HF 2181 – Maximum weight for vehicle covered under Lemon Law
HF 2230 – Weight exemption for equipment to construct permanent conservation on farms
FLOOR ACTION:
HF 2181 raises the upper weight limit for vehicles covered under the lemon law (Code chapter 322G) to 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. The current cap is 10,000 pounds. It was set in 1991 and reflects the vehicle sizes of that time. Today’s vehicles, particularly pickup trucks, typically weigh more. This bill would be especially beneficial to rural Iowa pickup truck buyers. It would apply to vehicles originally purchased or leased on or after July 1, 2014. The bill is strongly supported by the Attorney General’s office, which enforces the Lemon Law, because the office sees this bill as good consumer protection. The bill was unanimously approved by the House on February 18. [3/24: 45-0 (Greiner, Houser, Kupucian, Segebart, Zumbach absent)]
HF 2230 extends the weight exemption for implements of husbandry to vehicles used to establish permanent conservation practices on agrucultural land. The goal is to make it easier to implement the “Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy” that the Legislature approved in 2013. This bill will help farmers more quickly and cost effectively get conservation practices in place. Instead of loading the equipment onto trailers, the machines will be permitted to driven down the road by their own power. An amber flashing light must be visible from the rear. Warning flags are required on the portion of the vehicle that protrudes into oncoming traffic, and the vehicle may only be operated from 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 30 minutes following sunset. The bill does not limit the ability of state or local authorities to impose restrictions for limited periods of time when special circumstances exist. The bill was unanimously approved by the House on February 25. The Senate adopted an amendment on the floor to make the bill effective upon enactment. Another amendment clarifies that the equipment may carry no payload. The bill returns to the House for its concurrence. [3/26: 48-2 (Ernst, Houser absent)]