This bill establishes a Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund within the state treasury, which will be managed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The fund will consist of moneys transferred from section 321.44B and any other appropriated or deposited funds. The appropriated moneys will be used for the support, development, maintenance, and enhancement of Iowa's scenic byways, including efforts 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 mandates that for each vehicle registration renewal application, the county treasurer or DOT must request a voluntary contribution of at least one dollar 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 five percent of the collected moneys for their general fund. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.44B