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[Dome]Interim Calendar and Briefing

December 6, 1995

Contents:
CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED MEETINGS
AGENDA INFORMATION REGARDING SCHEDULED MEETINGS
BRIEFINGS - INFORMATION REGARDING RECENT MEETINGS

Calendar of Scheduled Meetings

Friday, December 8, 1995
Iowa Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations
POSTPONED/TO BE RESCHEDULED
Tuesday, December 12, 1995
Administrative Rules Review Committee
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Housing Development Study Committee - Tentative
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Room 116
Wednesday, December 13, 1995
Administrative Rules Review Committee
9:00 a.m., Room 22
Business Taxation Study Committee - Tentative
9:00 a.m., Speaker's Conference Room
Thursday, December 14, 1995
Business Taxation Study Committee - Tentative
9:00 a.m., Speaker's Conference Room
Public Retirement Systems Study Committee - Tentative
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Intermediate Criminal Sanctions Task Force
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Room 116
Livestock Production Study Committee Subcommittee Public Hearing
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., ISU Extension Building, Audubon, IA
Friday, December 15, 1995
One-Call Statewide Underground Facility Notification Study Committee
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Livestock Production Study Committee Subcommittee Public Hearing
2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Brenton Bank, Meeting Room, Grinnell, IA
Tuesday, December 19, 1995
Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council
9:00 a.m., Room 22
Thursday, December 21, 1995
Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council
RESCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 19
Tuesday, January 16, 1996
Alternative Energy Production Study Committee
Scheduled to Meet Upon Adjournment, Room 116

Agenda Information Regarding Scheduled Meetings

Administrative Rules Review Committee

Co-chairperson: Senator Berl E. Priebe
Co-chairperson: Representative Janet Metcalf

Housing Development Study Committee

Co-chairperson: Senator Michael Gronstal
Co-chairperson: Representative Libby Jacobs

Business Taxation Study Committee

Co-chairperson: Senator Tom Vilsack
Co-chairperson: Representative Roger Halvorson

Public Retirement Systems Study CommitteeTENTATIVE

Co-chairperson: Senator John P. Kibbie
Co-chairperson: Representative Mona Martin

Intermediate Criminal Sanctions Task Force

Livestock Production Study Committee Subcommittees' Public Hearings

Committee Co-chairperson: Senator Berl E. Priebe
Committee Co-chairperson: Representative Russell Eddie

One-Call Statewide Underground Facility Notification Study Committee

Co-chairperson: Senator Dennis Black
Co-chairperson: Representative James Van Fossen

Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council

Co-chairperson: Senator Larry Murphy
Co-chairperson: Representative David Millagwe

BRIEFINGS - Information Regarding Recent Meetings

NONBUSINESS TAXATION STUDY COMMITTEE

November 28, 1995

The third and final meeting of the Nonbusiness Taxation Study Committee was held Tuesday, November 28, 1995, in Committee Room 22, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa.

Value-added Tax Credit.
Economist John Lawrence, Iowa State University, presented an expanded analysis of the value-added tax credit for livestock production based on corn feeding rates which, he stated, would increase both livestock production and in-state corn utilization. The tax credit was first discussed at the November 3rd meeting.
Property Tax Credits and Exemptions for Veterans of Military Service.
Mr. Hugh Griffin of the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs, and a member of the Governor's Task Force on Veterans Issues in the State of Iowa, discussed real estate tax issues being studied by a Task Force subcommittee in an effort to curb the loss of veterans from the state. The subcommittee is currently examining three proposals for providing an incentive for veterans to remain in Iowa, or return if they have previously relocated. The subcommittee is also investigating the question of whether Iowa's income tax is a primary contributor to veteran relocation to other states.
Agricultural Land Productivity Formula.
Mr. Richard Stradley of the Department of Revenue and Finance presented an overview of the agricultural land productivity value calculated over a five period. Mr. Stradley provided a sample agricultural assessment formula calculation, and noted that agricultural assessments based on productivity result in greater stability when compared with market value assessments.
Recommendations.
The following recommendations were presented to the Committee:

JOINT MEETING OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND CAPITAL PROJECTS COMMITTEES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

November 29, 1995; 2nd Joint Meeting of the 1995-1996 Biennium

Capitol and Capitol Complex Building Renovation.
The joint meeting considered information from the Department of General Services regarding the renovation of the Capitol and the Old Historical Building and space needs for of offices located in the capitol complex. In addition, the committees received information regarding the Governor's interest in considering renovation of the Capitol and other capitol complex offices. The Committees made the following recommendations which were approved by the Legislative Council:

SERVICE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

November 29, 1995; 2nd Meeting of the 1995-1996 Biennium

The Service Committee agreed to the following report which includes recommendations later approved by the Legislative Council:
  1. Personnel Reports. Personnel reports were received from the four nonpartisan central staff agencies which the Service Committee oversees. The agencies are the Legislative Service Bureau, Legislative Fiscal Bureau, Legislative Computer Support Bureau, and Office of Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman.
  2. Staff Issues. The Committee recommended approval of various staff promotions for the central staff agencies.
  3. Agency Activity Updates. The Committee received reports concerning the operation of the Small Business Ombudsman Program and the Computer User Policy Direction Committee (a committee composed of the management staff of all legislative agencies).
  4. Budgets. The Committee recommended approval of the central staff agency budgets for fiscal year 1996-1997 and of amended budgets for fiscal year 1995-1996.
  5. Information Costs. The Committee recommended approval of a subcommittee of the Computer User Policy Direction Committee's recommendations concerning pricing of electronic versions of legislative information.
  6. Reappointment of Ombudsman. The Committee recommended approval of the reappointment of William P. Angrick as Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman for a term of four years. The Legislative Council's appointment is subject to the approval of both legislative chambers.
  7. Confidentiality of LSB Drafts. The Committee recommended approval of a confidentiality policy for drafting and research documents prepared by the Legislative Service Bureau.

CAPITAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

November 29, 1995; 2nd Meeting of the 1995-1996 Biennium

Infrastructure Report.
The Capitol Projects Committee received a brief summary of and accepted the final report, entitled "Iowa Infrastructure '95 - A Report of the Infrastructure Needs in the State of Iowa", submitted by James E. Rowings, Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Iowa State University. This study was funded by the Legislative Council in 1994.
Information.
The Committee also received the following information:

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

November 29, 1995; 2nd Meeting of the 1995-1996 Biennium

Recommendations.
The Administration Committee agreed to the following report which includes recommendations later approved by the Legislative Council. Reports were received concerning the following:
Friends of the Capitol.
The Committee recommended authorizing the Legislative Service Bureau director to enter into business relationships with Friends of the Capitol.
Legal Publications.
The Committee recommended approval of preparation by the Legislative Service Bureau of a bill draft relating to legal publications and related products for submission to the appropriate standing committees.
Copyright Protection.
The Committee recommended authorizing the Legislative Service Bureau to seek copyright protection for data processing software if authorized by statute.

STUDIES COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

November 29, 1995; 2nd Meeting of the 1995-1996 Biennium

The Studies Committee made the following recommendations which were later approved by the Legislative Council:

Statutory Appointments.
That statutory appointments to the Brushy Creek Trails Advisory Committee, County Finance Committee, and City Finance Committee be made by legislative leaders on behalf of the Legislative Council.
Deadline Extensions.
That extensions be granted for the following study committees to hold their final meetings beyond the original deadline of November 24 and that an additional meeting day be granted for the indicated committees. The new completion deadline is to be January 19, 1996: Livestock Production, Nonbusiness Taxation, One-Call, Business Taxation; additional day granted: Alternative Energy, Housing Development, and Public Retirement.
New Study Committees.
The following new study committees, each with 7 Senate and 7 House members, were established to meet for one day between the beginning of the 1996 Legislative Session and January 19, 1996: Excursion Gaming and Racing Enforcement Activities and Expansion of Driver's License One-Stop Shops.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

November 29, 1995; 2nd Meeting of the 1995-1996 Biennium

In addition to consideration of the reports and recommendations from its various committees which are noted in the briefings of those committees, the Legislative Council business included the following:

Legal Publication Prices.
The Council approved these prices for the cited publications:
Election Laws Supplement:$21
1995 Iowa Acts:$63.50
1995 Code Supplement:$36.75
International Relations Committee.
The report of the International Relations Committee was summarized in the October 11 issue of the Interim Calendar and Briefing and included goals and the following recommendations accepted by the Legislative Council:
Fiscal Committee Reports.
The Legislative Council accepted the Legislative Fiscal Committee reports from the meetings on July 26, August 3, August 22, September 27, October 24, and November 24. The Legislative Council accepted a revised recommendation that a Federal Briefing Session for legislators in conjunction with Iowa's Federal/State Office originally proposed for December 7 be postponed until a later date due to the fact that decisions on the federal budget have not been finalized.
Prison Overcrowding.
Ms. Jan Corderman, President, Association of Federal, State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), spoke concerning overcrowded conditions at the Clarinda Correctional Facility and raised concerns regarding safety of correctional officers at the facility. Legislative Council agreed to express its concerns about the situation to the Director of the Department of Corrections and ask for a response from the Department.
Leadership Policymakers Institute Report.
The Legislative Council received a report concerning an institute for executive, judicial, and legislative branch leaders held in early fall.
Legislative Information on the Internet.
The Legislative Council received a report concerning upcoming availability of bills, amendments, and other legislative information on the Internet. Please refer to the last item in this briefing for information on the Legislature's website.
Supreme Court Strategic Planning Presentation.
Justice Linda Newman presented a request for funding by the Legislative Council for the Supreme Court's strategic planning process. The Legislative Council endorsed the concept but declined to provide funding from the General Assembly's moneys. The Council instead recommended that the General Assembly enact funding for the request early in the 1996 Legislative Session.
Legislative Telecommunications Connection.
The Legislative Council deferred action on a proposal for funding to provide capability for connection of a Senate meeting room to the Iowa Communications Network.

