Iowa House Bill HF353

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/23
• Engrossed: 4/11/23
• Refer: 4/12/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to levee and drainage districts by establishing certain definitions and establishing an exemption for certain property classified as agricultural based on levee and drainage district assessments. (Formerly HSB 66.)

Impact

The enactment of HF353 will potentially alleviate some financial pressures on farmers and landowners within qualifying levee and drainage districts by allowing them to receive tax relief. Specifically, properties can secure an exemption amounting to 50% of their actual land value, calculated based on a comparison of district taxes to the county's average. This legislation could make farming more economically viable in regions with high levee and drainage costs, ultimately influencing agricultural productivity and land use in those areas.

Summary

House File 353 (HF353) is legislation aimed at levee and drainage districts in Iowa, defining specific criteria for property classified as agricultural in these districts. The bill seeks to establish an exemption based on assessments from levee and drainage districts, specifically targeting properties adjacent to both the Mississippi and Iowa rivers, covering land in districts that exceed thirty-five thousand acres. This exemption is contingent upon the assessment of property taxes exceeding a five-year average for that county, emphasizing a method of providing relief to agricultural properties that face higher tax burdens due to district assessments.

Sentiment

The legislative sentiment surrounding HF353 appears largely supportive among agricultural advocacy groups and homeowners within the targeted districts. Proponents view the bill as a crucial step in addressing the financial challenges posed by high levies and taxes on agricultural land. However, there may be concerns from other stakeholders regarding the impact on district funding and the potential need for sustaining infrastructure within levee and drainage districts, indicating a need for careful consideration of long-term implications.

Contention

While HF353 has gained traction, discussions may surface concerning the fairness of tax exemptions and their potential impact on funding for levee and drainage maintenance. Critics might argue that such exemptions could reduce necessary funding allocations for public works and could spark debates concerning equity among different farming communities. The balancing act between providing tax relief to agricultural producers and maintaining essential services through infrastructural funding is likely to be a point of contention as the bill progresses.