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Bill > SF226


IA SF226

IA SF226
A bill for an act relating to procedures to review the exercise of eminent domain, and providing fees.


summary

Introduced
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill allows an applicant before the Iowa utilities commission (commission) under Code chapter 476 or a person whose real property is subject to an eminent domain taking claim arising from an application before the commission to file a petition seeking declaratory review from the Polk county district court. Relief by the court is limited to a declaration of the parties’ rights, status, and other legal matters relating to eminent domain. The bill does not limit the commission’s authority to proceed with an application that was under consideration at the time of such a petition. The bill allows a person whose real property is subject to an eminent domain taking claim arising from an application before the commission to commence a new action in a district court of a county other than Polk county with a different district court judge if more than 18 months have passed since the commencement of a prior action or the facts and circumstances presented in the prior proceeding have changed. In such a proceeding, the bill requires the court to review the issues without giving precedential weight to the findings in the prior action. The bill requires a fee of $10 to commence a declaratory action in the bill that must be paid to the clerk of the district court of the county where the action is commenced. The fees collected are deposited in the general fund of the state. The bill prohibits any bond requirements for an appeal of any order entered in an action arising from the bill, or for any injunction to enforce an order entered pursuant to the bill.

AI Summary

This bill modifies procedures for reviewing eminent domain claims related to utility commission applications in Iowa. It allows applicants or property owners to petition the Polk County District Court for a declaratory review of eminent domain takings before the Iowa Utilities Commission makes a final decision. The bill establishes that the court's relief is limited to declaring parties' rights and legal status regarding eminent domain, and does not prevent the commission from continuing its application process. If more than 18 months have passed since an initial action or if the facts of the case have significantly changed, a person can commence a new action in a different county with a different judge. The new proceeding must review the issues without giving precedential weight to previous findings. The bill requires a $10 fee to initiate a declaratory action, with collected fees deposited in the state's general fund. Importantly, the bill prohibits requiring bonds for appeals or injunctions related to these eminent domain review proceedings, which could make it easier and less financially burdensome for property owners to challenge potential eminent domain actions.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (8)

Last Action

Subcommittee: Bousselot, Blake, and Webster. S.J. 255. (on 02/12/2025)

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