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION STUDY COMMITTEE

November 29, 1995; First of Three Meetings. Third Meeting will be held during Session

The Committee received testimony from various organizations and individuals regarding vertical integration and market practices in the livestock industry.

Iowa State University.
Dr. John Lawrence and Dr. Marvin Hayenga representing Iowa State University, presented information regarding meat packers and processors, including the estimated 1995 share of slaughter capacity, market share, litigation, and market contracting, including types of contracts.
Farmer.
Mr. Harlan Meyer, a farmer from Sac City, expressed concern regarding access to markets, and urged the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration of the United States Department of Agriculture to better oversee the packing industry. Mr. Harlan discussed proposed changes to Iowa law to prohibit price discrimination and vertical integration.
Attorney General's Office.
Mr. Tim Benton and Mr. Charles Krogmeier, representing the Attorney General's Office, discussed Iowa's law prohibiting vertical integration and efforts to determine whether it is appropriate to prosecute an out-of-state processor who is contracting feeding swine in Iowa. They also discussed the Office's participation in the Production Contracting Task Force which is in the process of developing guidelines for producers.
Farm Credit Services of the Midlands.
Mr. Larry Reeding, representing Farm Credit Services of the Midlands, discussed inequalities in livestock production and marketing in Iowa from a lender's perspective. He encouraged the members to review Iowa's corporate farming law, stating that the effect has been to create an uneven playing field that allows large private individuals an unfair advantage over smaller producers forming business enterprises.
Murphey Family Farms.
Mr. Conley Nelson, representing Murphey Family Farms, discussed contract feeding practices of Murphey Family Farms, and marketing arrangements with processors. He noted that Murphey Family Farms has a history of offering fair contracts with producers, based upon straight and some incentive payment schedules.
Producer's Associations.
Mr. Jon Caspers, representing the Iowa Pork Producers Association; Mr. Jim Basler, representing the Iowa Poultry Association; and Mr. Wythe Willey, representing the Iowa Cattlemens Association, discussed perspectives from producer organizations. Mr. Caspers discussed a market access survey conducted among producers, and stated that the organization is cooperating with the United States Department of Agriculture to study vertical integration, packer concentration, and market access. Mr. Basler discussed the unique situation of the poultry industry and discussed its expansion in the state, and noted that vertical integration in that industry has not disadvantaged Iowa's producers. Mr. Willey discussed a number of issues, including the lack of cattle slaughtering facilities in the state, the slow pace at which vertical integration has moved in the cattle industry, contracting and marketing agreements as a critical part of producers' business strategies, and recommended that Iowa legislation encourage and support cattle production in the state.
Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration.
Mr. Keith Kienow, representing the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration of the United States Department of Agriculture, discussed livestock marketing regulation, the purpose of the regulation, and recent efforts to enforce regulations against packers.
Public Hearings.
The Committee agreed to form subcommittees to conduct five public hearings around the state.

COUNTY FINANCE COMMITTEE

December 1, 1995

Background.
The County Finance Committee is a permanent committee created in chapter 333A, Code of Iowa, with duties associated with county finance reporting and practices. The Committee is authorized to adopt administrative rules which have the force and effect of law.
MH/DD Levy.
The Committee discussed recommendations prepared by staff for changes to the MH/DD Services Fund tax levy cap which currently is equal to the amount of FY 93-94 MH/DD expenditures. The Committee agreed to recommend that, for FY 96-97, the base year expenditures should be equal to the FY 94-95 net expenditure report amount multiplied by the government price index used to calculate a levy increase under the property tax limitation. For subsequent fiscal years, the base year amount should be the FY 95-96 DHS Actual Net Expenditure Report. FY 95 Reports shall be received by DHS no later than January 5, 1996. A county whose reports is received after January 5, 1996, shall have as its base year levy the FY93-94 Expenditure Report amount.
MH/DD Services.
The Committee also discussed the Department of Management's proposed method for determining a July 1, 1996, beginning balance for the MH/DD Services Fund. The Department of Management proposes allowing a temporary transfer from the County General Fund to the MH/DD Services Fund of an amount equal to the amount of the growth in expenditures between FY 94 and FY 95.
Next Meeting.
The next meeting of the County Finance Committee is scheduled for Friday, January 5, 1996, at 1:00 p.m.

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