Senate File 2420 - Introduced SENATE FILE 2420 BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE (SUCCESSOR TO SSB 3123) A BILL FOR An Act relating to agriculture, including by providing for 1 the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and 2 land stewardship, including the promotion and regulation 3 of commodities and products, the regulation of the 4 transportation of agricultural commodities, and the use 5 of agricultural land, making penalties applicable, and 6 including effective date provisions. 7 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 8 TLSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js
S.F. 2420 DIVISION I 1 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP —— PROMOTION —— 2 RENEWABLE FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE 3 Section 1. Section 159A.16, subsection 3, paragraphs a, b, 4 and c, Code 2026, are amended to read as follows: 5 a. For each fiscal year, not more than one million 6 seven hundred fifty thousand dollars shall be allocated to 7 support the renewable fuel infrastructure program for retail 8 motor fuel sites as provided in section 159A.14 to finance 9 the installation, replacement, or conversion of biodiesel 10 infrastructure as provided in that section. 11 b. a. For each fiscal year, not more than one hundred 12 fifty thousand dollars shall be allocated to the department to 13 support the administration of the programs. 14 c. b. For each fiscal year, the department may use up to 15 three-quarters of one percent of the program funds to market 16 the programs. Otherwise the moneys shall not be transferred, 17 used, obligated, appropriated, or otherwise encumbered except 18 to allocate as financial incentives under the programs. 19 DIVISION II 20 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP —— PROMOTION 21 PART A 22 GENERAL 23 Sec. 2. Section 23A.2, subsection 8, Code 2026, is amended 24 by adding the following new paragraph: 25 NEW PARAGRAPH . p. An activity carried out by the department 26 of agriculture and land stewardship to promote the marketing 27 of Iowa commodities and products, including as provided in 28 chapters 159 and 187. 29 Sec. 3. Section 187.201, subsection 3, Code 2026, is amended 30 to read as follows: 31 3. Moneys in the fund are appropriated to the department and 32 shall be used exclusively to administer the programs created 33 in this subchapter chapter as determined and directed by the 34 department, and shall not require further special authorization 35 -1- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 1/ 33
S.F. 2420 by the general assembly. 1 PART B 2 CHOOSE IOWA PROMOTION PROGRAMS 3 Sec. 4. Section 187.301, Code 2026, is amended by adding the 4 following new subsection: 5 NEW SUBSECTION . 1A. The department shall enroll a person as 6 a choose Iowa member who is any of the following: 7 a. Actively participating in the program by producing, 8 processing, or marketing Iowa agricultural products originating 9 as commodities produced on Iowa farms. 10 b. Otherwise supporting the program as required by the 11 department. 12 Sec. 5. Section 187.301, subsection 2, Code 2026, is amended 13 by adding the following new paragraph: 14 NEW PARAGRAPH . c. The department may adopt rules providing 15 for choose Iowa membership criteria. 16 Sec. 6. Section 187.303, subsections 1 and 2, Code 2026, are 17 amended to read as follows: 18 1. A person may apply to the department to participate 19 enroll as a member in the choose Iowa promotional program 20 according to procedures established by rules adopted by the 21 department. The department shall evaluate and approve or 22 disapprove applications an application based on criteria 23 established by rules adopted by the department. The department 24 may disapprove an application if the department determines the 25 applicant’s use of the choose Iowa logo would be associated 26 with the consumption of an adulterated or illegal food item. 27 2. The department may enter into a licensing agreement with 28 a person participating enrolled as a member in the program. 29 The participating person A member may use the choose Iowa logo 30 to advertise a food item product originating as an agricultural 31 commodity produced on an Iowa farm, subject to terms and 32 conditions required by rules adopted by the department. A 33 licensing agreement shall not be for more than one year. 34 Sec. 7. NEW SECTION . 187.307 Choose Iowa school purchasing 35 -2- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 2/ 33
S.F. 2420 program. 1 1. There is created within the department a choose Iowa 2 school purchasing program. 3 2. The department shall administer the program according to 4 all of the following: 5 a. A farm or business shall be eligible to participate in 6 the program if the farm or business is enrolled as a member of 7 the choose Iowa promotional program as provided in this part 1 8 of subchapter III. 9 b. A school or school district is eligible to participate in 10 the program, if recognized by the department. 11 c. A qualified food product is limited to meat and poultry, 12 dairy products other than milk, grains, flour, eggs, honey, and 13 produce. 14 3. a. An eligible school or school district purchasing 15 a qualified food product from an eligible farm or business 16 shall be reimbursed on a matching basis with the department 17 contributing one dollar for every one dollar expended by the 18 eligible school or school district. 19 b. The department may establish by rule the method and 20 limitations for determining the amount of funding available to 21 each school or school district under this section. 22 c. Notwithstanding paragraph “b ”, if the department 23 determines that there are not sufficient moneys to satisfy 24 all claims that may be submitted by schools and school 25 districts, the department shall provide for the distribution 26 of the available moneys in a manner determined equitable by 27 the department, which may include a prorated distribution to 28 participating schools and school districts. 29 4. The department may administer the program in cooperation 30 with the department of education and the participating school 31 or school district in which a participating school is located. 32 5. The department may use not more than five percent of the 33 moneys appropriated to support the program in a fiscal year to 34 pay for the costs of administering the program. 35 -3- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 3/ 33
S.F. 2420 6. The department shall prepare and submit a report 1 regarding its findings and recommendations to the governor and 2 general assembly not later than July 31 of each year. 3 Sec. 8. Section 187.331, Code 2026, is amended to read as 4 follows: 5 187.331 Choose Iowa food bank purchasing program. 6 1. There is created within the department a choose Iowa food 7 bank purchasing program. 8 2. The department shall administer the program according to 9 all of the following requirements : 10 a. A farm or business that owns or operates the farm source 11 shall be given a preference to participate in the program if 12 the farm or business is currently participating eligible to 13 participate in the program if the farm or business is enrolled 14 as a member in the choose Iowa promotional program as provided 15 in this part 1 of subchapter III. Otherwise, a farm or 16 business may participate in the program if the farm or business 17 has applied to participate in the choose Iowa promotional 18 program and the department determines that the application will 19 be approved. 20 b. An eligible participant is limited to any Iowa food bank 21 or an Iowa emergency feeding organization, recognized by the 22 department. 23 c. A qualified food product is limited to meat and poultry, 24 dairy products, grains, flour, eggs, honey, and produce. 25 3. a. Of the moneys appropriated to support the program in 26 a fiscal year, not more than two hundred thousand dollars shall 27 be used to reimburse Iowa food banks and Iowa emergency feeding 28 organizations. 29 b. 3. a. An eligible participant Iowa food bank or an 30 emergency feeding organization purchasing a qualified food 31 product from an eligible farm or business shall be reimbursed 32 on a matching basis with the department contributing one dollar 33 for every one dollar expended by the eligible participant Iowa 34 food bank or emergency feeding organization . 35 -4- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 4/ 33
