The Iowa Senate has taken a significant step towards implementing stricter regulations on land ownership by foreign entities. During the initial day of floor debate, a bill was passed to address this issue effectively.
Senate File 2204 aims to grant the attorney general the authority to issue subpoenas for the purpose of investigating land ownership. Additionally, the bill proposes stricter penalties for foreign entities that fail to file with the secretary of state or provide false information in their reports.
The bill sailed through without any opposition, as not a single member raised objections during the floor discussion.
Governor Kim Reynolds made a formal request for the bill.
“Iowa has a significant role in the global production of food and fuel, and it is crucial for us to uphold our position as the leading agricultural powerhouse,” Reynolds emphasized. “However, as the risks of foreign land ownership evolve, our laws must adapt accordingly. It is imperative that American soil remains in the hands of Americans. I am delighted that the Senate has approved my legislation, which offers enhanced safeguards for Iowa farmland and imposes stricter penalties on foreign owners who fail to comply with our laws.”
Last week, a companion bill successfully passed a House committee.
According to the most recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foreign entities own 1.6% of Iowa’s farmland.
According to the report, as of December 31, 2022, Canada holds the largest portion of Iowa land, with 198,667 acres. Following closely behind is the category labeled as “all others,” which accounts for 181,258 acres.
In a recent interview with The Center Square, Micah Brown, a staff attorney at the National Agriculture Law Center, mentioned that Iowa already boasts one of the most robust laws governing the ownership of farmland by non-U.S. entities.
According to Brown, the law is well-structured as it includes essential enforcement and penalty mechanisms. In contrast, some states lack clarity on how to enforce and penalize violations.
The Senate has approved a bill to extend postpartum Medicaid care for mothers from two months to one year. However, Democrats have voiced their concerns over the bill’s provision to limit eligibility to 215% of the federal poverty level, as opposed to the previous threshold of 375%.
According to the bill’s fiscal note, the state would save $1.7 million in fiscal year 2025 and an additional $40,000 the following year as a result of the change. However, it is projected to cost the state $286,000 in fiscal year 2027.
Sen. Janet Petersen, a Democratic representative from Des Moines, made an unsuccessful attempt to amend Senate File 2251 in order to maintain eligibility at 375%.
According to Peterson, the focus should be on expanding care rather than contracting it.
The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 34 in favor and 13 against.
Reynolds suggested the alteration.
In response to the Senate’s action, Reynolds expressed her commitment to building a culture of life in Iowa by emphasizing the importance of providing adequate support for families. She stated, “Two months of postpartum care isn’t enough. Extending postpartum care to 12 months for women with the greatest need is crucial in helping them recover from childbirth, access family planning services, manage chronic health issues, and address mental health. Strong families are essential for our state to thrive.”
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