IA
Iowa House Bill HSB225

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB225

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

A bill for an act providing for regulation of certain noncoal mine sites, including the reclamation of land above active underground mine sites disturbed by the formation of sinkholes, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 1029.)

Impact

The proposed legislation could significantly impact existing laws governing mining activities in Iowa. By tightening regulations regarding the reclamation of land affected by sinkholes, HSB225 seeks to mitigate the environmental consequences associated with mining operations. This aligns with broader efforts to protect the state's natural resources and ensure that mining practices do not compromise public safety or environmental integrity. Furthermore, operators would be required to provide maps and maintain records about their mining activities, thereby increasing transparency within the industry.

Summary

House Study Bill 225 aims to establish comprehensive regulations regarding noncoal mine sites, particularly focusing on land reclamation in instances where sinkholes form above active underground mining areas. The bill mandates operators to notify regulatory authorities immediately when a sinkhole occurs and establishes penalties for non-compliance with such notifications. It also empowers the relevant division to adopt rules governing the reclamation of land disturbed by sinkholes, thereby enhancing accountability among mine operators and promoting environmental restoration efforts.

Contention

Despite the bill's potential benefits, there are notable points of contention. Some stakeholders might express concerns regarding the financial burden imposed on mining operators due to the requirements for immediate reporting and the reclamation efforts. Additionally, the penalties for non-compliance, which can reach up to $5,000 per violation, may be viewed as excessively punitive by some in the mining sector. The balance between robust environmental protections and the operational viability of mining companies is likely to be a focal point of ongoing discussions surrounding this bill.

Latest IA HSB225 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session HSB225

Companion Bills

IA HF1029

Replaced by A bill for an act providing for regulation of certain noncoal mine sites, including the reclamation of land above active underground mine sites disturbed by the formation of sinkholes, providing fees, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 225.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2225

A bill for an act providing for regulation of certain noncoal mine sites, including the reclamation of land above active underground mine sites disturbed by the formation of sinkholes, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF2088

A bill for an act providing for regulation of certain noncoal mine sites, including the reclamation of land above active underground mine sites disturbed by the formation of sinkholes, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.

IA HF2614

A bill for an act relating to the conservation and improvement of soil and water resources, including by providing for the administration of associated programs and regulations, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 674; See HF 2642.)

IA HF2642

A bill for an act relating to the conservation and improvement of soil and water resources, including by providing for the administration of associated programs and regulations, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 2614, HSB 674.)

IA HF666

A bill for an act providing for programs and regulations administered and enforced by the department of agriculture and land stewardship, providing fees, providing for the allocation of moneys, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 277, HSB 113.) Effective date: 06/01/2023, 07/01/2023.

IA HF2156

A bill for an act relating to water quality standards, including by providing for the regulation of animal feeding operations, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.

IA HSB102

A bill for an act providing for the regulation of delivery network companies and drivers, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF72

A bill for an act relating to animal feeding operations, by providing for certain air and water quality regulations, including when two or more related confinement feeding operations are deemed to be a single operation, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HSB207

A bill for an act providing for business organizations, including limited liability companies, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 655.)

IA HF2510

A bill for an act relating to agriculture, by providing for the administration of programs and regulations, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 560; See HF 2641.)

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