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Bill Summary · SF 425

Summary of SF 425 (Amendment S-3178) — Lead Service Line Disclosure

Status: Withdrawn in 2025 session

Introduced: February 25, 2025

Key context: This bill would have expanded real estate disclosures to address lead service lines, by adding specific definitions and requiring disclosure of the presence of lead service lines in property transfer disclosures. An amendment (S-3178) was adopted, and the accompanying HB/HF substitute (HF 876) was used for conforming changes before the bill was withdrawn.

Purpose and intent

  • To increase transparency around lead infrastructure in real estate transactions.
  • To require disclosure of the presence of lead service lines as part of standard real estate disclosure statements, subject to rules to be adopted by the Real Estate Commission.
  • To provide clear definitions of key terms related to service lines and lead contamination in the context of real property disclosures.

Key provisions (as amended by S-3178)

  • New definitions (added to Section 558A.1, Code 2025):
    • NEW SUBSECTION 3A — “Lead service line”: A service line made of lead. A galvanized service line is considered a lead service line if the line ever was or is currently downstream of any lead service line or a service line of unknown material. “Downstream” means the section of the service line between a lead service line and the water meter.
    • NEW SUBSECTION 4A — “Service line”: The pipe connecting the water main to the interior plumbing in a building. This includes the pipe from the water main to the water meter but excludes interior plumbing.
  • Disclosure requirements (Section 558A.4, subsection 1, paragraph a):
    • The disclosure statement must include information relating to the condition and important characteristics of the property, including significant defects in structural integrity and the presence of lead service lines.
    • The exact scope and format of disclosures relating to lead service lines will be governed by rules adopted by the Real Estate Commission under Section 543B.9.
    • The rules may also require disclosure of additional information such as zoning classification, condition of plumbing/heating/electrical systems, or presence of pests.
  • Effective date: The act would take effect January 1, 2026.

Note: The bill’s explanatory text indicates that inclusion of lead service line information would be implemented through Commission rules, and that the new definitions are specifically tied to the disclosure framework for real estate transactions.

Who/what is affected

  • Real estate licensees and brokers preparing and delivering disclosure statements.
  • Property buyers and sellers engaging in real estate transactions.
  • Property owners and property managers whose properties are subject to disclosure requirements.
  • The Iowa Real Estate Commission (to adopt implementing rules under Section 543B.9).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Feb 25, 2025: Introduced and placed on calendar; committee report approved.
  • Apr–May 2025: Amendment S-3178 filed (May 14) and adopted; HF 876 substituted; bill attached to HF 876.
  • May 14, 2025: Bill withdrawn (ultimately not advanced to enactment in that session).
  • Effective date would have been January 1, 2026, if enacted.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Increased information for buyers regarding potential lead exposure risk via service lines, enhancing informed decision-making.
  • May impose new responsibilities on sellers and licensees to identify and disclose the presence of lead service lines, potentially increasing due diligence requirements.
  • Real Estate Commission rules will play a critical role in defining the exact disclosure language, formats, and any accompanying advisories or certifications.
  • The presence of lead service lines intersects with public health concerns and water infrastructure, potentially influencing property valuation and financing considerations.

Bottom line

SF 425, as amended by S-3178, would have mandated disclosure of lead service lines in real estate transactions and defined key terms to clarify the boundary between service lines and interior plumbing, with implementing rules to be established by the Real Estate Commission. The measure was ultimately withdrawn in the 2025 session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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