MASON CITY, IA - It was a busy week in Des Moines as lawmakers raced to beat the so called funnel deadline when most bills die if they have not gained committee approval.
More than 60 different issues are still alive in Des Moines. Preschool reform, redefining marriage, legalizing online gambling and revamping Iowa’s economic development are just a few that survived. But topics like term limits, changing the judicial nominating process and raising speed limits are gone.
Lawmakers say this second half of the session will be just as busy as the first.
“It was very exciting moving all the time,” said Rep. Sharon Steckman.
Steckman says this past week was spent trying to get bills passed out of committee.
“Funnel week you're trying to get all the bills through they'll die if they don't get through that week,” said Steckman.
Appropriation bills are exempt from funnel week deadlines. Steckman says of the bills that survived, 37 are scheduled for house debate on Monday.
“90 percent of what we do is non-controversial but there are some issues I feel strongly about and I’ll fight for and that's preschool, funding to education and the environment,” said Steckman.
About 100 different issues were up for discussion at the beginning of the week. About two thirds of those topics survived the deadline.
“There's always a plethora of bills that don't survive,” said Sen. Merlin Bartz.
Bartz says even if a bill failed to pass out of committee the issue may still be brought up in different ways.
“You will see some of those bills in the next few weeks as amendments to bills,” said Bartz.
Bartz says he'll focus a majority of the remaining session time on spending issues and balancing the state budget, something that will be difficult to do.
“If we are going to avoid a financial meltdown in this state or a train wreck as some people have referred to it we have to make tough choices now,” said Bartz.
But how those choices are made depends on where lawmakers place priorities.
“Hopefully we'll have the senate majority democrats come to some consensus with the house on these spending priority issues,” said Bartz.
“We need to think about priorities over 14,000 people are coming into our state for our reputation on education we don't want to jeopardize that,” said Steckman.
One bill that survived and is expected to get a lot of attention this week is House File 525: Collective Bargaining Reform Bill. The bill would no longer allow public employees to negotiate insurance costs, and would also end binding arbitration procedures as they currently stand.
A public hearing on this bill is scheduled for Monday night in Des Moines.
List of Bills that survived the funnel:
Agriculture Committee
HF 292 Requires credible data for RPC rule making procedures involving rules affecting livestock
production if it would increase the regulatory burden on livestock producers.
Status: House Calendar
HF 348 Allows electronic voting methods (telephonic, internet) which may be utilized by members of cooperative associations.
Status: House Calendar
HF 532 Eliminates dormant IDALS program and provisions cited in auditor’s report of department.
Status: House Calendar
HF 369 Creates new specific reporting requirements and explicit movement rules for pigs involved in exhibitions, shows and demonstrations and eliminates prior pseudorabies rules on isolation and interim retesting for exhibition swine.
Status: House Calendar
HF 407 Re- establishing the council for agricultural education eliminated last session.
Status: House Calendar
HF 431 Expands the scope of agricultural terrorism and agricultural vandalism and includes new crime of unauthorized recording sounds and images of crop and livestock production and research operations acquired under false or misleading pretenses.
Status: House Calendar
HF 451 Renewable Fuel Technical Corrections that ends of taxation of ‘phantom gallons’ of biodiesel caused by thermal expansion of blending process; eliminates state excise double taxation of biodiesel blended in Iowa, provides accurate fuel reporting assurance provisions, eliminate the requirement to label E-10 fuel, and instead require labeling of E-0, renewable fuel free gasoline.
Status Referred to Ways & Means
HF 452 Modifies basis for biodiesel tax credits (B-2 to B-10) and extends this expiring tax credit 3 additional years (2013-2015).
Status Referred to Ways & Means
HF 453 Transfers the regulation of egg production from Department of Inspection & Appeals to Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Status: House Calendar
HF 455 Places the Iowa Agricultural Development Authority within the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship where it existing prior to 2002.
Status: House Calendar
HF 457 Transfers duties relating to the certification of milk inspections from the Department of Public Health to Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Status: House Calendar
HF 481 Eliminates requirement passed last year charging corn, sheep/wool, egg and turkey commodity check-off programs for state annual audit expenses.
Status: House Calendar
HF 468 Eliminates 1930’s 8% cap on the amount of dividends that can be paid to 499 Cooperative preferred stock holders.
Status: House Calendar
HF 532 Eliminates dormant IDALS program and provisions cited in auditor’s report of department.
