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SSB 1187

A bill for an act relating to certain state highways not designated as part of the interstate road system, including the operation of implements of husbandry on such highways, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Allows temporary continued operation of implements of husbandry on a defined non-interstate highway segment while studying an accessible alternative route, and blocks interstate de

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 568.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1187

Summary: SSB 1187 (Renumbered as SF 568)

Purpose and scope

SSB 1187, introduced February 25, 2025 and renumbered to SF 568 by a committee report, seeks to manage the operation of implements of husbandry on specific non-interstate highway segments and to set conditions for pursuing or delaying interstate designation of those segments. The bill also directs a state-funded study to develop an accessible alternative highway route for agricultural equipment.

Key provisions

  • Conditional exception for current operation on a defined highway segment. The bill creates a conditional exception to a prohibition on operating implements of husbandry on certain highway segments. If an implement of husbandry may be operated on the segment of U.S. Highway 65 and State Highway 5 (including the overlapping portion) between the intersection with U.S. Highway 6 and the intersection with U.S. Highway 69, prior to the date the segment becomes part of the interstate system, it may continue to be operated on that segment until an alternative route for implements of husbandry is available. The Department of Transportation (DOT) may authorize operation farther west beyond the intersection with U.S. Highway 69.

  • Definition and operating speed. An implement of husbandry is defined as a vehicle or special mobile equipment used for agricultural purposes, operated primarily in agricultural operations (with incidental uses allowed). A qualifying self-propelled implement must operate at speeds of 35 mph or less.

  • Interstate designation restrictions. The bill prohibits DOT and the State Transportation Commission from pursuing an interstate designation for the segment between the intersections with Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 unless the U.S. government provides an exemption from federal weight and size regulations for that segment.

  • Alternative highway study and funding. The bill appropriates general fund money to DOT to conduct an alternative highway study to develop and implement a route accessible to implements of husbandry.

  • Applicability and duration. The provisions apply to the segment on the bill’s effective date and continue to apply regardless of whether the highway’s designation is later changed.

Affected entities and interests

  • Primary: Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and the State Transportation Commission.
  • Secondary: Farmers and operators of implements of husbandry who rely on these highway segments for agricultural operations.
  • Federal angle: Interstate designation and federal exemptions on vehicle weight/size would influence whether the legislature can move the segment to interstate status.

Procedural timeline

  • 2025-02-25: Introduced and referred to Commerce.
  • 2025-02-25: Senate Subcommittee meeting and initial consideration (Feb. 26, 2025).
  • 2025-03-03: Subcommittee recommends passage.
  • 2025-03-06: Committee report approving the bill and renumbering it as SF 568.

Potential impact

  • Provides a narrow, temporary allowance for continued operation of agricultural equipment on a defined non-interstate highway segment during the transition period before any potential interstate designation, subject to an available alternative route.
  • Requires a state-funded study to identify and implement an accessible route for implements of husbandry, potentially affecting transportation planning and rural road usage.
  • Creates a federal-designation hurdle: without a federal exemption for vehicle weight/size, the segment cannot pursue interstate status, potentially affecting long-term highway planning and funding considerations.

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

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