S.F. 2420 c. b. An Iowa food bank or Iowa emergency feeding 1 organization shall not receive more than fifty thousand dollars 2 per fiscal year for participating in the program. 3 4. c. The department may use not more than five percent of 4 the moneys appropriated to support the program in a fiscal year 5 to pay for the costs of administering the program. 6 5. 4. The department shall prepare and submit a report 7 regarding its findings and recommendations to the governor and 8 general assembly not later than January 15 July 31 of each 9 year. 10 6. This section is repealed July 1, 2030. 11 Sec. 9. Section 190A.2, subsections 5 and 9, Code 2026, are 12 amended by striking the subsections. 13 Sec. 10. Section 190A.2, subsection 7, Code 2026, is amended 14 to read as follows: 15 7. “Program” means the farm-to-school program created in 16 section 190A.6 190A.3 . 17 Sec. 11. Section 190A.3, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended 18 to read as follows: 19 1. The A farm-to-school program is created within the 20 department. The program shall seek to link elementary and 21 secondary public and nonpublic schools in this state with Iowa 22 farms to provide schools with fresh and minimally processed 23 food products for inclusion in school meals and snacks, 24 encourage children to develop healthy eating habits, and 25 provide Iowa farmers access to consumer markets. 26 Sec. 12. Section 190A.5, subsection 3, Code 2026, is amended 27 to read as follows: 28 3. Moneys in the fund are appropriated to support 29 the farm-to-school program in a manner determined by the 30 department, including for reasonable administrative costs 31 incurred by the department. However, the department shall 32 not expend more than four percent of moneys existing at any 33 one time in the fund during each fiscal year for purpose of 34 paying costs associated with the administration of the program 35 -5- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 5/ 33
S.F. 2420 and fund incurred by the department during that fiscal year. 1 Moneys expended from the fund shall not require further special 2 authorization by the general assembly. 3 Sec. 13. REPEAL. Section 190A.6, Code 2026, is repealed. 4 Sec. 14. CODE EDITOR DIRECTIVE. 5 1. The Code editor is directed to make the following 6 transfers: 7 a. Section 187.331 to section 187.308. 8 b. Section 159.25 to section 187.309. 9 2. The Code editor shall correct internal references in the 10 Code and in any enacted legislation as necessary due to the 11 enactment of this section. 12 PART C 13 INNOVATION AND REVITALIZATION PROGRAMS 14 Sec. 15. Section 187.311, Code 2026, is amended by adding 15 the following new subsection: 16 NEW SUBSECTION . 5A. The department may give priority to an 17 applicant who is a beginning farmer. 18 Sec. 16. NEW SECTION . 187.315 Butchery innovation and 19 revitalization program. 20 1. A butchery innovation and revitalization program is 21 created within the department. The purpose of the program is 22 to promote the development, modernization, and expansion of 23 this state’s butchery industry. 24 2. In administering the program, the department shall award 25 financial assistance to eligible businesses to support projects 26 that do one or more of the following: 27 a. To expand or refurbish an existing, or to establish a 28 new, state-inspected small-scale meat processing business. 29 b. To expand or refurbish an existing, or to establish a 30 new, federally inspected small-scale meat processing business. 31 c. To expand or refurbish an existing, or to establish a 32 new, licensed custom locker. 33 d. To expand or refurbish an existing, or to establish a 34 new, mobile slaughter unit that operates in compliance with 35 -6- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 6/ 33
S.F. 2420 the most current mobile slaughter unit compliance guide issued 1 by the United States department of agriculture food safety and 2 inspection service. 3 e. To rent buildings, refrigeration facilities, freezer 4 facilities, or equipment necessary to expand processing 5 capacity, including mobile slaughter or refrigeration units 6 used exclusively for meat or poultry processing. 7 3. The department shall establish eligibility criteria for 8 the program. The eligibility criteria must include all of the 9 following: 10 a. The business must be located in this state. 11 b. The business must not have been subject to any regulatory 12 enforcement action related to federal, state, or local 13 environmental, worker safety, food processing, or food safety 14 laws, rules, or regulations within the last five years. 15 c. The business must only employ individuals legally 16 authorized to work in this state. 17 d. The business must not currently be in bankruptcy. 18 e. The business must employ less than two hundred full-time 19 nonseasonal individuals. 20 4. An eligible business seeking financial assistance under 21 this section shall make application to the department in the 22 manner and on forms prescribed by the department. 23 5. Applications for financial assistance under this section 24 shall be accepted during one or more annual application periods 25 established by the department. Upon reviewing and scoring all 26 applications that are received during an application period, 27 and subject to the availability of moneys, the department may 28 award financial assistance to eligible businesses. A financial 29 assistance award shall not exceed the amount of eligible 30 project costs included in the eligible business’s application. 31 Priority shall be given to eligible businesses whose proposed 32 project or projects under subsection 2 are most likely to do 33 one or more of the following: 34 a. Create new jobs. 35 -7- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 7/ 33
S.F. 2420 b. Create or expand opportunities for local small-scale 1 farmers to market processed meat under private labels. 2 c. Provide greater flexibility or convenience for local 3 small-scale farmers to have animals processed. 4 6. An eligible business that is awarded financial 5 assistance under this section may apply for financial 6 assistance under other programs administered by the department. 7 Sec. 17. REPEAL. Section 15E.370, Code 2026, is repealed. 8 DIVISION III 9 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP REGULATION —— 10 ANIMAL HEALTH 11 Sec. 18. Section 163.1, Code 2026, is amended by adding the 12 following new subsection: 13 NEW SUBSECTION . 7A. Lease facilities in order to carry out 14 and administer the provisions of this chapter related to an 15 infectious or contagious disease or a foreign animal disease 16 preparedness and response effort. 17 Sec. 19. NEW SECTION . 163.2B Confidentiality. 18 1. Notwithstanding section 22.7, all information and 19 records relating to an infectious or contagious disease 20 received or collected by the department pursuant to this 21 chapter, including rules adopted under this chapter by the 22 department, is confidential to the extent it identifies any of 23 the following: 24 a. The name, address, and contact information of any person 25 owning or caring for an animal suspected of or being affected 26 with any infectious or contagious disease. 27 b. Any location where an animal suspected of or being 28 affected with any infectious or contagious disease has been 29 kept. 30 c. Information that when considered together leads to the 31 identity of a person described in paragraph “a” or a location or 32 premises described in paragraph “b” . 33 2. Notwithstanding subsection 1, the department, in 34 acting as the lawful custodian of the confidential record, may 35 -8- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 8/ 33
