This bill amends the existing law regarding the exercise of eminent domain by utilities in Iowa, specifically concerning the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines for the transportation or transmission of liquefied carbon dioxide. It establishes that such construction does not qualify as a public use, public purpose, or public improvement, meaning that utilities must obtain the consent of agricultural landowners before condemning their land for these purposes. This change contrasts with current law, which allows utilities to condemn agricultural land without the owner's consent for private development.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a utility to include various entities that provide essential services to the public, such as gas, electricity, and water, as well as specific types of water and electric service providers. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment and applies to condemnation proceedings initiated after the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6A.21