HSB 204: Relating to approval requirements for city utilities

What it does

This bill relates to approval requirements for city utilities. Under current law, when a city is considering whether to grant, amend, extend, or renew a franchise within the city, a public hearing must be held. After the public hearing, the franchise may be granted, amended, extended, or renewed only by an ordinance, and is not effective unless approved at an election. _____ on for passage at two council meetings prior to the meeting at which the ordinance is to be finally passed. The bill provides that after the public hearing, the city council may make the final determination on whether to grant, amend, extend, or renew the franchise.

House subcommittee · named February 18, 2025

• Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla (R) · barb.kniffmcculla@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Larry McBurney (D) · larry.mcburney@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Jennifer J. Smith (R) · jennifer.smith@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 9 against

For: Iowa American Water Co.

Against: Des Moines Water Works; Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities; Iowa Association of Water Agencies; Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club; Iowa Rural Water Association; Iowa Section American Water Works Association; Missouri River Energy Services; Urbandale Water Utility; West Des Moines Water Works

In plain words

1. February 18, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Local Government committee
2. February 18, 2025House subcommittee named: Kniff McCulla, McBurney and Smith