S.F. 2420 disclose the record or any part of the record if it is deemed 1 necessary by the state veterinarian to protect the public 2 health or the health or well-being of animals within the state. 3 DIVISION IV 4 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP —— REGULATION 5 —— WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 6 Sec. 20. Section 210.1, Code 2026, is amended to read as 7 follows: 8 210.1 Standard established Weights and measures standards —— 9 compliance with federal law . 10 The weights and measures which have been presented by the 11 department to the United States national institute of standards 12 and technology and approved, standardized, and certified by 13 the institute in accordance with the laws of the Congress of 14 the United States shall be the standard weights and measures 15 throughout the state regulated under this chapter shall conform 16 with Iowa’s state primary standard of weights and measures as 17 described in section 215.1B . 18 Sec. 21. Section 213.1, Code 2026, is amended to read as 19 follows: 20 213.1 State metrologist. 21 The department secretary of agriculture may designate 22 one of its assistants the bureau chief of the department’s 23 weights and measures bureau to act as state metrologist 24 of weights and measures. All weights and measures sealed 25 by the state metrologist shall be impressed with the word 26 “Iowa.” The bureau chief is the appropriate state official 27 responsible for cooperating with the national institute of 28 standards and technology as defined in section 215.1 and in the 29 administration of weights and measures as regulated in this 30 subtitle. 31 Sec. 22. Section 213.2, Code 2026, is amended to read as 32 follows: 33 213.2 Physical United States standards —— conformity . 34 Weights and measures , which conform to the standards of the 35 -9- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 9/ 33
S.F. 2420 United States national institute of standards and technology 1 existing as of January 1, 1979, that are metrologically 2 traceable to the United States standards supplied by the 3 federal government or approved as being in compliance with 4 its standards recognized by the national bureau institute of 5 standards and technology shall be the Iowa’s state primary 6 standard of weights and measures as verified by the department . 7 Such The traceable standards of weights and measures shall 8 be verified upon their initial receipt of same by the 9 department and as often as deemed necessary by the secretary 10 of agriculture department . The secretary department may 11 provide for the alteration in revise the state primary standard 12 of weights and measures in order to maintain metrological 13 traceability with the standard standards of the United States 14 national institute of standards and technology. All such 15 alterations The verification or revision shall be made pursuant 16 to rules promulgated adopted by the secretary department in 17 accordance with chapter 17A . 18 Sec. 23. Section 214.3, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended 19 to read as follows: 20 1. A license fee is imposed on a person who uses or 21 displays for use a commercial weighing and measuring device. 22 The license fee is due the day the department issues the 23 license. The amount of the license fee shall be calculated in 24 accordance with the class or section for devices as established 25 by handbook 44 of the United States national institute of 26 standards and technology. 27 Sec. 24. Section 215.1, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended 28 to read as follows: 29 1. a. “Commercial weighing and measuring device” or “device” 30 means a weight or measure or weighing or measuring device 31 used to establish size, quantity, area or other quantitative 32 measurement of a commodity sold by weight or measurement, or 33 where when the price to be paid for producing the commodity is 34 based upon the weight or measurement of the commodity. The 35 -10- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 10/ 33
S.F. 2420 term 1 b. “Commercial weighing and measuring device” includes an any 2 of the following: 3 (1) An accessory attached to or used in connection with 4 a commercial weighing or measuring device when the accessory 5 is so designed or installed that its operation may affect the 6 accuracy of the device. “Commercial weighing and measuring 7 device” includes a 8 (2) A public scale or a commercial scanner. 9 Sec. 25. Section 215.1, Code 2026, is amended by adding the 10 following new subsection: 11 NEW SUBSECTION . 3A. “National institute of standards and 12 technology” means the national institute of standards and 13 technology established within the United States department of 14 commerce pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §272. 15 Sec. 26. Section 215.1A, Code 2026, is amended to read as 16 follows: 17 215.1A Inspections. 18 1. The Except as otherwise expressly provided by statute, 19 the department shall regularly of agriculture and land 20 stewardship may inspect all any commercial weighing and 21 measuring devices, and when device. If the department 22 receives a complaint is made to the department that any false 23 or incorrect alleging weights or measures are being made 24 inaccurately recorded by a device , the department shall inspect 25 the commercial weighing and measuring devices which caused the 26 complaint device . 27 2. The department may inspect a prepackaged goods good to 28 determine the accuracy of their its recorded weights weight . 29 3. a. The department may order the owner of the device 30 or a service agency that installed, serviced, or repaired the 31 device, to deliver to the department one or more of the service 32 agency’s most recent test reports documenting the device’s 33 accuracy. 34 b. (1) Except as provided in subparagraph (2), the delivery 35 -11- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 11/ 33
S.F. 2420 of a report may be in lieu of an inspection. 1 (2) The department shall provide for an inspection of any 2 of the following: 3 (a) A motor fuel pump as required in section 214.11. 4 (b) A moisture-measuring device as required in section 5 215A.2. 6 (c) A charging station dispensing electric fuel as required 7 in section 452A.41. 8 Sec. 27. Section 215.14, subsection 3, Code 2026, is amended 9 to read as follows: 10 3. Before approval by the department, the specifications 11 for a commercial weighing and measuring device shall be 12 furnished to the purchaser of the device by the manufacturer. 13 The approval shall be based upon the recommendation of the 14 United States national institute of standards and technology. 15 Sec. 28. Section 215.19, Code 2026, is amended to read as 16 follows: 17 215.19 Automatic recorders on scales. 18 Except for scales a scale used by packers a packer 19 slaughtering fewer than one hundred twenty head of livestock 20 per day, all scales a scale with a capacity over five hundred 21 pounds, which are used for commercial purposes , in this 22 state, and installed after January 1, 1981, shall be equipped 23 with a type-registering weigh beam, a dial with a mechanical 24 ticket printer, an automatic weight recorder, or some similar 25 commercial weighing and measuring device , which shall be used 26 for printing or stamping the weight values on scale tickets. 27 A scale or similar device equipped with a malfunctioning 28 automatic weight recorder may shall not be used for not more 29 than seven days if the scale or similar device is unable to 30 print or stamp the ticket so long as and only if a repair to the 31 automatic recorder is immediately initiated and the user dates, 32 signs, and accurately handwrites the required information on 33 the ticket until the scale or similar device is operational. 34 Sec. 29. Section 215.23, subsection 2, Code 2026, is amended 35 -12- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 12/ 33