Status: House Calendar
HF 545 Alters basis for biodiesel tax credits from B-2 to B-5; extends expiring biodiesel diesel tax credit three years (2013-2015); and creates new three year biodiesel Iowa producer incentive payments (3-cents in 2012 &, 2013, and 2-cents in 2014).
Status Referred to Ways & Means
HSB 109 Ethanol Promotion Modernization with shift from E-10 to E-15 basis; and adjusting the tax credit rate relative to how closely a retailer is meeting the escalating state renewable fuel standard.
Status Referred to Ways & Means
HSB 182 Reauthorizes a cow-calf tax credit, repealed last session.
Status Referred to Ways & Means
HSB 188 Allows Iowa Finance Authority to issue loan moneys to banks from state pool moneys for purposes of lending to livestock producers making environmental impact improvement/mitigation structures and practices.
Referred to Appropriations
HSB 203 Shell bill to allow development of legislation to address continued care and feeding of animals abandoned by bankruptcy proceedings or deemed neglected by Court proceedings.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 209 Creates a committee to provide for greater collaboration between urban and rural communities.
Status: House Calendar
Commerce
House File 111 – Health Care Freedom Act
The bill asserts the state’s rights under the 10th amendment to maintain control over health insurance. The bill would also prevent Iowans from being forced to purchase health insurance, as is required in the federal health care bill.
STATUS – PASSED HOUSE
House File 328 – Banking Division amendments
The bill implements a number of changes to banking policies of the state. This includes prohibiting foreign banks from establishing branches in Iowa.
STATUS – PASSED HOUSE
House File 329 – Supplier Liability for Equipment Dealerships
The bill addresses liability issues between equipment suppliers and equipment dealers. These issues have arisen out of recent litigation in Iowa.
STATUS – PASSED HOUSE
House File 299 – Criminal Trespass on Public Utility Property
The bill addresses trespassing on certain utility properties. The bill would increase the penalty for trespassing on restricted utility grounds to a class D felony. Also, the bill creates a template for a possible ordinance regarding salvage dealers and record-keeping of materials bought and sold.
STATUS – PASSED HOUSE
House Joint Resolution 13 – Nullifying Rule Requiring I-Jobs Signs
The resolution would repeal an administrative rule requiring projects funded with I-Jobs funds to post a sign at the project saying its funded with I-Jobs money.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House Concurrent Resolution 13 – Resolution Calling for Congress to Update Toxic Substances Control Act
The resolution calls on Congress to update the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 253 – Repeal of Redomestication Transfer Tax for Insurance Carriers
The bill repeals a current tax on insurance companies moving their operations back to Iowa. It is an impediment to insurance companies bringing jobs to Iowa.
STATUS – House Ways and Means Committee
House File 254 – Providing Local Governments Flexibility on ICN Services
The bill gives local governments the power to decide what ICN services they will use. Currently, they are required to take all services if getting telecom services from the ICN.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 300 – Property Tax Treatment of Undeveloped Subdivisions
The bill changes the property tax treatment of platted subdivisions that have not been developed. Currently, the property tax rate changes after 3 years. The bill would have the propertytax rate stay at its previous rate until development starts.
