The bill establishes a Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund within the state treasury, managed by the relevant department. This fund will consist of money transferred from section 321.44B and other appropriated or deposited funds. The purpose of the fund is to support, develop, maintain, and enhance Iowa's scenic byways, including initiatives for litter prevention. Notably, any unencumbered or unobligated funds at the end of a fiscal year will not revert but will remain available for future expenditures, and interest earned on the fund will also be credited back to it.

Additionally, the bill introduces a mechanism for voluntary contributions to the Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund during vehicle registration renewals. County treasurers or the department will request a contribution of one dollar or more from applicants, with all collected funds being remitted to the state treasurer for deposit in the fund. However, counties may retain up to five percent of the collected contributions for their general fund. The bill also amends existing law to include the collection of these voluntary contributions as part of the responsibilities of county treasurers. The Act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.44B
Reprinted: 321.44B