S.F. 2420 to read as follows: 1 2. In determining a servicer’s qualifications, the 2 department may consider the specifications of the United States 3 national institute of standards and technology, handbook 44, 4 “Specifications, Tolerances, and Technical Requirements for 5 Weighing and Measuring Devices”, or the current successor or 6 equivalent specifications adopted by the United States national 7 institute of standards and technology. 8 Sec. 30. Section 452A.40, Code 2026, is amended by adding 9 the following new subsection: 10 NEW SUBSECTION . 5A. “National institute of standards and 11 technology” means the same as defined in section 215.1. 12 Sec. 31. REPEAL. Sections 213.3 and 213.7, Code 2026, are 13 repealed. 14 Sec. 32. CODE EDITOR DIRECTIVE. 15 1. The Code editor is directed to make the following 16 transfers: 17 a. Section 213.1 to section 215.1B. 18 b. Section 213.2 to section 215.1C. 19 c. Section 215.18 to section 215.1D. 20 d. Section 215.1A to section 215.1E. 21 2. The Code editor shall correct internal references in the 22 Code and in any enacted legislation as necessary due to the 23 enactment of this section. 24 DIVISION V 25 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP REGULATION —— 26 GRAIN MARKETING 27 PART A 28 GRAIN DEALERS 29 Sec. 33. Section 203.3, subsection 4, paragraph b, Code 30 2026, is amended to read as follows: 31 b. (1) The grain dealer shall submit to the department , 32 as required by the department, a financial statement that is 33 accompanied by an unqualified opinion based upon an audit 34 performed by a certified public accountant licensed in this 35 -13- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 13/ 33
S.F. 2420 state. 1 (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), if a grain dealer 2 does not purchase grain by credit-sale contract, the department 3 may accept any of the following: 4 (a) A qualification in an opinion based on an audit that 5 is unavoidable by any audit procedure that is permitted under 6 generally accepted accounting principles. An opinion that 7 is qualified because of a limited audit procedure or because 8 the scope of an audit is limited shall not be accepted by the 9 department. 10 (b) A financial statement that is accompanied by the 11 report of a certified public accountant licensed in this 12 state. The report must be based upon a review performed by the 13 certified public accountant. The report shall be in lieu of an 14 unqualified opinion based on an audit. However, at any time, 15 upon good cause, the department may require the grain dealer to 16 submit to the department a subsequent financial statement that 17 is accompanied by the report. 18 (3) The department shall not require that a grain dealer to 19 submit to the department more than one such unqualified opinion 20 based on an audit per year. 21 (4) A grain dealer shall submit one or more financial 22 statements to the department in addition to the financial 23 statement accompanied by an unqualified opinion based on 24 an audit as required in this paragraph if the department 25 determines that it is necessary to verify the grain dealer’s 26 financial status or compliance with this section . 27 Sec. 34. Section 203.3, subsection 5, paragraph b, Code 28 2026, is amended to read as follows: 29 b. (1) The grain dealer shall submit to the department , 30 as required by the department, a financial statement that is 31 accompanied by an unqualified opinion based upon an audit 32 performed by a certified public accountant licensed in this 33 state. 34 (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), the department may 35 -14- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 14/ 33
S.F. 2420 accept any of the following: 1 (a) A qualification in an opinion based on an audit that 2 is unavoidable by any audit procedure that is permitted under 3 generally accepted accounting principles. An opinion that 4 is qualified because of a limited audit procedure or because 5 the scope of an audit is limited shall not be accepted by the 6 department. 7 (b) A financial statement that is accompanied by the 8 report of a certified public accountant licensed in this 9 state. The report must be based upon a review performed by the 10 certified public accountant. The report shall be in lieu of an 11 unqualified opinion based on an audit. However, at any time, 12 upon good cause, the department may require the grain dealer to 13 submit to the department a subsequent financial statement that 14 is accompanied by the report. 15 (3) The department shall not require that a grain dealer to 16 submit to the department more than one such unqualified opinion 17 based on an audit per year. 18 (4) A grain dealer shall submit one or more financial 19 statements to the department in addition to the financial 20 statement accompanied by an unqualified opinion based on an 21 audit required in this paragraph if the department determines 22 that it is necessary to verify the grain dealer’s financial 23 status or compliance with this section . 24 Sec. 35. Section 203.8, subsection 2, paragraph a, Code 25 2026, is amended to read as follows: 26 a. (1) “Delivery” Subject to subparagraph (2), “delivery” 27 means the transfer of title to and possession of grain by a 28 seller to a grain dealer or to another person in accordance 29 with the terms of an agreement of by the seller and the grain 30 dealer. 31 (2) Unless title to grain was previously transferred 32 pursuant to an ordinary cash-sale contract, title to grain sold 33 by credit-sale contract is deemed to have transferred to the 34 grain dealer when all of the following occurs: 35 -15- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 15/ 33
S.F. 2420 (a) The credit-sale contract is signed by both the grain 1 dealer and the seller. 2 (b) The grain dealer has possession of the grain or another 3 person has possession of the grain in accordance with the terms 4 of the credit-sale contract. 5 Sec. 36. Section 203.12, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended 6 to read as follows: 7 1. Upon the cessation of a grain dealer license by 8 revocation, cancellation, or expiration pursuant to section 9 203.10 or upon the filing of a petition in bankruptcy by a 10 grain dealer , any claim for the purchase price of grain against 11 the grain dealer shall be made in writing and filed with the 12 grain dealer and with the issuer of a deficiency bond or of an 13 irrevocable letter of credit and with the department within 14 one hundred twenty days after the date of the cessation or the 15 filing of a petition in bankruptcy, whichever occurs earlier . 16 A failure to make this timely claim relieves the issuer and the 17 grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund provided in chapter 18 203D of all obligations to the claimant. 19 Sec. 37. Section 203.12A, subsection 5, Code 2026, is 20 amended to read as follows: 21 5. The Iowa grain indemnity fund board, upon written demand 22 of the grain dealer, shall file a termination statement with 23 the secretary of state, if after one hundred eighty days from 24 the date that the lien is perfected the grain dealer’s license 25 has not ceased by revocation, cancellation, or expiration 26 pursuant to section 203C.10 . Upon filing the termination 27 statement, the lien becomes unperfected. The board shall 28 also deliver a copy of the termination statement to the grain 29 dealer. 30 PART B 31 GRAIN OPERATORS 32 Sec. 38. Section 203C.6, subsection 4, paragraph b, Code 33 2026, is amended to read as follows: 34 b. (1) The warehouse operator shall submit to the 35 -16- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 16/ 33
S.F. 2420 department , as required by the department, a financial 1 statement that is accompanied by an unqualified opinion based 2 upon an audit performed by a certified public accountant 3 licensed in this state. 4 (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), the department may 5 accept any of the following: 6 (a) A qualification in an opinion based on an audit that 7 is unavoidable by any audit procedure that is permitted under 8 generally accepted accounting principles. An opinion that 9 is qualified because of a limited audit procedure or because 10 the scope of an audit is limited shall not be accepted by the 11 department. 12 (b) A financial statement that is accompanied by the 13 report of a certified public accountant licensed in this 14 state. The report must be based upon a review performed by 15 the certified public accountant. The report shall be in lieu 16 of an unqualified opinion based on an audit. However, at any 17 time, upon good cause, the department may require the warehouse 18 operator to submit to the department a subsequent financial 19 statement that is accompanied by the report. 20 (3) The department shall not require that a warehouse 21 operator to submit to the department more than one such 22 unqualified opinion based on an audit per year. 23 (4) A warehouse operator shall submit one or more financial 24 statements to the department in addition to the financial 25 statement accompanied by an unqualified opinion based on 26 an audit as required in this paragraph if the department 27 determines that it is necessary to verify the warehouse 28 operator’s financial status or compliance with this section . 29 Sec. 39. Section 203C.6, subsection 5, paragraph b, Code 30 2026, is amended to read as follows: 31 b. (1) The warehouse operator shall submit to the 32 department , as required by the department, a financial 33 statement that is accompanied by an unqualified opinion based 34 upon an audit performed by a certified public accountant 35 -17- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 17/ 33
