Iowa Senate Bill SSB1093

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to requirements for the division, subdivision, and consolidation of parcels.(See SF 355.)

Impact

The impact of SSB1093 on state laws is significant as it strengthens the control of local government bodies over land use while ensuring that local finances are safeguarded. By requiring a treasurer's certificate, the bill intends to prevent future disputes concerning unpaid taxes on land. Additionally, it mandates that any document for division or consolidation without the proper treasurer's certification will be refused for recording, which is a crucial step in maintaining orderly land records and protecting the local tax base.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1093 pertains to the requirements regarding the division, subdivision, and consolidation of land parcels in Iowa. The bill is intended to amend existing legal frameworks to ensure that any division or consolidation of land will require a certificate from the treasurer. This certificate must confirm that each tract is free from certified taxes and special assessments, thereby preventing local governing bodies from approving land transactions without proper tax clearances. Such requirements are aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency in land transactions within the jurisdictions of city councils and boards of supervisors.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it will uphold financial discipline within local governance and protect municipalities from losses due to unassessed taxes, opponents may see it as an additional barrier to property development and land management. There may be concerns regarding the burden that such certifications pose on citizens seeking to subdivide or consolidate their properties, potentially leading to bureaucratic delays. The bill will likely stir discussion over the balance between regulatory oversight and individual property rights.

Additional_aspects

Furthermore, the proposed amendments reflect a broader movement towards better land governance in the state, encouraging municipal agencies to adopt more stringent fiscal practices. The treasurer's role in this process highlights the interconnected nature of financial responsibility and land use policy in Iowa, which will be a focal point in further legislative discussions surrounding land regulation in the state.