This bill amends the allocation and use of funds from the sports wagering receipts fund in Iowa. It specifies that for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and each subsequent year, the fund will be appropriated to various entities in a prioritized manner. The first allocation of $1.75 million is designated for the Department of Health and Human Services to support behavioral health initiatives. Additional appropriations include $750,000 to the Economic Development Authority for regional sports authority districts, $1.5 million to the Department of Revenue for the length of service award program grant fund, and funds split between the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Management for emergency services equipment. The bill also establishes a local emergency services equipment grant account to provide grants to eligible local governments for purchasing emergency services equipment.

Significant changes in the bill include the removal of provisions allowing the use of sports wagering receipts for cash flow purposes and the requirement for counties to consider grants for racetrack facilities. The bill also outlines specific appropriations for the fiscal year 2024-2025, including $10 million each for the community attraction and tourism fund and the destination Iowa fund, as well as $10 million for the levee improvement fund. The appropriations for FY 2024-2025 take effect immediately upon enactment, while certain provisions related to the 2025 fiscal year will take effect contingent upon the enactment of related legislation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8.57I, 12C.7