S.F. 2420 licensed in this state. 1 (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), the department may 2 accept any of the following: 3 (a) A qualification in an opinion based on an audit that 4 is unavoidable by any audit procedure that is permitted under 5 generally accepted accounting principles. An opinion that 6 is qualified because of a limited audit procedure or because 7 the scope of an audit is limited shall not be accepted by the 8 department. 9 (b) A financial statement that is accompanied by the 10 report of a certified public accountant licensed in this 11 state. The report must be based upon a review performed by 12 the certified public accountant. The report shall be in lieu 13 of an unqualified opinion based on an audit. However, at any 14 time, upon good cause, the department may require the warehouse 15 operator to submit to the department a subsequent financial 16 statement that is accompanied by the report. 17 (3) The department shall not require that a warehouse 18 operator to submit more than one such unqualified opinion based 19 on an audit per year. 20 (4) A warehouse operator shall submit one or more financial 21 statements to the department in addition to the financial 22 statement accompanied by an unqualified opinion based on 23 an audit as required in this paragraph if the department 24 determines that it is necessary to verify the warehouse 25 operator’s financial status or compliance with this section . 26 Sec. 40. Section 203C.12A, subsection 5, Code 2026, is 27 amended to read as follows: 28 5. The Iowa grain indemnity fund board shall upon written 29 demand of the warehouse operator file a termination statement 30 with the secretary of state, if after one hundred eighty 31 days from the date that the lien is perfected the warehouse 32 operator’s license has not ceased by revocation, cancellation, 33 or expiration pursuant to section 203C.10 . Upon filing the 34 termination statement, the lien becomes unperfected. The board 35 -18- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 18/ 33
S.F. 2420 shall also deliver a copy of the termination statement to the 1 warehouse operator. 2 Sec. 41. Section 203C.14, subsection 2, paragraphs a and c, 3 Code 2026, are amended to read as follows: 4 a. Upon the cessation of a warehouse operator’s license due 5 to revocation, cancellation, or expiration pursuant to section 6 203C.10 or upon the filing of a petition in bankruptcy by a 7 warehouse operator , a claim against the warehouse operator 8 arising under this chapter shall be made in writing with the 9 warehouse operator, with the issuer of a bond on agricultural 10 products other than bulk grain, a deficiency bond, or an 11 irrevocable letter of credit, and, if the claim relates to bulk 12 grain, with the department. The claim must be made within one 13 hundred twenty days after the cessation of the license or the 14 filing of a petition in bankruptcy, whichever occurs earlier . 15 The failure to make a timely claim relieves the issuer and, 16 if the claim relates to bulk grain, the grain depositors 17 and sellers indemnity fund provided in chapter 203D of all 18 obligations to the claimant. 19 c. This subsection does not apply if a receiver is appointed 20 as provided in this chapter pursuant to a petition which that 21 is filed by the department prior to the expiration of one 22 hundred twenty days after cessation of a warehouse operator’s 23 license pursuant to section 203C.10 . 24 Sec. 42. Section 203C.18, subsection 3, Code 2026, is 25 amended to read as follows: 26 3. A form for a warehouse receipt shall only be printed by 27 a person approved by the department. A form for a warehouse 28 receipt shall be printed in accordance with specifications set 29 forth by the department. A warehouse operator shall surrender 30 to the department all forms for warehouse receipts that are 31 unused at the time that the warehouse operator’s license 32 is suspended or ceases due to revocation, cancellation, or 33 expiration pursuant to section 203C.10 . The warehouse operator 34 shall surrender the warehouse receipts in a manner required by 35 -19- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 19/ 33
S.F. 2420 the department. 1 PART C 2 GRAIN DEPOSITORS AND SELLERS INDEMNIFICATION 3 Sec. 43. Section 203D.3A, subsection 2, Code 2026, is 4 amended by adding the following new paragraph: 5 NEW PARAGRAPH . e. (1) If the per-bushel fee is passed 6 on to a seller, the per-bushel fee shall occur at the time of 7 payment. 8 (2) As used in subparagraph (1), “payment” means the same as 9 defined in section 203.8. 10 Sec. 44. Section 203D.6, subsection 8, paragraph a, Code 11 2026, is amended to read as follows: 12 a. Upon a determination by the board that an eligible 13 claim satisfies the requirements in subsection 4 , the board 14 shall indemnify the claimant as a depositor under subsection 15 5 , and a seller under subsection 6 . Upon a determination by 16 the board that an eligible repayment claim was filed by that 17 seller under section 203D.6A , derives from the same covered 18 transaction during the claim period, and the repayment loss 19 incurred for that claim, the board shall indemnify the claimant 20 as a seller subject to the requirements of this section and 21 section 203D.6A . 22 Sec. 45. Section 203D.6A, subsection 2, Code 2026, is 23 amended to read as follows: 24 2. To be timely, a seller must file a repayment claim with 25 the department not later than sixty days after the amount 26 of the seller’s loss is finalized by a bankruptcy court, 27 whether by an order issued, judgment entered, or settlement 28 agreement approved. However, if a seller’s loss is based upon 29 a bankruptcy court’s default judgment, to be timely, the seller 30 must file a repayment claim with the department not later than 31 sixty days after the bankruptcy court’s default judgment is 32 entered or a subsequent settlement agreement is approved and 33 entered, whichever is later. 34 DIVISION VI 35 -20- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 20/ 33
S.F. 2420 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REGULATION —— MOTOR VEHICLES 1 PART A 2 MILK HAULERS 3 Sec. 46. Section 321E.29B, subsection 1, Code 2026, is 4 amended to read as follows: 5 1. Notwithstanding section 321E.8 , the department 6 permit-issuing authority may issue annual permits for the 7 operation of vehicles or combinations of vehicles transporting 8 fluid milk products to or from a milk plant, receiving 9 station, or transfer station, exceeding the weight limitation 10 of section 321.463 but not exceeding a gross weight of 11 ninety-six one hundred thirty-six thousand pounds , on primary 12 roads and primary road extensions in cities . The department 13 shall establish rules regarding minimum distances for axle 14 configurations. 15 Sec. 47. EFFECTIVE DATE. This part of this division of this 16 Act takes effect January 1, 2027. 17 PART B 18 IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY 19 Sec. 48. Section 321.457, subsection 2, paragraph f, Code 20 2026, is amended to read as follows: 21 f. (1) A trailer or semitrailer, laden or unladen, shall 22 not have an overall length in excess of fifty-three feet 23 when operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination 24 exclusive of retractable extensions used to support the load. 25 However, when a trailer or semitrailer is used exclusively 26 for the transportation of passenger vehicles, light delivery 27 trucks, panel delivery trucks, pickup trucks, recreational 28 vehicle chassis, or boats, the load carried on the trailer or 29 semitrailer may extend up to three feet beyond the front bumper 30 and up to four feet beyond the rear bumper of the trailer or 31 semitrailer. 32 (2) A lowboy semitrailer, laden or unladen, which that is 33 designed and exclusively used for the transportation of either 34 construction equipment or an implement of husbandry shall not 35 -21- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 21/ 33
