Iowa House Bill HF2021

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

A bill for an act providing for repeal of the Iowa Code every ten years over a ten-year period and procedures for legislative review and reenactment.

Impact

The proposed legislation mandates that before any title is repealed, the Iowa General Assembly review each title in the fiscal year prior to its repeal. This review will assess whether any amendments are necessary and will allow the General Assembly the opportunity to reenact previously repealed titles if deemed appropriate. The overarching goal is to enhance legislative oversight while reducing the burden of outdated statutes.

Summary

House File 2021 proposes a systematic approach to the management of the Iowa Code by instituting a repeal of certain titles of the Code every ten years. The bill specifies a schedule for the repeal of various titles, beginning with Titles I and II in July 2025, and continues through to Titles XIV, XV, and XVI, which are set to be repealed in July 2034. This structured timeline aims to ensure that the codified laws remain relevant and reflective of contemporary issues and societal needs.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding HF2021, particularly regarding its implications for legislative efficiency and legal consistency. Proponents argue that this systematic review will help eliminate obsolete laws that may no longer serve a purpose, thereby streamlining the state's legal framework. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the risks of repealing statutes that have enduring value, fearing that vital protections or regulations could be lost amidst the cyclical review processes.