Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF49

Introduced
1/11/23  
Introduced
1/11/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the date for an election to authorize the issuance of certain indebtedness by school districts.

Impact

The implications of this legislation are significant for school districts seeking to contract indebtedness for projects such as building new facilities or renovating existing structures. By standardizing the timing of such elections, the bill seeks to enhance voter participation and awareness during regular school election cycles. However, it does allow for exceptions in cases where the indebtedness resulted from a natural disaster, letting districts call elections outside the regular schedule, which accommodates urgent financial needs following unforeseen events.

Summary

Senate File 49 proposes to amend existing regulations concerning the timing of elections held to authorize school districts in Iowa to issue certain types of indebtedness. The bill specifically mandates that elections governing the issuance of bonds for school construction and related projects must take place only on the regular school election date, which is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during odd-numbered years. This restriction aims to consolidate the election process within a set timeframe, simplifying planning for both school boards and the electorate.

Contention

While proponents argue that consolidating elections will lead to higher voter turnout and more organized financial planning for school projects, critics may contend that this approach could further complicate matters for districts needing timely responses to urgent needs. For instance, if a school district finds itself in a situation requiring immediate financial action post-disaster, the limitation on election dates may delay necessary funding and responses to pressing challenges.

Notable_points

Overall, SF49 emphasizes the balance between structured governance of school financing and the need to be responsive to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. The legislative discourse surrounding the bill is likely to focus on the potential benefits of unified election timing against the risk of creating barriers to rapid action in times of crisis.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF1

A bill for an act relating to local government funding by modifying school district funding provisions, property assessment provisions, and bond issuance requirements, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 718.)

IA HF370

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, and election commissioners, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards. (Formerly HSB 118.)

IA HF718

A bill for an act relating to local government property taxes, financial authority, operations, and budgets, modifying certain transit funding, property tax credits and exemptions, and appropriations, requiring certain information related to property taxation to be provided to property owners and taxpayers, modifying provisions relating to fees for driver's licenses and nonoperator's identification cards, modifying provisions relating to certain writing fees, modifying certain bonding procedures, making penalties applicable, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 1.) Effective date: 05/04/2023, 07/01/2023, 07/01/2024. Applicability date: 01/01/2023, 07/01/2023, 07/01/2024.

IA SF390

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, election commissioners and children's residential facilities, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards.(Formerly SSB 1111.)

IA SSB1111

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, election commissioners and children's residential facilities, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards.(See SF 390.)

IA HSB118

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, election commissioners and children's residential facilities, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards.(See HF 370.)

IA SF82

A bill for an act relating to elections for bonds issued by a school district in anticipation of revenue.

IA SF356

A bill for an act relating to local government property taxes, financial authority, operations, and budgets, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1124.)

IA SSB1124

A bill for an act relating to local government property taxes, financial authority, and budgets, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See SF 356.)

IA HSB62

A bill for an act relating to city finances by amending the definition of essential corporate purpose and provisions relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.