SF 2453 (LSB 6901SV (6) 91)

PROVIDING FOR INVESTMENT BY REGENTS INSTITUTIONS IN  CERTIFIED INNOVATION FUNDS AND INCLUDING EFFECTIVE DATE  PROVISIONS. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  262C.1  Findings and purpose.
   1.  Legislative findings.  The general assembly finds and declares all of the following:
   a.  The state of Iowa has established state-certified innovation funds to promote the growth of high-potential early-stage companies, commercialize research, expand Iowa’s technology ecosystem, and enhance economic competitiveness.
   b.  Iowa’s three public universities collectively steward sizeable endowments that support the long-term missions of the institutions.
   c.  A modest, risk-appropriate allocation of endowment assets into state-certified innovation funds will do all of the following:
   (1)  Expand commercialization pathways for institution-developed technologies.
   (2)  Increase research to market conversions.
   (3)  Strengthen Iowa’s innovation ecosystem.
   (4)  Generate economic benefits for communities throughout Iowa.
   d.  A one percent allocation of endowment assets represents a small, diversified portion of institution endowments, consistent with commonly accepted endowment investment practices and long-term portfolio strategies.
   2.  Purpose.  The purpose of this chapter is to support economic growth in Iowa by requiring institutions to deploy a limited portion of their endowment assets into state-certified innovation funds while maintaining prudent investment standards and fiduciary responsibility to the endowment beneficiaries.
    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  262C.2  Definitions.
   As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
   1.  “Endowment assets” means all unrestricted pooled, long-term investment assets held by or for the benefit of an institution, including foundation-managed endowments, quasi-endowments, and long-term investment pools, as such assets are reported in the foundation’s audited financial statements. “Endowment assets” does not include assets not treated as endowment funds under applicable fiduciary and accounting standards.
   2.  “Innovation fund” means the same as defined in section 15E.52.
   3.  “Institution” means a regents institution specified in section 262.7, subsections 1 through 3.
    Sec. 3.  NEW SECTION.  262C.3  Investment in innovation funds.
   1.  By July 1, 2027, each foundation affiliated with an institution shall ensure that no less than one percent of its total endowment assets are invested in one or more innovation funds. The one percent allocation shall be calculated based on the average quarterly market value of endowment assets for the most recently completed fiscal year.
   2.  A foundation affiliated with an institution may determine which innovation funds to invest in, the timing of such investments, and the structure of investment commitments, provided the foundation remains responsible for compliance with this chapter.
   3.  A foundation affiliated with an institution may implement investments required under this chapter through direct commitments, reallocation of existing assets, or rolling commitments as capital is called, subject to compliance with subsection 1. If the percentage of allocation falls below the amount required by subsection 1 after that date, the foundation shall increase its investment in one or more innovation funds as provided in this chapter as necessary in order to meet the required percentage of allocation.
   4.  Investments made pursuant to this chapter shall be managed in accordance with generally accepted institutional fiduciary standards applicable to endowment funds.
    Sec. 4.  NEW SECTION.  262C.4  Waiver.
   1.  A foundation board may grant a foundation a one-year waiver from the requirements of this chapter if adequate innovation fund capacity is not available or market conditions would materially impair prudent investment.
   2.  A foundation board shall not grant a waiver under this section unless the foundation submits an explanation for its waiver request and a plan for coming into compliance with the requirements of this chapter in writing to the state board of regents and provides a copy to the foundation board.
   3.  If a foundation is granted two consecutive waivers by a foundation board, the foundation shall submit written notice to that effect to the state board of regents when the second consecutive waiver is granted. The state board shall provide such notice in a report to the general assembly.
    Sec. 5.  NEW SECTION.  262C.5  Reports.
   1.  Each institution shall submit an annual report to the state board of regents that includes all of the following:
   a.  The total endowment assets held by the institution.
   b.  The amount and percentage of total endowment assets invested in innovation funds.
   2.  The state board shall compile the reports received pursuant to subsection 1 and submit a consolidated annual report to the general assembly by December 1 of each year.
    Sec. 6.  NEW SECTION.  262C.6  Standards for innovation funds.
   Innovation funds receiving investment under this chapter must support the commercialization of institution technologies, spinouts, or research-derived innovations and report such efforts through existing reporting and compliance obligations under section 15E.52 and rules adopted pursuant to that section. This section shall not be construed to require additional reporting beyond that required under section 15E.52 and rules adopted pursuant to that section.
    Sec. 7.  NEW SECTION.  262C.7  List of innovation funds.
   The economic development authority shall maintain a public list of all innovation funds eligible for investment by a foundation pursuant to this chapter. The authority shall notify each foundation of any changes to the list.
    Sec. 8.  NEW SECTION.  262C.8  Implementation and construction of chapter.
   Implementation of this chapter shall not alter donor intent and shall be carried out in a manner consistent with applicable restrictions and fiduciary obligations. This chapter shall not be construed to alter donor intent, beneficiary designation, an institution’s spending policy, or the permissible use of endowment distributions. This chapter addresses only investment allocation and implementation consistent with applicable fiduciary standards.
    Sec. 9.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect December 31, 2026.

______________________________
AMY SINCLAIR
President of the Senate

______________________________
PAT GRASSLEY
Speaker of the House

   I hereby certify that this bill originated in the Senate and is known as Senate File 2453, Ninety-first General Assembly.

______________________________
W. CHARLES SMITHSON
Secretary of the Senate

Approved _______________, 2026

______________________________
KIM REYNOLDS
Governor