Bill overview
Senate File 2214 (SF 2214) from the Iowa 2025-2026 session relates to the installation of transmission lines on highway rights-of-way. The measure provides a framework for coordinated planning between the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and utility infrastructure owners or transmission line developers, and it establishes a mechanism for permitting and policy guidance on longitudinal (along-the-right-of-way) transmission line installations on primary road rights-of-way, including interstate rights-of-way.
Primary purpose and intent
- To facilitate coordination between the DOT and utility/transmission line developers when considering locations for transmission lines within highway corridors.
- To establish a utility accommodation policy that governs longitudinal transmission line installations on primary road rights-of-way.
- To ensure timely handling of permit decisions and transparency about denial reasons.
Key provisions and changes
1) Coordination and project oversight (new Section 306.47, Code 2026)
- Upon written request by a utility infrastructure owner, the DOT must engage in coordination activities to review highway corridors for potential transmission line placements.
- The DOT must assign a project coordinator within 30 days of receiving the request.
- The DOT must share all known plans with affected utility or transmission line developers on planned future highway projects if those plans could affect transmission line siting.
2) Utility accommodation policy and permitting process (new Section 306A.3, subsection 2, Code 2026)
- The DOT must adopt rules (pursuant to Chapter 17A) that establish reasonable restrictions on placements of utilities on primary road rights-of-way, and may require notice to the DOT and prior permission for proposed installations.
- Upon written request, longitudinal transmission line installations may be installed on primary road rights-of-way (including interstate rights-of-way) unless the DOT determines the installation would endanger public safety or interfere with highway function/public use.
- Rules must recognize emergency situations and allow immediate service extensions consistent with adopted standards by the DOT and Utilities Commission.
- The rules must not be less stringent than the standards adopted by the Utilities Commission under chapters 478, 479, and 479B. The DOT does not gain authority to determine utility routes (that power remains with the Utilities Commission).
- Permit decisions: If the DOT requires a utility permit, the DOT must act on the permit application within 30 days.
- Federal-aid highway projects on nonprimary highways: Local authorities and the DOT must comply with all federal regulations on utility accommodation.
3) Denial transparency
- If the DOT denies a longitudinal transmission line installation on a primary road right-of-way (including interstate rights-of-way), the DOT must make the reason for denial publicly available within 90 days.
Who is affected
- Utility infrastructure owners and transmission line developers seeking to place lines along highway rights-of-way.
- Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), which gains new coordination responsibilities and must develop and enforce utility accommodation rules.
- Local authorities and utilities commissions, due to alignment on standards and coordination, particularly for federal-aid highway projects.
- The general public, which benefits from transparency about permitting decisions and safety considerations.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Coordination: DOT assigns a project coordinator within 30 days of a written request.
- Rulemaking: DOT to adopt rules under Chapter 17A to implement the policy (timing not specified in text; procedural conformity to 17A applies).
- Permitting: DOT must act on required permits within 30 days of filing.
- Denial disclosure: Public disclosure of denial rationale within 90 days of denial.
- Effective date: Provisions reference Code 2026, with enacted provisions approved April 9, 2026.
Bottom line
SF 2214 introduces a structured, transparent framework for coordinating and permitting longitudinal transmission line installations on Iowa highway rights-of-way, balancing utility siting needs with public safety and highway functionality, while ensuring timely action and public disclosure of decisions.
