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IA SF568

A bill for an act relating to certain state highways not designated as part of the interstate road system, including the operation of implements of husbandry on such highways, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1187; See SF 643.)

summary

Introduced
03/10/2025
In Committee
03/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

Under current law, any kind of vehicle, implement, or conveyance incapable of attaining and maintaining a speed of 40 miles per hour (MPH) is prohibited from using the interstate road system. This bill provides a conditional exception to that prohibition. If an implement of husbandry may be operated on the segment of the highway known as U.S. highway 65, and state highway 5, including where the highway designations overlap (segment), between the highway’s intersection with U.S. highway 6 and the highway’s intersection with U.S. highway 69, prior to the date the segment becomes part of the interstate road system, then the implement of husbandry may continue to be operated on that segment until an alternative route for implements of husbandry is made available. The department of transportation (DOT) may authorize an implement of husbandry to be operated on the segment farther west beyond the intersection with U.S. highway 69. Under current law, an “implement of husbandry” means a vehicle or special mobile equipment manufactured, designed, or reconstructed for agricultural purposes and, except for incidental uses, is exclusively used in the conduct of agricultural operations. To be considered an implement of husbandry, a self-propelled qualifying vehicle must be operated at speeds of 35 MPH or less. The bill prohibits the DOT and the state transportation commission from pursuing an interstate road designation for the segment extending between the segment’s intersections with interstate 35 and interstate 80 unless the U.S. government provides an exemption from federal regulations regarding vehicle weight and size on that segment, as described in the bill. The bill appropriates moneys from the general fund of the state to the DOT to conduct an alternative highway study to develop and implement an accessible alternative highway route suitable for implements of husbandry. The bill applies to the segment on the effective date of the bill, and will continue to apply to the segment regardless of whether the highway’s designation is subsequently changed.

AI Summary

This bill addresses restrictions on a specific segment of U.S. Highway 65 and State Highway 5 in Iowa, primarily focusing on allowing implements of husbandry (agricultural vehicles) to continue operating on this highway section even after it becomes part of the interstate road system. Currently, vehicles unable to maintain 40 miles per hour are prohibited on interstates, but this bill creates an exception for agricultural vehicles on this specific highway segment between U.S. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 69. The Department of Transportation is prohibited from pursuing interstate designation for this highway segment unless the federal government provides an exemption to vehicle weight and size regulations. The bill appropriates $250,000 for conducting a study to develop an alternative highway route for agricultural vehicles, and ensures that the provisions will remain in effect even if the highway's designation changes. The legislation aims to protect agricultural operators' ability to use this highway route, recognizing the importance of maintaining transportation access for farming equipment, and provides a pathway for developing an alternative route that can safely accommodate agricultural vehicles.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Commerce (S)

Last Action

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 643. S.J. 933. (on 04/30/2025)
(4 Companion Bills)

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