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Bill > SF2259
IA SF2259
IA SF2259A bill for an act regulating confinement feeding operations by providing for construction permits, and making penalties applicable.
summary
Introduced
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
BACKGROUND —— GENERAL. Confinement feeding operations are regulated by the department of natural resources (DNR) under the “Animal Agriculture Compliance Act” (Code chapter 459). A confinement feeding operation is a type of animal feeding operation in which agricultural animals are maintained for at least 45 days in any 12-month period. A confinement feeding operation is an animal feeding operation in which animals are kept in a structure (building) that is totally roofed, and includes any associated manure storage structures (Code section 459.102). Regulations governing confinement feeding operations vary based on the size of the operation measured by animal units (AUs). Animal unit capacity (AUC) refers to a measurement used to determine the maximum number of AUs maintained as part of a confinement feeding operation at any one time. In calculating AUs, a special equivalency factor is assigned for each classification of confined agricultural animal. BACKGROUND —— CONSTRUCTION PERMITS. Code chapter 459, subchapter III, governs water quality standards applicable to confinement feeding operations, including construction permit requirements. Generally, a person constructing a confinement feeding operation structure must obtain a construction permit issued by DNR if the confinement feeding operation after construction meets a threshold AUC of 1,000. One thousand AUs equals 2,500 swine weighing more than 55 pounds (Code section 459.303). BILL’S PROVISIONS. This bill decreases the permit threshold capacity to 300 AUs, which is equal to 750 swine weighing more than 55 pounds. APPLICABLE PENALTIES. A person who violates Code chapter 459, subchapter III, is subject to the administrative assessment of a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each day of a violation (Code section 459.603 referring to Code section 455B.109) or the judicial assessment of a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each day of a violation (Code section 459.603 referring to Code section 455B.191).
AI Summary
This bill modifies regulations for confinement feeding operations, which are facilities where agricultural animals are kept for at least 45 days annually in a roofed structure, including associated manure storage. Currently, under the "Animal Agriculture Compliance Act," a construction permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is generally required if an operation will have an animal unit capacity (AUC) of 1,000 animal units (AU) or more, with 1,000 AUs being equivalent to 2,500 swine over 55 pounds. This bill lowers that threshold, requiring a permit for operations with an AUC of more than 300 animal units, which is equivalent to 750 swine over 55 pounds, though an exception exists for research college operations. Violations of these regulations can result in significant civil penalties, up to $10,000 per day administratively or $5,000 per day judicially.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Staed, and Zumbach. S.J. 278. (on 02/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2259 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF2259.html |
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