This bill establishes a new prison construction account within the Iowa prison infrastructure fund, replacing the previous FY 2009 prison bonding fund. It amends existing laws to ensure that for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and subsequent years, if bonds related to the Iowa state penitentiary are paid off, an amount equal to the payments made on those bonds for the fiscal year 2024-2025 will be deposited into the new account. The funds in this account are designated specifically for the construction of new prisons or the replacement of infrastructure at existing facilities, and they will not revert to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year.

Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of an interim study committee to assess prison capacity and the feasibility of constructing an additional prison or exploring alternative housing options. This committee will evaluate various factors, including geographic locations, existing infrastructure, security classifications, and staffing needs. The committee is required to submit a report to the general assembly and the governor by December 18, 2025. The bill also includes a provision for annual reporting on infrastructure projects by the department of corrections, ensuring transparency and accountability in prison infrastructure development.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12.80, 602.8108A, 12C.7