This bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to various state entities in Iowa focused on agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection. The Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS) is allocated $20,377,294 for various programs, including a new "Choose Iowa food purchasing program" aimed at assisting food banks with a maximum reimbursement of $50,000 per organization. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) receives $12,816,738 for operations, including state parks and groundwater protection, while specific allocations are made for the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at Iowa State University, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, and state park maintenance. The bill also emphasizes that existing funding for the college of veterinary medicine and Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health should not be reduced.

Additionally, the bill introduces the Iowa Animal Disease Prevention Fund, replacing the previous Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Fund, and allows unencumbered funds to remain available for future expenditures. It extends the annual appropriation from the General Fund to the Iowa Resources Enhancement and Protection (REAP) fund through fiscal year 2027-2028, with specific provisions for the Environment First Fund for FY 2025-2026. The bill broadens the purposes of the foreign animal disease preparedness and response fund and mandates that proceeds from the sale of real property in state parks be directed to the State Conservation Fund for park-specific use. Overall, the bill aims to enhance Iowa's agricultural and environmental initiatives through targeted financial support and strategic planning.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 99D.13, 187.331, 165.18, 163.3B, 163.3C, 163.15, 164.4, 164.21, 331.559