A bill for an act requiring the department of revenue to issue a request for proposals to study local taxing authority processes and procedures.
Impact
The legislation mandates that the Department of Revenue issue a request for proposals by July 1, 2026, with a contract awarded by October 1, 2026. Funding for the study will be split, with 90% of the costs borne by the state and 10% by the local taxing authorities, which may place a financial obligation on these entities depending on the results of the study. Additionally, the bill requires that findings from the study be reported to the General Assembly by June 30, 2027, providing a timeline for review and potential legislative actions based on the report's conclusions.
Summary
House File 719 aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of local taxing authorities in Iowa by requiring the Department of Revenue to commission a study conducted by a private entity. This study is intended to explore the current processes and procedures utilized by local taxing authorities, including counties, cities, and school districts, to levy and collect taxes and assess property values. The study's primary focus is on identifying the most cost-effective methods for these entities to manage their taxation processes.
Contention
A notable point in HF719 is the inclusion of a state mandate concerning local government compliance with the findings of the study. This requirement could impose certain obligations on local taxing authorities, which may generate discussions regarding the adequacy of funding and resources to implement any recommendations arising from the study. Furthermore, by making Code section 25B.2 inapplicable, the bill ensures that local authorities cannot claim exemption from state mandates if funding is not specified, potentially limiting local autonomy in taxation matters.
A bill for an act relating to state and local revenue and finances by modifying sales and use taxes, the charitable conservation contribution tax credit available against individual and corporate income taxes, the water service tax, property taxes, transit funding, and local option taxes, crediting moneys to the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund, modifying allocations of road use tax fund moneys, making appropriations, and including effective date, retroactive applicability, and applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1125.)
A bill for an act relating to school security, including by requiring certain school districts to employ or retain school security personnel, establishing the school security personnel grant program within the department of education, and authorizing school employees to be issued professional permits to carry weapons.(See HF 2586.)