Governor Kim Reynolds has enacted Senate File 619, a new law aimed at financing recovery from the floods and tornadoes of 2024 while enhancing Iowa’s disaster response framework for the future. The legislation allocates $13.6 million retroactively from the Iowa Economic Emergency Fund for fiscal year 2025 to address severe weather impacts. A significant portion of this funding is dedicated to housing assistance programs and infrastructure repairs, with additional measures designed to streamline disaster management efforts. This initiative underscores the resilience of Iowans and seeks to fortify their ability to recover from natural calamities.
This legislative action follows a tumultuous period marked by extensive flooding and powerful tornadoes that affected over 5,000 homes statewide in the spring of 2024. Governor Reynolds emphasized the importance of these relief programs in aiding families and communities as they rebuild their lives post-disaster. Among the key provisions of the bill is an allocation of $11.6 million towards the Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program established in July. Furthermore, $2 million has been earmarked for the Nuisance Property and Abandoned Building Fund, which aids in demolishing structures irreparably damaged by natural disasters.
Beyond immediate recovery needs, the law introduces innovative strategies to improve Iowa's readiness for future disasters. Notably, it permits the Iowa Department of Management access to up to 10% of the state’s Economic Emergency Fund annually for disaster recovery when declared by the governor. Additionally, the Natural Hazard Mitigation Financing program offers loans through the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Iowa Finance Authority, fostering projects aimed at reducing future weather-related damage.
Despite general support for the legislation, there was some opposition concerning licensing requirements for appraisers, independent adjusters, and umpires involved in property damage assessments. Industry advocates argued that such mandates could deter professionals from practicing in Iowa due to the rarity of similar requirements in other states. However, lawmakers opted not to amend this aspect of the measure.
With immediate effect, the new law positions Iowa more effectively to handle both current recovery efforts and potential future challenges posed by natural disasters. By integrating financial aid with strategic preparedness measures, Governor Reynolds aims to ensure that Iowans are better equipped to withstand and recover from adverse weather events.