This bill establishes a prohibition on the Iowa Department of Transportation and the state transportation commission from pursuing an interstate road designation for the segment of highway designated as state highway 5 and United States highway 65, which lies between interstate 35 and interstate 80. This prohibition is contingent upon the U.S. government providing an exemption to federal regulations regarding vehicle weight and size for that segment. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to allow implements of husbandry to continue operating on this highway segment, provided they were authorized to do so before it becomes part of the interstate road system, until an alternative route is developed.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to conduct a study aimed at developing an accessible highway route suitable for implements of husbandry. The provisions of this bill will apply to the specified highway segment from the effective date onward, regardless of any future changes to the highway's designation by state or federal authorities. The bill also includes specific amendments to existing law regarding the operation of vehicles incapable of maintaining a speed of 40 miles per hour on the interstate road system, creating exceptions for implements of husbandry under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 306A.2