The bill establishes a statewide urban design and specifications board tasked with developing and overseeing urban design standards and specifications in Iowa. It amends Section 307.22 of the Code 2026 to ensure that planning and programming activities comply with these new standards. The board will be coordinated by the Iowa State University Institute for Transportation and will consist of various appointed members, including professionals from engineering, construction, and local government associations. The board is responsible for publishing design and specifications manuals online and must analyze and report any changes made to these manuals, including potential cost implications.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 364.3 to require city councils to receive a report before approving any city street project that does not conform to the Department of Transportation's design standards. This report must detail the additional costs associated with the noncompliance. Furthermore, once a project has commenced, cities are prohibited from modifying the approved design standards and specifications. These measures aim to enhance compliance with established design standards and improve project accountability at the local level.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 307.22, 331.301, 307.22A
Reprinted: 307.22, 364.3