This bill establishes a Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund within the state treasury, managed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The fund will consist of moneys transferred from section 321.44B and other appropriated or deposited funds, which will be used for the support, development, maintenance, and enhancement of Iowa's scenic byways, including litter prevention efforts. Notably, any unencumbered or unobligated moneys 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 mandates that for each vehicle registration renewal application, the county treasurer or DOT must request a voluntary contribution of at least $1 to the Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund. While all contributions collected will be sent to the state treasurer for deposit in the fund, counties may retain up to 5 percent of the collected moneys for their general fund. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.44B