Relating to backwater variances for bridge construction or repair

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedFebruary 28, 2025
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeMarch 3, 2025
3. ✕
   Stopped: House committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
4. Next: Passes the House
5. Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
6. Next: Passes the Senate
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to backwater variances for bridge construction or repair. Under current administrative rules, if a bridge that requires a flood plain construction permit exceeds established backwater limits, the department of natural resources (DNR) may require the relevant authority to acquire from the affected landowners a flooding easement for the excess backwater. The bill requires the director of DNR to issue a variance to any state agency, county, or city for backwater requirements for bridge construction or repair if the director receives from all affected landowners who have not provided the state agency, county, or city with a flooding easement a written acknowledgment that each landowner’s property will be subject to flooding during and after the construction or repair.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named March 3, 2025. On March 4, 2025 it recommended passage.

• Rep. Thomas M. Jeneary REmail
• Rep. Bob Henderson REmail
• Rep. Elizabeth Wilson DEmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§455B.276

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works