IA
Iowa House Bill HF339

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF339

Introduced
2/20/23  
Introduced
2/20/23  

Caption

A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 153; See HF 706, HF 2541.)

Impact

This legislation is expected to have significant implications for communities facing the burden of vacant school buildings. It aims to not only promote public safety and enhance community aesthetics by removing dilapidated structures but also to encourage economic development by allowing for new opportunities such as park space or new construction in the area. The program prioritizes applications from smaller political subdivisions, specifically those with populations less than 2,500, thereby addressing the needs of less populated areas that may not have the financial resources for such demolition projects.

Summary

House File 339 establishes a vacant school building demolition grant program aimed at facilitating the demolition of vacant school buildings that are no longer utilized by political subdivisions. The program is designed to assist in the removal of buildings that have been unoccupied since before January 1, 2021, with its implementation governed by the economic development authority. The bill appropriates $2 million annually from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund for this purpose over a period starting from July 1, 2023, through July 1, 2025. The fund will be used to provide competitive grants to eligible political subdivisions.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HF339 could stem from the prioritization of funding and the competitive scoring process used for grant applications, which may raise concerns about fairness and accessibility. Smaller political subdivisions might argue that such a system could disadvantage larger areas that have more resources and infrastructure. Moreover, the requirement that funds not revert and could potentially be transferred if unutilized raises questions about the program's long-term viability and sustainability, particularly in instances where demand for grants may fluctuate over time. Stakeholders will likely need to monitor the program’s performance and its impact on local development.

Companion Bills

IA HF153

Similar To A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and making appropriations.(See HF 339, HF 706, HF 2541.)

IA HF706

Similar To A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 339, HF 153; See HF 2541.)

IA HF2541

Similar To A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 706, HF 339, HF 153.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF153

A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and making appropriations.(See HF 339, HF 706, HF 2541.)

IA HF706

A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 339, HF 153; See HF 2541.)

IA HF2541

A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 706, HF 339, HF 153.)

IA HF517

A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund, and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 133.)

IA HF133

A bill for an act creating a vacant school building demolition grant program and fund, and including contingent effective date provisions.(See HF 517.)

IA HF1001

A bill for an act creating a rural attorney recruitment assistance program, and making appropriations. (Formerly HF 209, HF 15.)

IA HF209

A bill for an act creating a rural attorney recruitment assistance program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 15; See HF 1001.)

IA HF2644

A bill for an act creating a program and fund for court reporter equipment, and making appropriations. (Formerly HF 2493.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF15

A bill for an act creating a rural attorney recruitment assistance program, and making appropriations.(See HF 209, HF 1001.)

IA HF559

A bill for an act establishing an agriculture education grant program within the department of education and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 389.)

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