Opinion ID: 2203929
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Constitutionality of Section 331.304A

Text: The County correctly observes that article III, section 39A was adopted to change the balance of power between state and county governments from that expressed in the Dillon rule [7] to that expressed in home rule. City of Clinton v. Sheridan, 530 N.W.2d 690, 691 (Iowa 1995). However, the amendment did not shift all legislative power to counties. The home-rule amendment expressly provides: County ... governments are granted home rule power and authority, not inconsistent with the laws of the general assembly, to determine their local affairs and government.... Iowa Const. art. III, § 39A (emphasis added). Thus, the intention of the framers of the amendment was to grant [counties] power to rule their local affairs and government (other than to levy taxes), subject to the superior authority of the General Assembly. Bechtel v. City of Des Moines, 225 N.W.2d 326, 332 (Iowa 1975) (citation omitted). By enacting section 331.304A, the legislature has exercised its superior authority, expressly retained in the home-rule amendment, to preempt county regulation of livestock confinement facilities. Accordingly, we conclude section 331.304A is not unconstitutional under article III, section 39A of the Iowa Constitution.