Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF645

Introduced
4/30/25  
Engrossed
5/13/25  
Enrolled
5/23/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and extending the repeal date for the housing renewal pilot program. (Formerly SSB 1236.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Impact

One of the key impacts of SF645 is the focus on advancing the state's economic landscape by providing financial assistance earmarked for community development, infrastructure improvement, and workforce readiness. The funding aims to address gaps in job skills and promote entrepreneurship, particularly within underrepresented groups including women and individuals with disabilities. Moreover, the bill seeks to strengthen ties between educational institutions and local economies to better prepare students for high-demand careers.

Summary

Senate File 645 focuses on the budget appropriations for Iowa's economic development for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The bill outlines funding for various state departments and programs aimed at stimulating economic growth and development across Iowa. This includes significant allocations to the Economic Development Authority, the Iowa Finance Authority, and community colleges. The intent is to enhance job creation, support small businesses, and improve workforce capabilities through targeted initiatives such as internships, adult education, and literacy programs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears largely positive among those invested in the economic growth of Iowa. Supporters are optimistic that the funding will help foster a more entrepreneurial environment, create jobs, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for residents. Yet there may be concerns regarding the efficiency of fund allocation and the ability to meet the diverse needs of various communities, prompting some debate about the specific priorities outlined in the bill and their alignment with local goals.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between state-led initiatives and local autonomy in deciding how to best utilize appropriated funds. While enhancing economic development is a common goal, local governments may express concerns regarding the effectiveness of statewide programs, especially in effectively addressing unique community needs. Additionally, there may be debates about the sustainability of initiatives like the apprenticeship programs and housing renewal pilot programs given their reliance on state funding and oversight.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1236

Related A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions.(See SF 645.)

IA HSB336

Related A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and eliminating the repeal of the housing renewal pilot program.(See HF 1040.)

IA HF1040

Similar To A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and eliminating the repeal of the housing renewal pilot program.(Formerly HSB 336.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2432

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions. (Formerly SSB 3198.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SSB3192

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions.

IA SSB3198

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions.(See SF 2432.)

IA SF559

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and modifying the housing renewal pilot program and provisions related to regional industry sector partnerships, the apprenticeship training program, and new jobs training agreements. (Formerly SSB 1211.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1211

A bill for an act making appropriations to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and providing for properly related matters.(See SF 559.)

IA HF2697

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and providing for properly related matters including membership in councils of governments.

IA HF725

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and by modifying provisions relating to the pathways for academic career and employment program, the apprenticeship training program, and new jobs training agreements.(Formerly HSB 249.)

IA HSB249

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and by modifying provisions relating to the pathways for academic career and employment program, the apprenticeship training program, and new jobs training agreements.(See HF 725.)

IA SF2289

A bill for an act relating to economic development and energy shortages under the purview of the economic development authority and governor, and providing penalties. (Formerly SSB 3109.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF575

A bill for an act relating to the economic development authority, including renewable chemical production, workforce housing, and innovation fund tax credits, the Iowa wine, beer, and spirits promotion board, and the beer and liquor control fund, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SF 408, SSB 1087.) Effective date: 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 06/30/2023, 07/01/2023.

Similar Bills

IA SF2432

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions. (Formerly SSB 3198.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SSB1223

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and certain state board of regents institutions.

IA SSB3192

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions.

IA SSB1211

A bill for an act making appropriations to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and providing for properly related matters.(See SF 559.)

IA SF559

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and modifying the housing renewal pilot program and provisions related to regional industry sector partnerships, the apprenticeship training program, and new jobs training agreements. (Formerly SSB 1211.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF2697

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and providing for properly related matters including membership in councils of governments.

IA SSB1236

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions.(See SF 645.)

IA HF1040

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and eliminating the repeal of the housing renewal pilot program.(Formerly HSB 336.)