STATUS – House Ways and Means Committee
House File 404 – Pre-need Funeral Trusting Requirements
The bill implements trusting requirements for pre-need funeral plans.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 405 – Reducing Time Banks and Credit Unions Must Keep Records
The bill lowers the time requirement state-chartered banks and credit unions must keep records to the requirement imposed on federal-chartered banks and credit unions. The bill also changes statute of limitation requirements to match the time requirements.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 470 – Alcohol Beverages Division amendments
The bill makes several changes to state alcohol policy, including allowing Iowa wineries to make additional types of wine. The bill also allows retailers to deliver alcohol, under certain conditions.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 482 – Insurance Division Omnibus
The bill makes a number of changes to Iowa insurance law. The bill also overturns an Iowa Supreme Court decision on the duty of insurance agents.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 483 – Indemnification Provisions in Construction Contracts
The bill limits the ability of contractor to pass liability to a subcontractor.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 490 – Certificate of Merit in Medical Malpractice Cases
The bill requires a plaintiff in medical malpractice cases to provide a certificate of merit affidavit from expert witnesses before the bill goes to trial.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 501 – Real Estate Licensure amendments
The bill tightens up the discipline procedures for real estate licensing.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 262 – Mechanics Lien amendments
The bill makes revisions to mechanics liens and establishes a statewide construction registry for residential property.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House Study Bill 158 – Prepaid Utility Metering
The bill allows public utilities to set up pre-paid metering for residential customers.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House Study Bill 124 – Nuclear Power Generation
The bill sets up the next steps in the process for Iowa Utilities to consider developing additional baseload energy generation through nuclear power.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House Study Bill 159 – Health Insurance Exchange
The bill conditionally sets up a health insurance exchange to allow Iowans to purchase health insurance.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House Study Bill 57 – Prohibiting Abortion Coverage Being Sold Through an Insurance Exchange
The bill prohibits abortion coverage from being sold through an insurance exchange set up by the state.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House Study Bill 200 – External Review of Health Care Coverage Decisions
The bill changes Iowa law regarding external review of health care coverage decisions, to comply with new requirements enacted in the federal health care reform bill.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House File 304 – Educational Requirements of Massage Therapists
The bill increases the hour requirements for massage therapy students. The change is necessary to ensure these students remain eligible for federal financial aid.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House Study Bill 201 – Wind Energy Tax Credits revisions
The bill extends the time of the wind energy tax credit by one year and transfers credits between big wind projects and little wind projects.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House File 335 – Adding Geothermal to definition of alternative and renewable energy
The bill revises the definition of alternative and renewable energy by adding geothermal, and extending a tax credit for using this technology.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House Study Bill 186 – Consumer Protection in Residential Construction Repairs
The bill enacts additional consumer protections for Iowans who have suffered storm damages.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House File 350 – Allowing Condominium Owners to Fly the American Flag
The bill prevents condo and town home owners associations from preventing owners from flying the American flag.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House Study Bill 217 – Community Investment Boards for Certain Cooperative Association
The bill establishes local investment requirements for certain new cooperative associations.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
House File 381 – Payment Timelines In Construction Contracts
The bill requires contractors to pay subcontractors and vendors within certain timelines, and if they are not met, interest can be assessed on the party owing.
STATUS – Passed by House Commerce Committee
Education Committee
HF 77 / HF 212 – School Dress Code Policy
Allows school districts to prescribe a dress code policy should they choose to
Status: House Calendar
HF 81 / HF 391 – Use of PPEL Funds for Joint Infrastructure Projects
Allows school districts to use PPEL funds for joint projects with community colleges and other school districts.
Status: House Calendar
HF 124 – Charter Schools
Amends charter school language to allow more entities to apply for starting a charter school. School board is the authorizing agent. Also removes some restraints placed on charters to allow more flexibility.
Status: House Calendar
HF 139 / HF 493 – Regents Repay Salary if Convicted
Requires a member of a regents university faculty to repay any salary received while on paid admin leave pending an investigation, if that faculty member gets convicted.
Status: House Calendar
HF 144 / HF 534 – Instructional Hours and School Start Date
Removes the school start date and changes 180 required school days to 1080 required school hours.
Status: House Calendar
HF 160 – Homeschool Drivers Education
Sets curriculum and driving time standards for homeschooling parents to teach their children drivers ed.
Status: House Calendar
HF 167 – Independent Accreditation of Non-Public Schools
Allows non-public schools to achieve accreditation through one or more of five regional and national accrediting bodies instead of through the Iowa department of education.
Status: House Calendar
HF 184 – Categorical Allowable Growth for FY 12 and FY 13
Sets allowable growth for Teacher Quality, Class Size/Early Intervention and Professional Development at 0% for FY 12 and FY 13
Status: In the Senate
HF 185- Allowable Growth for Categoricals for FY 11
Sets allowable growth for FY 12 and FY 13 at 0 percent
Status: In the Senate
HF 247 – Junior Reserve, ROTC
Allows those who hold JROTC certificates from the US department of defense to be able to teach JROTC without having a license from the BOEE.
Status: House Calendar
HF 260 – Home Rule
Establishes home rule for school districts in statutes.
Status: In the Senate
HF 379 – Homeschoolers code change
Changes code language for homeschoolers to recognize that homeschool children are “school age” and not of “compulsory age.”
Status: House Calendar
HF 385 – High School Student Concussion Bill
Requires schools to notify parents of concussion danger and requires coaches and school officials to remove students from extra-curricular participation if they show signs of brain injury.
Status: House Calendar
HF 414 – Banning Non-Cigarette Nicotine on School Grounds
Bans the use of nicotine products not covered under Iowa’s smoke free air act on school grounds.
