Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation advocacy update

Bill that would kill Trust Fund does not pass 

Senate Joint Resolution 6  took the first steps toward repealing the voter-approved Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Thanks to your advocacy and the outpouring of support for the Trust Fund, the Senate State Government Committee declined to move SJR 6 forward and the proposal is considered “dead,” as it failed to meet this week’s legislative funnel deadline. Halting this proposal would not have been possible without the tremendous support of conservation advocates like you. Thank you for using your own voices and engaging others to join in the protection of the Trust Fund. Help us continue the momentum of support for conservation by asking legislators to finally fund the Trust Fund!   

Bill limiting new parks moves forward 

 House File 714 and Senate Study Bill 1198 are identical bills that were introduced early this week and would place unnecessary restrictions on efforts to protect and grow Iowa’s public parks, trails and wildlife areas, prohibiting the Iowa DNR from purchasing land at auction, regardless of the public need or benefit. While each bill was passed out of its respective subcommittee, the House Natural Resources Committee did not pass HF 714 out of committee, and the bill failed to meet the legislative funnel deadline and is now considered “dead” in the House.   

However, the Senate Natural Resources Committee did move SSB 1198 out of committee after amending the bill to make it even more restrictive, and the bill is still viable for consideration in the Senate. The bill has now been renamed Senate File 553. If passed by the Senate, it would move back to the House for reconsideration.  

INHF will continue to advocate for Iowa’s parks, trails, and wildlife areas and work to halt legislation aimed at limiting natural resource and recreation opportunities — and we know that nature advocates, like you, will be ready to lend your voice for Iowa’s land, water, and wildlife!