Iowa House Bill HF162

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 1/31/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to excess beverage container refund value possessed by the alcoholic beverages division.

Impact

Upon adoption, HF162 will substantially impact state funds by allocating 50% of the excess refund value to the Shelter Assistance Fund. This fund is pivotal as it supports services for the homeless and domestic violence victims administered by the Iowa Finance Authority. The other half will be directed into the state's general fund, potentially enhancing the state budget for various services, including public health and safety initiatives.

Summary

House File 162 (HF162) aims to regulate the management of excess beverage container refund values possessed by the Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) of Iowa. The bill stipulates that ABD will submit a monthly report to the State Treasurer detailing the excess funds derived from the 5-cent deposits on beverage containers sold to dealers. The excess funds are defined as the difference between the refund value claimed by dealers and the total refund amounts received by ABD. This financial transparency is intended to streamline the operational handling of these funds and improve state oversight.

Contention

The bill may provoke discussions around the distribution of funds, particularly regarding its dual allocation between the general fund and the Shelter Assistance Fund. Supporters may argue that the necessity for funding homelessness services justifies the structure of the bill, while opponents might raise concerns about the adequacy of funding levels for these critical services, particularly in the wake of increasing needs during challenging economic conditions. The underlying tension reflects broader legislative priorities on public health funding versus direct assistance for vulnerable populations.