S.F. 2420 have an overall length in excess of fifty-seven feet when used 1 in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination. 2 DIVISION VII 3 AGRICULTURAL TOURISM 4 Sec. 49. Section 673A.3, subsection 6, paragraph b, Code 5 2026, is amended to read as follows: 6 b. “Farm” includes but is not limited to a farm field, 7 orchard, tree farm, nursery, greenhouse, garden, elevator, 8 seedhouse, barn, warehouse, animal feeding operation structure, 9 winery, brewery, distillery, or any personal property located 10 on the land including machinery or equipment used in the 11 production of a farm commodity. 12 Sec. 50. Section 673A.3, subsection 9, Code 2026, is amended 13 to read as follows: 14 9. “Farm crop” means a plant or fungus used for food, animal 15 feed, fiber, or oil, energy, or decoration, including any of 16 the following: 17 a. A forage or cereal plant, including but not limited to 18 alfalfa, barley, buckwheat, corn, flax, forage, millet, oats, 19 popcorn, rye, sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, wheat, and grasses 20 used for forage or silage. 21 b. Edible or ornamental produce, including but not limited 22 to fruit such as apples, cherries, peaches, pears, berries, and 23 grapes; vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, and carrots; 24 lentils; tubers; squashes and pumpkins; gourds; nuts; maple 25 syrup; mushrooms; Christmas trees; and flowers. 26 c. Honey. 27 DIVISION VIII 28 LAND USE 29 Sec. 51. Section 335.2, Code 2026, is amended by adding the 30 following new subsection: 31 NEW SUBSECTION . 4. As used in subsection 1, an agricultural 32 purpose includes but is not limited to an agricultural tourism 33 activity or event, value-added agricultural processing, 34 direct-to-consumer marketing, or other on-farm enterprises that 35 -22- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 22/ 33
S.F. 2420 support the economic viability of the farm. 1 Sec. 52. Section 335.28, Code 2026, is amended to read as 2 follows: 3 335.28 Agricultural experiences experience . 4 1. a. For purposes of this section , “agricultural 5 experience” includes but is not limited to any 6 agriculture-related activity , or agriculture-related 7 event , as a that constitutes a secondary use in conjunction 8 with agricultural production, on a farm which if the 9 agriculture-related activity , or agriculture-related event, 10 is located on a farm and open to the public with for the 11 intended purpose of promoting or educating the public about 12 agriculture, agricultural practices, agricultural activities, 13 or agricultural products. 14 b. “Agricultural experience” also includes any of the 15 following: 16 (1) Agricultural tourism activities, such as recreational, 17 entertainment, dining, or celebratory events, or short-term 18 rental opportunities offered on a working farm, so long as the 19 farm’s primary use remains agricultural production. 20 (2) A fair event conducted on a fairgrounds under the 21 management or control of a fair as defined in section 174.1. 22 2. To assist in the promotion of agricultural experiences, 23 a county shall not require a conditional use permit, special 24 use permit, special exception, or variance for an agricultural 25 experiences experience on property of which the primary use is 26 agricultural production. 27 Sec. 53. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being 28 deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment. 29 Sec. 54. APPLICABILITY. Any conditional use permit, 30 special use permit, special exception, or variance described 31 in section 335.28, as amended by this division of this Act, is 32 void and unenforceable. 33 EXPLANATION 34 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 35 -23- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 23/ 33
S.F. 2420 the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. 1 GENERAL. This bill amends a number of Code chapters 2 relating to agriculture, including providing for the powers and 3 duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship 4 (DALS). The bill provides for the promotion and regulation 5 of commodities and regulation by DALS, including fees, and 6 the transportation of agricultural items by the department 7 of transportation (DOT). The bill provides for the use of 8 agricultural land, including agricultural tourism. 9 DIVISION I —— DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP 10 —— PROMOTION —— RENEWABLE FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE —— BACKGROUND. 11 Code chapter 159A, subchapter II, authorizes DALS to administer 12 a renewable fuel infrastructure program for retail motor fuel 13 sites (Code section 159.14) and a renewable fuel infrastructure 14 program for biodiesel terminal facilities (Code section 15 159A.15). The purpose of the program is to finance the 16 improvement of facilities used to store, blend, or dispense 17 renewable fuels, commonly derived from corn or soybeans. The 18 programs are supported by the renewable fuel infrastructure 19 fund (Code section 159A.16), which is appropriated $5 million 20 each fiscal year (Code section 159.17). 21 DIVISION I —— DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP 22 —— PROMOTION —— RENEWABLE FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE —— BILL’S 23 PROVISIONS. This division increases the amount of moneys 24 appropriated from the renewable fuel infrastructure fund each 25 fiscal year for administrative costs incurred by DALS from 26 $100,000 to $150,000. 27 DIVISION II —— DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND 28 STEWARDSHIP —— PROMOTION —— BACKGROUND. Code chapter 189 29 authorizes DALS to administer a number of programs providing 30 for the promotion of agriculture in this state. The Code 31 chapter provides for the financing of the programs, including 32 the creation of a choose Iowa fund (Code section 187.201). The 33 Code chapter provides for a choose Iowa promotional program 34 that supports the marketing of agricultural commodities and 35 -24- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 24/ 33
S.F. 2420 processed products originating from Iowa farms (Code section 1 187.301). The choose Iowa program allows a person to register 2 as a seller of Iowa commodities and products and receives the 3 right to use a legally protected logo under a paid license 4 (Code sections 187.302 and 187.303). The Code chapter includes 5 a choose Iowa food purchasing program that supports Iowa 6 food banks and emergency feeding operations (Code section 7 187.311). A farm or business enrolled in the choose Iowa 8 program is provided a preference to participate in the choose 9 Iowa food purchasing program. Under Code chapter 190A, DALS 10 also administers a farm-to-school program to support schools 11 and school districts in purchasing food products derived from 12 food commodities produced on Iowa farms (Code section 190A.6). 13 A dairy innovation program authorizes DALS to provide financing 14 to an eligible business in the form of a grant, low-interest 15 loan, or forgivable loan in order to expand dairy processing 16 capacity in Iowa (Code section 187.311). 17 PART A —— GENERAL —— BILL’S PROVISIONS. This part creates 18 an exception to a provision that restricts state agencies from 19 engaging in an activity that competes with a private enterprise 20 (Code section 23A.2). The part amends the choose Iowa program 21 by providing for the enrollment of persons actively engaged in 22 producing, processing, or marketing Iowa agricultural products. 23 PART B —— CHOOSE IOWA PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMS —— BILL’S 24 PROVISIONS. Under this part, DALS may adopt administrative 25 rules providing for criteria for enrollment in the choose 26 Iowa promotion program. The part establishes a choose Iowa 27 school purchasing program based on the current farm-to-school 28 program, which is eliminated. Under the new program, an 29 eligible participant is reimbursed on a matching basis with 30 DALS contributing $1 for every $1 expended by the eligible 31 participant. The division renames the choose Iowa food 32 purchasing program to the choose Iowa food bank program. The 33 part provides that to participate in the program, a farm or 34 business must be enrolled as a member of the choose Iowa 35 -25- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 25/ 33
