Iowa House Bill HF880

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 4/3/25

Caption

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to public libraries that are eligible to receive state assistance under the enrich Iowa program.(Formerly HF 284.)

Impact

The bill establishes that eligible public libraries must not be dues-paying members of any nationwide nonprofit organization or any local nonprofit that advocates for laws affecting libraries. This represents a significant shift as it excludes numerous libraries from receiving state funding based on their membership status with advocacy organizations. The change aims to increase accountability and focus state resources on libraries that are not swayed by outside lobbying efforts.

Summary

House File 880 aims to modify the eligibility criteria for public libraries seeking state assistance under Iowa's Enrich Iowa program. This bill is designed to ensure that public libraries receiving state support do not have any financial affiliations with certain nonprofit organizations that are involved in advocacy for library-related legislation at various governmental levels. The primary goal is to potentially align state funding more closely with libraries that are independent of external advocacy influences.

Contention

While proponents of HF880 argue that the bill will protect state funds from being allocated to libraries influenced by external lobbying efforts, critics raise concerns about the implications for library autonomy and advocacy. Opponents argue that participation in advocacy organizations can enhance the capabilities of libraries and enrich their services rather than detract from them. The potential challenge is finding a balance between funding neutrality and the need for libraries to advocate for essential resources and policy reform.