Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa by repealing the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund, and dedicating a portion of state revenue from sales and use taxes imposed for the benefit of property tax relief

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa by repealing the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund, and dedicating a portion of state revenue from sales and use taxes for the benefit of property tax relief. The resolution creates a property tax relief trust fund (fund) within the treasury for the purposes of replacing revenue generated from the foundation property tax levy or succeeding property tax levy imposed in lieu thereof that provides funding for elementary and secondary education in each school district in the state. Moneys in the fund shall be exclusively appropriated by law to lower the foundation property tax levy rate on an equal basis across school districts or similarly lower any succeeding property tax levy rate. The amount allocated annually from the trust fund shall be considered property taxes and shall be treated as if received from the foundation property tax levy. The funding mechanisms of the property tax relief trust fund are similar to the natural resources outdoor recreation trust fund. No revenue shall be credited to the fund until the sales and use tax rate imposed is increased upon the sales price of tangible personal property, specified digital products, and the furnishing of enumerated services sold or used in this state in effect on the effective date of the resolution. to the amount generated by a tax rate of three-eighths of one percent imposed upon the retail sales price of tangible personal property, specified digital products, and the furnishing of enumerated services sold or used in this state. The natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund repealed by the resolution, is a fund established for the purpose of protecting and enhancing water quality and natural areas in this state including parks, trails, and fish and wildlife habitat, and conserving agricultural soils in this state. The resolution, if adopted, would be published and then referred to the next general assembly (92nd) for adoption, before being submitted to the electorate for ratification.