Senate File 646 appropriates funds from the general fund and the environment first fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026, with significant allocations aimed at enhancing agricultural and environmental initiatives in Iowa. The bill designates $20,377,294 to the Department of Agriculture, which includes a transfer of $325,000 to Iowa State University for the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute, and establishes a new "Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program" to assist food banks with a maximum reimbursement of $50,000 per organization. The Department of Natural Resources receives $12,816,738, along with $51,404,790 from the state fish and game protection fund, to support outdoor activities and various environmental programs. Notably, the bill allows unencumbered funds to remain available for expenditure until the close of the succeeding fiscal year, ensuring continued support for programs like the Farmers with Disabilities Program.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for improving water quality practices through demonstration projects for agricultural landowners, establishing a cost-share program for water quality practices, and creating a new Iowa animal disease prevention fund to support animal health strategies. It also includes new language mandating that funds generated from the sale of state park lands be deposited into the state conservation fund for infrastructure costs, replacing the previous terminology of "funds" with "moneys" to ensure proper allocation. Overall, Senate File 646 emphasizes the importance of strategic funding and collaborative efforts in enhancing Iowa's agricultural, environmental, and natural resource management.

Statutes affected:
Reprinted: 99D.13, 187.331, 165.18, 163.3B, 163.3C, 163.15, 163A.12, 163A.9, 164.4, 165.2, 165.10, 164.21, 331.512, 331.559, 163.16
Enrolled: 99D.13, 187.331, 165.18, 163.3B, 163.3C, 163.15, 163A.12, 163A.9, 164.4, 165.2, 165.10, 164.21, 331.512, 331.559, 163.16