SSB 1115: 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.

Senate subcommittee · named February 13, 2025

• Sen. Mike Klimesh (R) · mike.klimesh@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Zach Wahls (D) · zach.wahls@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Scott Webster (R) · scott.webster@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 13, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Local Government committee
2. February 13, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Klimesh, Wahls and Webster
3. February 20, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes
4. March 6, 2025Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 601