HF 2042 (LSB 5509YH (2) 91)

HOUSE FILE 2042

BY  COLLINS

A BILL FOR

An Act requiring the department of management to conduct a study regarding the merger of the department of natural resources and the department of agriculture and land stewardship, and including effective date provisions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  STUDY —— MERGER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP.
   1.  The department of management shall conduct a study regarding the possible merger of the department of natural resources and the department of agriculture and land stewardship. The department of management shall consider the departments’ overlapping missions and programs, and the impact of such merger upon the delivery of services, cost savings, and administrative and enforcement efficiencies. The department of management shall also consider the best methods to integrate the two departments, including but not limited to matters related to building space, management and personnel, equipment, and computer systems. 
   2.  The department of management shall prepare and submit a report regarding its findings and recommendations to the governor and general assembly not later than December 31, 2026. 
    Sec. 2.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill requires the department of management (DOM) to conduct a study regarding the possible merger of the department of natural resources and the department of agriculture and land stewardship. DOM must consider the departments’ overlapping missions and programs, the impact of such merger, and the best methods to integrate the two departments. DOM must submit a report regarding its findings and recommendations to the governor and general assembly not later than December 31, 2026. 
   The bill takes effect upon enactment.