Iowa House Republicans say two proposed bills are aimed at increasing transparency and oversight in state government operations.
House Study Bill 765 would require the Department of Administrative Services to maintain a digital inventory of all state-owned buildings. The measure also establishes a four-year review cycle, requiring at least 25% of properties to be evaluated each year based on utilization, condition, cost, and overall value. Agencies would need to identify underutilized properties and either justify their continued use or begin vacating and disposal within 60 days. Proceeds from any sales would be split between the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund and the state’s General Fund.
House Study Bill 764 addresses oversight of federal grant funding. The bill would require state agencies to seek approval from the Legislature, or the Legislative Council when lawmakers are not in session, before applying for or accepting certain federal grants, including those exceeding $5 million, requiring state matching funds, or new legislation. Agencies would also be required to submit detailed reports to the Legislative Services Agency for public posting, along with federal guidance documents after grants are awarded.
If passed, the measures would require agencies to be more accountable and transparent, with public access to reports on property use and federal grant funding.
Full text below
“While it doesn’t have a budget bill to produce this year, the Federal Funds and Other Funds Budget Subcommittee is keeping busy by looking into areas that have not been examined for some time. The subcommittee has been assigned two Appropriations bills looking to improve the openness and transparency of state government.
House Study Bill 765 addresses what properties the state of Iowa owns. The bill requires the Department of Administrative Services to maintain a digital inventory of all state buildings and requires four-year review cycle for a review of each property, with at least 25% of buildings evaluated annually on utilization, condition, costs, and value.
The bill requires that underutilized properties be identified, the agencies that have control over those properties would have 60 days to begin vacating and disposal unless they provide justification to the Legislative Council for keeping the property. If a property were to be sold, the proceeds are split and deposited in the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund and the General Fund.
House Study Bill 764 addresses an issue that legislators have dealt with for years – notice and oversight of federal grant funds. The bill creates a new process for state agencies to go through when seeking federal grants over $5 million, requiring state matching funds, or requiring new state legislation. The bill requires an agency to get approval from the Legislature, or the Legislative Council when the General Assembly is not in session, prior to applying for or accepting such a grant.
Agencies would be required to provide the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency with a report detailing what is being sought prior to applying for the funds. LSA would be required to publish these reports on the internet for public viewing. Once a grant was received, agencies would also be required to provide the Legislature with any documents provided by the federal government giving guidance on the grant. These documents would have to be given to LSA within 10 days of receipt.
Not surprisingly, both bills are generating a lot of discussion from various parts of state government. But with the public’s desire for open and transparent government, these agencies are going to have to be more open and forthcoming with relevant information.”
