This bill amends Section 8A.321 of the Iowa Code to allow the leasing of state-owned real property to religious organizations for the purpose of constructing buildings for religious use. The new provision stipulates that if the property was acquired with funds appropriated by the general assembly, the lease payments must be deposited with the treasurer of state and credited to the general fund or the specific fund from which the appropriated moneys originated. Additionally, it allows for the appropriation of an amount equal to the lease payments to be credited to the state agency that owns the leased property, contingent upon prior approval from the executive council and cooperation with the director.

Under current law, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has the authority to dispose of state property with the approval of a constitutional majority of the general assembly and the governor. If the property is not located on the capitol complex and the general assembly is not in session, DAS can seek approval from the legislative council and the governor instead. The bill maintains these existing procedures while expanding the scope of property disposition to include leasing to religious organizations, thereby formalizing the process for handling lease payments and appropriations related to such transactions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8A.321