Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF556

Introduced
3/23/23  
Refer
6/5/23  
Introduced
3/23/23  

Caption

A bill for an act providing for financing of certain agricultural commodity programs, by reducing and eliminating fees imposed on licensed grain dealers and warehouse operators, replacing those moneys with moneys collected from a percentage of state assessments imposed on the sale of corn, increasing moneys deposited into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, increasing indemnification amounts, and making appropriations.(Formerly SSB 1205.)

Impact

This bill will amend several existing regulations governing grain dealers and warehouse operations. Notably, SF556 adjusts how the state assessments on corn are calculated and managed, creating a more direct link between corn sales and funding for agricultural programs. By increasing the ceiling for the indemnity fund to $20 million and adjusting payment limits for claims, the legislation is aimed at enhancing financial security for those involved in the corn market. With these changes, the legislative framework will shift towards ensuring efficient market development and competitive practices in the agricultural sector.

Summary

Senate File 556 (SF556) aims to reform financing for agricultural commodity programs, primarily focusing on corn in Iowa. The bill proposes to eliminate certain fees imposed on licensed grain dealers and warehouse operators, replacing these revenues with funds collected from a percentage of state assessments on corn sales. It further increases funding directed towards the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, which provides financial protection for sellers of grain against losses incurred due to a dealer's unfulfilled obligations.

Contention

While the bill has broad support among agricultural stakeholders who argue that it streamlines funding and enhances security for grain sellers, some concerns have been raised regarding the dependency on state assessments. Critics argue that if corn sales do not meet expected levels, the effectiveness of the indemnity fund and market development initiatives may be compromised. Moreover, the shift from fixed fees to variable assessments could create unpredictability for grain dealers as they navigate the new financial landscape introduced by SF556.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1205

Related A bill for an act providing for financing of certain agricultural commodity programs, by reducing and eliminating fees imposed on licensed grain dealers and warehouse operators, replacing those moneys with moneys collected from a percentage of state assessments imposed on the sale of corn and soybeans, increasing moneys deposited into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, increasing indemnification amounts, and making appropriations.(See SF 556.)

Previously Filed As

IA SSB1205

A bill for an act providing for financing of certain agricultural commodity programs, by reducing and eliminating fees imposed on licensed grain dealers and warehouse operators, replacing those moneys with moneys collected from a percentage of state assessments imposed on the sale of corn and soybeans, increasing moneys deposited into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, increasing indemnification amounts, and making appropriations.(See SF 556.)

IA HF508

A bill for an act providing for the marketing of grain by licensed warehouse operators and grain dealers, including by providing for indemnity fees and the indemnification of grain depositors and sellers for losses following the cessation of a license or bankruptcy.(Formerly HSB 131; See HF 999.)

IA HSB131

A bill for an act providing for the marketing of grain by licensed warehouse operators and grain dealers, including by providing for indemnity fees and the indemnification of grain depositors and sellers for losses following the cessation of a license or bankruptcy.(See HF 508, HF 999.)

IA HF999

A bill for an act providing for the marketing of grain by licensed warehouse operators and grain dealers, including by providing for indemnity fees and the indemnification of grain depositors and sellers for losses following the cessation of a license or bankruptcy, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 508, HSB 131.)

IA SF2401

A bill for an act regulating the marketing of grain, by providing for fees paid by grain dealers and warehouse operators into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, and the payment of claims to reimburse sellers and depositors for losses covered by the fund, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 2393, SSB 3174.)

IA SF2393

A bill for an act regulating the marketing of grain, by providing for fees paid by grain dealers and warehouse operators into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, and the payment of claims to reimburse sellers and depositors for losses covered by the fund, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3174; See SF 2401.)

IA SSB1131

A bill for an act regulating the marketing of grain, by providing for fees paid by grain dealers and warehouse operators into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, and the payment of claims to reimburse sellers and depositors for losses covered by the fund, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 608.)

IA SF608

A bill for an act regulating the marketing of grain, by providing for fees paid by grain dealers and warehouse operators into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, and the payment of claims to reimburse sellers and depositors for losses covered by the fund, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1131.) Effective date: 05/27/2025, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 10/24/2022.

IA SSB3174

A bill for an act regulating the marketing of grain, by providing for fees paid by grain dealers and warehouse operators into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, and the payment of claims to reimburse sellers and depositors for losses covered by the fund, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2393, SF 2401.)

IA HF683

A bill for an act relating to the excise tax imposed on the handling of grain, including by providing for transfer of collected revenue to the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, providing for the future elimination of the excise tax, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 230.)

Similar Bills

IA SSB1205

A bill for an act providing for financing of certain agricultural commodity programs, by reducing and eliminating fees imposed on licensed grain dealers and warehouse operators, replacing those moneys with moneys collected from a percentage of state assessments imposed on the sale of corn and soybeans, increasing moneys deposited into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, increasing indemnification amounts, and making appropriations.(See SF 556.)

IA HF508

A bill for an act providing for the marketing of grain by licensed warehouse operators and grain dealers, including by providing for indemnity fees and the indemnification of grain depositors and sellers for losses following the cessation of a license or bankruptcy.(Formerly HSB 131; See HF 999.)

IA SSB1131

A bill for an act regulating the marketing of grain, by providing for fees paid by grain dealers and warehouse operators into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, and the payment of claims to reimburse sellers and depositors for losses covered by the fund, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 608.)

IA HSB131

A bill for an act providing for the marketing of grain by licensed warehouse operators and grain dealers, including by providing for indemnity fees and the indemnification of grain depositors and sellers for losses following the cessation of a license or bankruptcy.(See HF 508, HF 999.)

IA SF608

A bill for an act regulating the marketing of grain, by providing for fees paid by grain dealers and warehouse operators into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, and the payment of claims to reimburse sellers and depositors for losses covered by the fund, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1131.) Effective date: 05/27/2025, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 10/24/2022.

IA SSB3174

A bill for an act regulating the marketing of grain, by providing for fees paid by grain dealers and warehouse operators into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, and the payment of claims to reimburse sellers and depositors for losses covered by the fund, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2393, SF 2401.)

IA SF2393

A bill for an act regulating the marketing of grain, by providing for fees paid by grain dealers and warehouse operators into the grain depositors and sellers indemnity fund, and the payment of claims to reimburse sellers and depositors for losses covered by the fund, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3174; See SF 2401.)

IA HF999

A bill for an act providing for the marketing of grain by licensed warehouse operators and grain dealers, including by providing for indemnity fees and the indemnification of grain depositors and sellers for losses following the cessation of a license or bankruptcy, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 508, HSB 131.)