Iowa Senate Bill SF137

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to repayment of governmental subdivision loans for disaster aid.(See SF 344.)

Impact

One significant impact of SF137 is its potential to alleviate financial burdens on local governmental subdivisions during disasters. By allowing for loans that can be forgiven for 'good cause'—specifically, amounts not exceeding one million dollars—this legislation encourages swift recovery actions and aids in reducing the long-term fiscal impacts on communities. However, the total loan amount available in a fiscal year is capped at one million dollars, which means local governments will need to prioritize their requests based on urgency and necessity.

Summary

Senate File 137 (SF137) proposes provisions for the repayment of loans made to governmental subdivisions for disaster aid. It outlines the conditions under which these loans can be issued, particularly for areas facing actual or potential disasters. The executive council is granted the discretionary power to approve such loans, which can cover up to seventy-five percent of the demonstrated expenses tied to disaster response efforts. This bill serves to streamline the financial assistance process for local governments in times of crisis, thus enhancing their readiness and capacity to manage emergencies effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SF137 may arise around the executive council's discretion in approving loans and forgiving repayments. Stakeholders may express concern about the criteria for forgiveness, as well as the potential strain on the state's contingent fund if multiple local governments seek assistance simultaneously. Discussions may also focus on the adequacy of the one million dollar cap on aggregate loans, questioning whether it sufficiently addresses the financial needs of all affected municipalities during a disaster.

Voting_history

To understand the support or opposition towards SF137, it is essential to track its voting history within the legislative assembly. The absence of specific voting records in the available documents could signify that the bill is still under consideration or yet to be voted upon.