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SSB 1220

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations involving state government entities associated with agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Funds watershed demonstration projects in Iowa to improve water quality using nutrient-reduction practices, with up to 50% cost sharing, outreach, and data evaluation.

Subcommittee: Shipley, Staed, and Zumbach.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1220

Summary: SSB 1220 (Introduced April 1, 2025)

Overview

SSB 1220 is an appropriations-focused bill addressing state government activities related to agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection. It would authorize and fund demonstration projects in designated watersheds and subwatersheds to promote water quality improvements, guided by the Iowa nutrient reduction strategy. The bill is currently under consideration in the Appropriations subcommittee process (Shipley, Staed, and Zumbach).

Purpose and Context

  • The bill aims to support water quality improvements in targeted watersheds identified by the water resources coordinating council (established per section 466B.3).
  • It emphasizes demonstration projects that apply nutrient reduction practices, educate landowners and the public, and collect data to inform broader implementation.

Key Provisions

  • Watershed focus: Demonstration projects must be located in subwatersheds and watersheds identified by the water resources coordinating council.
  • Practices and guidance: Projects must utilize water quality practices described in the Iowa nutrient reduction strategy (as defined in section 455B.171).
  • Participant eligibility: Projects shall allow participation by persons who hold a legal interest in agricultural land used in farming; where practical, collaboration should occur with others who hold land interests in the same subwatershed.
  • Cost-sharing: Projects are to be implemented on a cost-share basis. The state’s share shall not exceed 50 percent of either:
    • the estimated cost of establishing the practice, or
    • the actual cost of establishing the practice, whichever is less (edge-of-field practices have specific exceptions to the cap).
  • Education and outreach: Demonstration projects are designed to educate others about the feasibility and value of water quality practices, including field day events to facilitate hands-on learning.
  • Evaluation and data: The division shall conduct water quality evaluations within the supported subwatersheds and, after sufficient data are collected, create an aggregated database of water quality practices. Confidentiality measures apply to information identifying individuals with agricultural land interests.
  • Use of funds: funds appropriated under the bill would be dedicated to education and outreach that promotes adoption of water quality practices.

Funding and Fiscal Implications

  • The bill is framed as an appropriations measure within departments and programs related to agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection.
  • Specific dollar amounts are not provided in the text excerpt, but the funding is intended to support demonstration projects, outreach, evaluations, and the creation of the practice database.

Who Is Affected

  • Farmers and landowners with legal interests in agricultural land within targeted subwatersheds.
  • State agencies and divisions responsible for water resources, environmental programs, and nutrient management (in coordination with the water resources coordinating council).
  • Local communities and stakeholders involved in watershed management and education efforts.

Process and Next Steps

  • Introduced: April 1, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Appropriations; subcommittee consideration by Shipley, Staed, and Zumbach.
  • Next steps typically include subcommittee deliberation, potential amendments, committee of the whole consideration, and floor action in the respective chamber.

Relation to Existing Law

  • Builds on the Iowa nutrient reduction strategy (section 455B.171) and the water resources coordinating council (section 466B.3).
  • Aligns with environmental protection and agricultural development programs, and touches on confidentiality provisions under section 22.7 for landowner data.

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

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