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Meeting Public Comments

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SSB 3153
A bill for an act relating to regulation of vessels and equipment on public lakes by common interest communities and certain nonprofit corporations.(See SF 2292.)
Agenda
Subcommittee members: Koelker-CH, Wahls, Webster
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Senate Lounge
Comments Submitted:
The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

02-07-2024
Jason Reber []
Iowa House Study Bill 647 (HSB 647) allows private communities and homeowner associations to regulate public lakes. This would threaten public access to these vital recreational resources and undermine a legal principle protecting public access, known as the public trust doctrine. The public trust doctrine ensures everyone enjoys public resources like lakes. HSB 647 would give private groups control over these lakes, potentially creating:Private rules: Speed limits, equipment requirements, and other restrictions set by private groups, not the public.Limited access: Public access blocked and harassment by private associations.Unequal treatment: Only members of certain groups able to use the lake, excluding others.This is unfair and harmful. Public lakes belong to everyone, and everyone should be able to enjoy them.