnity if any is paid. Such owner shall comply
with all the requirements for the establishment and maintenance
of a tuberculosis-free accredited herd.
Sec. 39. Section 331.512, subsection 1, paragraph e. Code
2025, is amended by striking the paragraph.
Sec. 40. Section 331.559, subsection 2, Code 2025, is
amended by striking the subsection.
Sec. 41, REPEAL, Sections 163.16, 165.6, and 165.8, Code
2025, are repealed.
Sec. 42. TRANSFER OF MONEYS. There is transferred from the
brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication fund created pursuant
to section 165.18, Code 2025, to the Iowa animal disease
prevention fund created pursuant to section 165.18, as amended
by this Act, all unencumbered or unobligated moneys remaining
on the effective date of this division of this Act.
DIVISION IX
PROCEEDS FROM SALES OF REAL PROPERTY EXPENDITURES FOR STATE
PARKS
Sec. 43. Section 461A.32, subsection 1, Code 2025, is
amended to read as follows:
1. The commission may sell or exchange such parts of public
lands or structures under the jurisdiction of the commission as
in its judgment may be undesirable for conservation purposes.
Senate File 646, p. 27
excepting state-owned meandered lands already surveyed and
platted at state expense as a conservation plan and project
tentatively adopted and now in the process of rehabilitation
and development authorized by a special legislative Act. The
sale or exchange shall be made upon the terms, conditions,
or considerations as the commission may approve, whereupon
the secretary of state shall issue a patent therefor in the
manner provided by law in other cases. Moneys generated from
any such sale from a state park shall be deposited in the
state conservation fund created in section 456A.17 and are
appropriated to the department to be used exclusively for
structure or infrastructure costs at the specific state park
from which the moneys were generated. The proceeds of any
other such sale or exchange shall become a part of the funds
moneys J^o be expended under the provisions of this chapter.
AMY SINC^IR
President of the Senate
PAT GRASSLi^
Speaker (ix the House
I hereby certify that this bill originated in the Senate and
is known as Senate File 646, Ninety-first General Assembly.
Approve , 2025
W. CHARLES SMITHSON
Secretary of Jrte Senate
KIM R^NOLDS
Governor