Status: House Calendar
HF 438 – Addressing Teacher Insurance
Shell bill with intent language to address teacher insurance.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 144 – High School Proficiency Exam for Leaving High School Early
Requires the DE to choose a college readiness exam and set a minimum score considered good for assessing proficiency. At a parent’s request and cost the test can be administered to a student in their pre-senior year. If passed at the set level, they are eligible to enroll full-time in college and their foundation formula money would pay for their college for the remaining years they would have had in high school.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 145 / HF 535 – Preschool Program
Strikes the current preschool plan and replaces with a preschool plan that provides scholarships based on the need of the family. Is available to students at 300% of poverty and below on a sliding scale. The money would follow the child to the preschool program of their choice, as long as it met quality standards. Teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree and an early childhood license from the Board of Ed Examiners.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 146 – Fix for Administrator Applicants
Fixes a situation in which applicants for a school administrators license were given incorrect information.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 147 – Independent Private Instruction
Allows for a homeschool parent to teach other children up to 4 in a homeschool environment.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 160 – DE Transportation Bill – Inspection of Non-Bus Vehicles
Requires that any vehicles school districts use to transport students that are not busses to be inspected at a cost to the district by the DE.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 161 – Community College Code Correction
Makes various code corrections to the community college sections of the code and various minor additions and changes, as well as codifying already established practices.
Status: House Calendar
Economic Growth
HF 267 – Requires that REC’s perform only a reasonable and good faith effort for site surveys, and do not have to go beyond federal requirements.
Status: Senate
HF 323 – Changes quorum and voting requirements for EPC and limits its authority to that specifically delegated in code.
Status: Senate
HF 324 – Prevents a state agency from going beyond federal requirements for a rule unless given the authority by state law.
Status: House Calendar
HF 394 – Allows for the sale and distribution of raw/unpasteurized milk by dairy farmers.
Status: House Calendar
HF 413 – Property tax exemption for vacant commercial property.
Status: House Ways and Means?
HF 485 – Sunsets all administrative rules every 5 years and requires a rule review. Rules review/sunset shell bill.
Status: House Calendar
HF 491 – Requires a regulatory analysis for the effect of a new administrative rule on small businesses.
Status: House Calendar
HF 528– Requires an annual study for disaster preparedness. RIO shell bill.
Status: House Calendar
HF 529 – Requires the approval of the legislature before any political subdivision can use new FEMA maps.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 103 – Department of Economic Development re-organization.
Status: House Calendar
Environmental Protection
HF 402 Caps Title V fees at $56 a ton, removes EPC rulemaking authority to establish this fee, and stipulates explicitly what DNR clean air functions can be funded with Title V fees.
Status Referred to Ways & Means
HF 464 Permits land application of wastewater discharges by on-farm processing operations if less than 1,500 gallons a days or other alternative DNR approved/permitted system/process.
Status: House Calendar
HF 500 Shifts rule making authority from Natural Resource and Environmental Protections Commissions to DNR Director.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 148 Shifts administration of Water Resource Coordinating Council from Governor’s office to the Secretary of Agriculture/IDALS; transfer administration of delegated section 319 of the federal clean water act to IDALS Soil Conservation division; provides IDALS with shared responsibility with DNR for water quality credible data collection and shared responsibility with DNR for state water monitoring with IDALS being phased in responsible for non-point water pollution; and transfer historic ongoing EFF funding for state water quality monitoring from DNR to IDALS commencing in FY-2013.
Referred to Appropriations
HF 514 Repeals dormant DNR provisions principally dealing with hazardous substances now regulated by U.S.-EPA under RCRA , and other matters such certain out-of-date and replaced by other state of federal programs involving solid waste, sewage works, infectious medical waste, and pesticide and fertilizer contamination matters.
Status: House Calendar
Human Resources
House File 322 – Study of Drug Selection Issues for Anti-Seizure Drugs
The bill sets up a task force to study issues related to the substitution of generic anti-seizure medications. The task force will develop educational materials for health care providers to make them aware of the potential issues with changing anti-seizure medication.
