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HF 486

A bill for an act relating to residency requirements for individuals holding office as a trustee of a drainage or levee district.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brett Barker

HF 486 ensures trustees of drainage and levee districts in Iowa are local agricultural landowners, enhancing accountability and representation in water management.

Introduced, referred to Agriculture.
#agriculturalland #drainagedistricts #leveedistricts #specialdistricts
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Bill Summary · HF 486

Summary of Bill HF 486

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HF 486
  • Title: A bill for an act relating to residency requirements for individuals holding office as a trustee of a drainage or levee district.
  • Status: Introduced, referred to Agriculture.
  • Introduced: February 19, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Agricultural Land, drainage districts, levee districts, special districts

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 486 is to amend existing residency requirements for individuals who serve as trustees of drainage or levee districts in Iowa. The bill aims to ensure that trustees are bona fide owners of agricultural land within the election district they represent and reside in the county where the district is located or in a contiguous county.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to Section 468.506 of the Iowa Code:

  1. Eligibility Criteria:

    • A trustee must be:
      • A bona fide owner of agricultural land in the election district.
      • A resident of the county where the district is located or a contiguous county.

  2. Clarification of Residency:

    • The bill specifies that the trustee must reside in the same county as the election district or in a county that is contiguous to it, ensuring that the trustee has a direct connection to the area they serve.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Trustees: Individuals seeking to serve as trustees for drainage or levee districts will need to meet the revised residency requirements.
    • Landowners: The bill may impact landowners within drainage and levee districts, as it ensures that their elected representatives have a vested interest in the local agricultural community.

  • District Management: The bill reinforces the governance structure of drainage and levee districts, which are essential for managing water accumulation and improving agricultural land value.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Process: HF 486 was introduced on February 19, 2025, and has been referred to the Agriculture committee for further consideration. The bill's progress will depend on discussions and potential amendments during committee hearings.

Conclusion

HF 486 seeks to strengthen the governance of drainage and levee districts in Iowa by ensuring that trustees are not only landowners but also residents of the areas they represent. This legislative change aims to enhance local representation and accountability in the management of agricultural land and water resources.

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

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