Senate File 491 amends various sections of the Iowa Code related to farm property and the use of surveillance devices. The bill removes several existing subsections from Section 715E.1 and introduces new definitions, including "farm animal," "farm commodity," "farm crop," "farm equipment," "farm structure," "farmer," and "farmstead." These definitions clarify what constitutes farm-related entities and activities, emphasizing the importance of agricultural operations. Additionally, the bill specifies that a farmstead must generate at least $15,000 from the sale of farm commodities in the previous year and excludes properties within city limits.

The bill also revises the language surrounding the use of remotely piloted aircraft equipped with surveillance devices. It establishes that such devices can only operate within a secured area of 400 feet surrounding farm animals, equipment, or structures, and not within city limits. Furthermore, it allows owners or lessees of homesteads or farmsteads to petition for temporary injunctions against harassment from the use of these aircraft. The amendments aim to enhance the protection of farm properties and clarify the legal framework governing agricultural surveillance and operations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 715E.1, 459.102, 715E.3, 715E.4, 715E.5, 715E.6
Enrolled: 715E.1, 459.102, 715E.3, 715E.4, 715E.5, 715E.6