S.F. 2420 promotional program. The part eliminates a provision providing 1 that not more than $200,000 may be used by DALS to reimburse 2 Iowa food banks and Iowa emergency feeding organizations. The 3 part eliminates a provision that terminates the program on July 4 1, 2030. Finally, the part transfers several Code sections 5 including Code section 159.25, which establishes an Iowa seal 6 for agricultural products. 7 PART C —— INNOVATION AND REVITALIZATION PROGRAMS —— BILL’S 8 PROVISIONS. This part provides priority to a beginning 9 farmer applying to participate in the dairy innovation and 10 revitalization program. The part creates a butchery innovation 11 revitalization program, modeled on the dairy innovation 12 and revitalization program, that promotes the development, 13 modernization, and expansion of this state’s butchery industry. 14 The part also eliminates a similar program administered by the 15 economic development authority (Code section 15E.370). 16 DIVISION III —— DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND 17 STEWARDSHIP REGULATION —— ANIMAL HEALTH —— BACKGROUND. Code 18 chapter 163 authorizes DALS to regulate animal health and 19 specifically control infectious or contagious diseases 20 (disease) afflicting livestock populations (Code chapter 163). 21 The term “control” refers to prevention, suppression, or 22 eradication efforts (Code section 163.2). 23 DIVISION III —— ANIMAL HEALTH —— BILL’S PROVISIONS. This 24 division authorizes DALS to lease facilities in order to 25 control an infectious or contagious disease or provide for 26 a foreign animal disease preparedness and response effort 27 (Code section 162.2A). The division also provides that 28 notwithstanding Code chapter 22, information collected by DALS 29 relating to such disease is confidential, if the information 30 identifies the name, address, and contact information of a 31 person owning or caring for an animal suspected of or being 32 affected with a disease; or any location where an animal 33 suspected of or being affected with the disease has been kept. 34 DIVISION IV —— DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND 35 -26- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 26/ 33
S.F. 2420 STEWARDSHIP REGULATION —— WEIGHTS AND MEASURES —— BACKGROUND. 1 DALS is authorized to regulate standard weights and measures 2 under a number of Code chapters, with many of its provisions 3 first published in the 1851 Code (Code chapters 210, 213, 214, 4 and 215). Generally, standards must comply with or be supplied 5 by the federal government or approved as being in compliance 6 with those established by a United States agency, the national 7 institute of standards and technology (NIST). Many of Iowa’s 8 Code provisions regulating standards provide for the inspection 9 of commercial weighing and measuring devices that are used 10 to establish size, quantity, area, or another quantitative 11 measurement of a commodity when sold (Code section 215.1). 12 DIVISION IV —— DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND 13 STEWARDSHIP —— REGULATION —— WEIGHTS AND MEASURES —— BILL’S 14 PROVISIONS. This division provides that the secretary of 15 agriculture may designate the bureau chief of the department’s 16 weights and measures bureau to act as the state metrologist 17 of weights and measures (Code section 213.1). The state 18 metrologist is authorized to cooperate with NIST. A provision 19 requiring all weights and measures sealed by the state 20 metrologist to be impressed with the word “Iowa” is eliminated. 21 The division provides that DALS is no longer required to 22 inspect all commercial weighing and measuring devices unless 23 it receives a complaint (Code section 215.1A). In lieu of 24 an inspection, DALS may order the owner of the device or a 25 service agency that installed, serviced, or repaired the 26 device, to deliver to DALS one or more of the service agency’s 27 most recent test reports documenting the device’s accuracy. 28 Several exceptions apply that require the inspection of a 29 device including a motor fuel pump (Code section 214.11), a 30 moisture-measuring device (Code section 215A.2), and a charging 31 station (Code section 452A.41). The division makes several 32 changes to enhance the Code’s readability including updating 33 or correcting references to Code chapter 215. The division 34 eliminates a provision that requires DALS to conduct a test 35 -27- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 27/ 33
S.F. 2420 of a measuring device based on a request of any person (Code 1 section 213.3) and a provision requiring a city to pay for 2 expenses directly incurred in furnishing a city with standards 3 (Code section 213.7). 4 DIVISION V —— DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP 5 REGULATION —— GRAIN MARKETING —— BACKGROUND. DALS regulates 6 grain marketing transactions under three interrelated 7 Code chapters. The first two Code chapters regulate grain 8 marketers, including Code chapter 203 providing for the 9 regulation of a grain dealer purchasing grain from a seller and 10 Code chapter 203C providing for the regulation of a warehouse 11 operator storing grain for a depositor. Code chapter 203D 12 establishes the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund 13 (indemnity fund) created to indemnify a seller or depositor 14 against a financial loss due to the management of the grain by 15 grain dealer or warehouse operator. 16 Under Code chapter 203, in a cash sale transaction, a grain 17 dealer must pay the seller the purchase price for grain upon 18 the grain’s delivery or upon demand for payment by the seller 19 (Code section 203.8). Delivery occurs when title to and 20 possession of the grain is transferred to the grain dealer or 21 another person in accordance with the terms of the contract 22 (Code section 203.8). One special type of sale is the use 23 of a credit-sale contract in which a grain dealer enters a 24 contract with a seller for the sale of grain and delivery of 25 the grain has occurred but payment has not been made either 26 because the price has not been agreed to (a deferred-pricing 27 contract) or the price has been agreed to but payment is to 28 be made more than 30 days later (a deferred-payment contract) 29 (Code section 203.15). Under both Code chapters 203 and 30 203C, DALS regulates a grain dealer and warehouse operator by 31 issuing a license and conducting inspections of their business 32 operations. A grain dealer or warehouse operator must be 33 issued either a class 1 or class 2 license based on the size 34 of the business operation with a class 1 license requiring 35 -28- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 28/ 33
