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Bill > SF643


IA SF643

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, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 568, SSB 1187.)


summary

Introduced
04/30/2025
In Committee
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 requires the DOT to collaborate with the Des Moines area metropolitan planning organization as the organization conducts 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 the operation of agricultural vehicles (called "implements of husbandry") on specific segments of U.S. Highway 65 and State Highway 5 that are being considered for interstate designation. The bill prohibits the Department of Transportation (DOT) from pursuing interstate road designation for the highway segment between Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 unless the federal government provides an exemption for vehicle weight and size restrictions. Currently, vehicles unable to maintain 40 miles per hour are prohibited on interstate highways, but this bill creates a specific exception for agricultural implements on this highway segment. The bill requires the DOT to collaborate with the Des Moines area metropolitan planning organization to develop an alternative route for agricultural vehicles. Specifically, implements of husbandry will be allowed to continue operating on this highway segment even after it becomes part of the interstate system, until a suitable alternative route is developed and opened. The bill ensures these provisions will continue to apply even if the highway's designation changes in the future, providing long-term protection for agricultural vehicle operators in the area.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Appropriations (S)

Last Action

Withdrawn. S.J. 962. (on 05/12/2025)

bill text


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