SSB 1121 (LSB 1244DP (4) 88)

SENATE/HOUSE FILE _____

BY  (PROPOSED DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BILL)

A BILL FOR

An Act providing for the repeal of the honey creek premier destination park bond program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 8.57F, subsection 2, paragraph a, Code 2019, is amended by striking the paragraph.
    Sec. 2.  Section 12.30, subsection 1, paragraph a, Code 2019, is amended to read as follows:
   a.  “Authority” means a department, or public or quasi-public instrumentality of the state including but not limited to the authority created under chapter 12E, 16, 257C, or 261A, or 463C, which has the power to issue obligations, except that “authority” does not include the state board of regents or the Iowa finance authority to the extent it acts pursuant to chapter 260C. “Authority” also includes a port authority created under chapter 28J.
    Sec. 3.  Section 422.7, subsection 2, paragraph v, Code 2019, is amended by striking the paragraph.
    Sec. 4.  Section 461A.1, Code 2019, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  4.  “Honey creek resort state park” or “resort” means the state’s premier destination state park located on Rathbun lake.
    Sec. 5.  NEW SECTION.  461A.3A  Honey creek resort state park —— findings —— competitive bidding.
   1.  Honey creek resort state park is established to provide important recreational and economic benefits to the state.
   2.  Competitive bid laws, including hearings in connection with contracts, shall not apply to either the department’s or its agents’ contracts involving or benefitting the resort if the contract is carrying out a public or essential governmental function. However, the exemption from competitive bid laws in this section shall not be construed to apply to contracts for the development or construction of facilities at the resort, including but not limited to lodges, campgrounds, cabins, and golf courses.
    Sec. 6.  REPEAL.  Chapter 463C, Code 2019, is repealed.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill repeals the honey creek premier destination park bond program.
   Current law creates within the department of natural resources the honey creek premier destination park authority, which implements and administers the honey creek premier destination park bond program. The law requires the authority to dissolve no later than two years after the date of final payment of all outstanding bonds and the satisfaction of all outstanding obligations of the authority, except to the extent necessary to remain in existence to fulfill any outstanding covenants or provisions with bondholders or third parties made in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 463C. Upon dissolution, all assets of the authority shall be deposited into the general fund of the state unless otherwise directed by the general assembly.
   All outstanding bonds of the authority were defeased on November 25, 2013, and subsequently redeemed on June 1, 2016. The dissolution of the authority was effective June 1, 2018.
   The bill makes conforming changes in the Iowa Code to remove references to the authority. The bill also retains language regarding competitive bidding that would otherwise have been repealed.