S.F. 2420 higher net worth requirements (Code sections 203.3 and 203C.6). 1 However, a class 1 license is required for a grain dealer who 2 enters into a credit-sale contract regardless of the size of 3 the grain dealer’s operation. A class 1 or class 2 licensee 4 must annually submit to DALS a financial statement accompanied 5 by an unqualified opinion based upon an audit performed by a 6 certified public accountant (CPA) licensed in this state. In 7 2025, the general assembly enacted 2025 Iowa Acts, chapter 105 8 (2025 Act), which eliminated provisions that allowed a licensed 9 grain dealer or licensed grain warehouse operator to submit a 10 financial statement accompanied by a report of a state-licensed 11 CPA based upon a review in lieu of an unqualified opinion. The 12 2025 Act allowed the indemnity fund to cover a loss arising 13 from a deferred-payment contract (Code sections 203D.6 and 14 203D.6A). The 2025 Act also provided a separate process for 15 a seller to be indemnified for a loss resulting from the 16 seller having received from the grain dealer an amount from 17 the purchased grain that the seller was required to later pay 18 back to the grain dealer’s bankruptcy estate (Code section 19 203D.6A). A license of a grain dealer or warehouse operator 20 may cease due to any one of three causes, including revocation 21 by DALS, cancellation by the grain dealer, or the expiration 22 of the license by operation of law. All of these causes are 23 covered under Code sections 203.10 and 203C.10. Upon any of 24 these causes, a seller may claim the purchase price for the 25 sold grain, which may trigger a claim for a loss under the 26 indemnity fund. 27 DIVISION V —— DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP 28 —— REGULATION —— GRAIN MARKETING —— BILL’S PROVISIONS. Parts A 29 and B of this division amend Code sections 203.3 and 203C.6A by 30 allowing a grain dealer (except a grain dealer entering into a 31 credit-sale contract) or a warehouse operator to again submit a 32 financial statement accompanied by a report of a state-licensed 33 CPA based upon a review in lieu of an unqualified opinion. 34 Parts A and B of the division amend Code section 203.8 by 35 -29- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 29/ 33
S.F. 2420 providing that unless title to grain was previously transferred 1 pursuant to an ordinary cash sale contract, title to grain 2 sold by credit-sale contract is deemed to have transferred to 3 the grain dealer upon two conditions: (1) the credit-sale 4 contract is signed by both the grain dealer and the seller 5 and (2) the grain dealer or another person has possession of 6 the grain in accordance with the terms of the credit-sale 7 contract. The bill provides that a claim for a loss incurred 8 by a seller or depositor may be triggered by the filing of a 9 bankruptcy petition by a grain dealer or warehouse operator. 10 The bill also amends a number of provisions that refer to the 11 revocation, cancellation, or expiration of the license by 12 instead referring to either Code section 203.10 or 203C.10, 13 which describe those types of actions. Part C of the division 14 amends Code section 203D.6 by providing for the indemnification 15 of a seller for grain purchased by a grain dealer that the 16 seller was required to pay back later in bankruptcy. The claim 17 may proceed upon a determination that an eligible repayment 18 claim was filed with DALS by the seller as required by statute. 19 Finally, part C of the division amends Code section 203D.6A 20 by providing for the timeliness of a repayment claim in the 21 case of a bankruptcy court’s default judgment. In that case, 22 the seller must file a claim not later than 60 days after 23 the court’s judgment or a settlement agreement is approved, 24 whichever is later. 25 DIVISION VI —— DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REGULATION —— 26 MOTOR VEHICLES. This division provides for the regulation of 27 persons moving agricultural items on state highways and roads. 28 PART A —— MILK HAULERS —— BACKGROUND. Under Code chapter 29 321E, the department of transportation (DOT) and local 30 authorities regulate the weight of motor vehicles traveling on 31 a street, road, or highway, including by issuing permits (Code 32 section 321E.2). DOT is authorized to issue annual permits 33 for the operation of vehicles or combinations of vehicles 34 transporting fluid milk products to or from a milk plant, 35 -30- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 30/ 33
S.F. 2420 receiving station, or transfer station. The weight limitation 1 is 96,000 pounds on primary roads and primary road extensions 2 in cities. A person who violates the weight provisions is 3 subject to a fine according to a schedule based on the number 4 of pounds of overload beginning at $12. 5 PART A —— MILK HAULERS —— BILL’S PROVISIONS. This part 6 increases the weight limit to 136,000 pounds. DOT is 7 required to adopt rules governing minimum distances for axle 8 configurations. The part takes effect January 1, 2027. 9 PART B —— IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY —— BACKGROUND. Code 10 section 321.457 regulates the maximum length of a motor 11 vehicle or combination of vehicles operated on the highways 12 of this state. A trailer or semitrailer cannot have an 13 overall length in excess of 53 feet when operating in a truck 14 tractor-semitrailer combination. However, a lowboy semitrailer 15 that is designed and exclusively used for the transportation of 16 construction equipment may have an overall length not in excess 17 of 57 feet. A person who violates the length requirement is 18 subject to a scheduled fine of $260 (Code section 805.8A). 19 PART B —— IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY —— BILL’S PROVISIONS. This 20 part provides that an implement of husbandry (a vehicle or 21 equipment used in agricultural production) has the same feet 22 requirement as construction equipment. 23 DIVISION VII —— AGRICULTURAL TOURISM —— BACKGROUND. Code 24 chapter 673A, referred to as the “Iowa Agricultural Tourism 25 Promotion Act” (Code section 673A.1), limits the liability of 26 certain persons involved in agricultural tourism on a farm 27 (agricultural tourism farm) when a cause of action by a visitor 28 to the farm (agricultural tourist) alleges an injury, loss, or 29 death due to any of the following: (1) an inherent risk of 30 farming associated with a farming activity, (2) the failure of 31 the agricultural tourist to comply with an instruction while 32 visiting the agricultural tourism farm, or (3) the injury, 33 loss, or death occurred at a place a reasonable person would 34 not enter, which may be based on a posted notice (Code section 35 -31- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 31/ 33
S.F. 2420 673A.4). 1 DIVISION VII —— AGRICULTURAL TOURISM —— BILL’S PROVISIONS. 2 This division expands the scope of the liability protection 3 provided to persons engaged in agricultural tourism by amending 4 definitions in Code section 673A.3. The division provides that 5 a farm includes a tree farm, and that a farm crop includes 6 a plant used for energy or decoration. The division also 7 provides that a farm crop described as edible or ornamental 8 produce includes nuts, maple syrup, mushrooms, and Christmas 9 trees. Finally, a farm crop includes honey. 10 DIVISION VIII —— LAND USE —— BACKGROUND. Code chapter 335 11 provides for county zoning. Code section 335.27 provides that 12 a county zoning ordinance does not apply to land, a farm house, 13 farm barn, farm outbuilding, or other building or structure 14 that is primarily adapted for an agricultural purpose. Code 15 chapter 335.28 provides that a county cannot require a 16 conditional use permit, special use permit, special exception, 17 or variance for agricultural experiences on property primarily 18 used for agricultural production. An agricultural experience 19 is defined to include an agriculture-related activity, as a 20 secondary use in conjunction with agricultural production, on a 21 farm, which activity is open to the public. 22 DIVISION VIII —— LAND USE —— BILL’S PROVISIONS. This 23 division amends Code section 335.2 by providing that an 24 agricultural purpose includes an agricultural tourism 25 activity or event, value-added agricultural processing, 26 direct-to-consumer marketing, or other farm-based enterprise 27 that supports the economic viability of a farm. The division 28 amends Code section 335.28 by providing that an agricultural 29 experience also includes any of the tourism activities, such as 30 recreational, entertainment, dining, or celebratory events, or 31 short-term rental opportunities offered on a working farm, so 32 long as the farm’s primary use remains agricultural production. 33 Finally, an agricultural experience includes a fair event 34 conducted on a fairgrounds under the management or control of a 35 -32- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 32/ 33
S.F. 2420 county or district fair or agricultural society. The division 1 takes effect upon enactment. 2 -33- LSB 6601SV (2) 91 da/js 33/ 33