Establishing an advisory committee to evaluate the use and value of the master matrix when approving a permit to construct a confinement feeding operation structure, and including effective date provisions

The bill includes four members of the general assembly as ex officio, nonvoting members. The advisory committee is to be staffed by departmental employees, an assistant attorney general, and a person appointed by Iowa state university of science and technology. The bill provides procedures for the operation of the advisory committee, including the designation of a chairperson, quorum and voting requirements, and compensation. BILL’S PROVISIONS —— DUTIES. The advisory committee is required to consider the use and value of different subcategories of criteria in the master matrix used to score an application, and the manner in which criteria is scored. The advisory committee is also required to determine the extent to which the process of approving the construction of confinement feeding operation structures may be improved and statutory limitations imposed upon counties to regulate confinement feeding operations. The advisory committee may conduct hearings throughout the state and conduct surveys of county boards of supervisors. The advisory committee must prepare and submit a report to the governor and general assembly not later than December 13, 2019. The report must include the advisory committee’s findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation and rulemaking documents. The bill takes effect upon enactment. BACKGROUND —— TERMS. A confinement feeding operation structure is a type of animal feeding operation that includes a building to house agricultural animals and a structure used to store manure or in the case of layer operations a structure used to store washwater. A confinement feeding operation refers to a place where agricultural animals are confined and fed in totally roofed buildings for 45 days or more in any 12-month period. BACKGROUND —— MASTER MATRIX. The master matrix refers to a form completed by a person applying for a construction permit. The applicant is awarded points based on an agreement to construct the confinement feeding operation structure or use manure management practices in a manner that exceeds specific state law requirements. The master matrix includes three subcategories which value impacts on air, water, and community. An applicant must obtain a minimum overall score of 440 out of 880 points and a score of 25 percent of available points in each of the three subcategories.303).304A).