Iowa senators advanced a proposal Wednesday that would amend the state constitution to replace a natural resources trust fund with one that would provide property tax relief, that is, if it were funded.

Opponents of Senate Joint Resolution 6 said it would harm Iowa’s conservation efforts and outdoor recreation opportunities, while proponents said it would stop the state from buying land from farmers.

Iowans approved a constitutional amendment in 2010 to create the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund, which the resolution seeks to repeal. Per the original language, the trust fund would have been annually credited with three-eighths of one percent of increased sales tax on personal property and labor.

No such increase has occurred, and therefore despite its 15 years on the books, the trust has had no allocations or expenditures.

Opponents of SJR 6 asked legislators to instead fund the original trust, which was created with an intent to “protect and enhance” the natural resources in Iowa including state parks, trails, wild habitat and the conservation of agricultural soil.

Sen. Art Staed, D-Cedar Rapids, said the proposed constitutional amendment “undermines the will of the people” and he “strongly” opposed its passage.