This bill aims to enhance the powers and responsibilities of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS) by introducing several key provisions. Notably, it reduces the annual allocation for the renewable fuel infrastructure program from $1,750,000 to $150,000 for administrative support and establishes a new "Choose Iowa" school purchasing program, which provides matching funds for schools buying local food products. Additionally, the bill creates a butchery innovation and revitalization program to support small-scale meat processing businesses and includes confidentiality measures to protect sensitive information related to animal diseases. Other amendments focus on updating the standards for weights and measures and modifying financial reporting requirements for grain dealers and warehouse operators.

Furthermore, the bill introduces various tax exemptions and regulatory changes to support Iowa's agricultural sector. It eliminates the grain handling excise tax effective January 1, 2027, and provides property tax exemptions for qualified aboveground storage tanks and an income tax exemption for retired farmers leasing property under specific conditions. The bill also allows for more flexibility in financial reporting for grain dealers, enabling them to submit financial statements based on a review rather than an unqualified audit opinion. Overall, these changes are designed to streamline processes, enhance support for agricultural activities, and ensure compliance with federal regulations, thereby promoting the viability and competitiveness of Iowa's agricultural industry.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 159A.16, 187.201, 187.301, 187.303, 190A.2, 190A.5, 190A.6, 187.331, 15E.370, 163.1, 22.7, 213.1, 215.1, 214.3, 215.1A, 215.14, 215.19, 215.23, 452A.40, 213.3, 203.3, 203.8, 203C.6, 203D.3A, 203D.6, 203D.6A, 321E.29B, 321E.8, 673A.3, 335.2, 335.28, 25B.7, 446.9, 422.7