Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to a statewide urban design and specifications board, including assessment of costs for local government projects that do not comply with the board’s design or specifications manuals
Sponsored by the Senate Transportation Committee
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 16, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 16, 2026
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 18, 2026
- Done: Passes the SenateMarch 31, 202628–18
- Skipped: House committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 4, 202661–36
- Done: To the GovernorMay 6, 2026
- Stopped: VetoedJune 2, 2026
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 establishes the statewide urban design and specifications board (SUDAS board) within the department of transportation (DOT). The SUDAS board is required to develop statewide urban design standards and specifications (SUDAS), which may include soliciting recommendations from the institute for transportation at Iowa state university. Currently, the institute maintains Iowa’s SUDAS manuals for public improvements. The bill provides for members from the DOT and various nongovernment entities to serve as members on the SUDAS board.
Read the full explanation
The SUDAS board is required to publish on the DOT’s internet site a design manual and a specifications manual, along with an analysis of any changes to the SUDAS manuals, and provide an estimate of expected cost variations that are likely to be incurred, if any, by implementing the changes. A SUDAS board member’s regular term of appointment is four years, and a vacancy must be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the same manner as the original appointment.5. The bill requires a county or city that approves a project plan that does not comply with the SUDAS manuals to pay any additional costs for projects resulting from the noncompliance. A property owner cannot be assessed any costs relating to projects on or adjacent to the owner’s property that result from the county’s or city’s noncompliant plan.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Changed since by amendments S-5064, H-8126; see Amendments. Full bill text · What changed before it passed
Senate subcommittee
Named February 16, 2026 (as SSB 3173). On February 18, 2026 it recommended amendment and passage.
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
Fiscal note
Less revenue: up to $450,000 Compare with other bills
0 FTE positions at an estimated $231,000 annually to administer the program. In addition, the ISU Institute for Transportation is anticipating a loss of revenue totaling $450,000 due to the DOT administering SUDAS and will reduce expenses for administrative support by $125,000 per year.
- Statewide Urban Design and Specifications Board · March 4, 2026 · $450,000
Nonpartisan cost estimates from the Legislative Services Agency’s Fiscal Services Division. The newest is first. Reading a fiscal note
Iowa Code it changes
Creates§307.22A
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
5 for · 9 against · 29 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
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91st General Assembly
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