STATUS – PASSED HOUSE
House File 389 – Investigative Costs of Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
The bill allows the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Department of Inspections and Appeals to recoup investigative costs they incur during Medicaid fraud cases that result in criminal convictions.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 390 – Developing Statewide Response Strategy for Alzheimers
The bill instructs the directors of the Departments of Aging, Human Services, Inspections and Appeals, and Public Health to develop a statewide strategy for addressing the needs of Iowans with Alzheimers Disease and other forms of Dementia.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 393 – Allowing an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner to Sign a Death Certificate
The bill allows ARNP’s to sign death certificates for patients who are in their care, as long as they have had the proper training.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 467 – Department of Public Health Policy Amendments
The bill implements a number of changes in the statutory policies of DPH. Included in this are updates to the chapters dealing with STD’s and AIDS, and sharing information with other state health departments.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 494 – Sibling Visitation for Children in Subsidized Guardianships
In 2008, the legislature passed legislation allowing courts to order for sibling visitation for kids in foster care. That bill did not address kids in subsidized guardianships. House File 494 instructs DHS to gives these children the same right to sibling visitation.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House Floor 495 – Definition of Genetic Testing
The bill revises the definition of genetic testing to add exclusions for those tests not being used to determine a person’s risk for developing a disease.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 497 – Allowing Mental Health Counselors to Be Medicaid Providers
The bill allows mental health counselors providing mental health and substance abuse counseling to be recognized as Medicaid providers.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 530 – Donation of Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood
The bill directs doctors to provide pregnant women with information about the potential to donate umbilical cord blood to a public cord blood bank. Donations are used to provide adult stem cells for research and treatment.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 531 – Medicaid Coverage of TeleHealth Services
The bill directs the Department of Human Services to request a Medicaid waiver to receive federal matching funds for telehealth services.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House File 537 – Rules for Assisted Living Facilities that Decertify
The bill clarifies that even if an assisted living facility gives up its certification, it is still bound by assisted living rules if it continues to function in the manner of an assisted living facility.
STATUS – HOUSE FLOOR
House Study Bill 132 – Child Abuse Registry Revisions
The bill addresses the issues raised when the Iowa Supreme Court threw out parts of the child abuse registry. The bill fixes the language dealing with lack of supervision. The bill also directs DHS to convene a group to work on issues related to due process rights of people accused of child abuse.
STATUS – Passed by House Human Resources Committee
House Study Bill 83 – Mental Health Reform
The bill states the intention of the Legislature to reform Iowa’s mental health system.
STATUS –Passed by House Human Resources Committee
House File 106 – Suspending Medicaid Eligibility When in State Institutions
The bill instructs DHS to develop a policy that would suspend a person’s Medicaid eligibility when they are in jail or an MHI, instead of terminating eligibility and forcing a person to re-apply when they leave the public institution.
STATUS – Passed by House Human Resources Committee
House File 203 – Indemnification of Hospitals Participating in the Volunteer Health Care Provider program
The bill allows hospitals to enroll in the Volunteer Health Care Provider program when providing free care to patients referred from other providers in the program.
STATUS – Passed by House Human Resources Committee
Judiciary
House Joint Resolution 6- Constitutional Amendment for Marriage
Defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman
Status: Passed the House 2/1/2011
House File 182 House Study Bill 7- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Histories in Parole Hearing
This bill requires mental health and a substance abuse history and community treatment options to be included in a presentence investigation report
Status: House Calendar
House File 190 House File 58- Appointment of District Associate Judges
This bill expands district associate judge selection to residents of the judicial election district.
Status: Senate
House File 244 House Study Bill 6 House Study Release and Satisfaction of Judgments
This bill relates to the release and satisfaction of judgments.
Status: House Calendar
House File 242 House File 138- Governor Appointments to the District Judicial Nominating Commission
This bill requires one person from each county to be appointed to the district judicial nominating commission.
Status: House Calendar
House File 245 House File 63- Posthumously Conceived Children
This bill allows children who are conceived following the death of a parent to be recognized as legitimate children of that parent under Iowa law
Status: Senate
House File 243 House Study Bill 43- Instruments for Updating County Auditor Information
This bill provides a way for individuals to update real estate ownership information with the county auditor, assessor and treasurer.
Status: Senate
Senate File 72- Allowing Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners to form LLC’s and PC’s
This bill allows PA’s and Nurse Practitioners to form professional corporations and professional limited liability companies.
Status: Senate
House File 271 House Study Bill 63 Bail Restrictions on Defendants
This bill allows a defendant to post bond before or after conviction or during an appeal unless they have committed a forcible felony or 2nd degree robbery. The amendment adds municipal holding facilities to the list of facilities a prisoner can earn credit for time served
Status: Senate
House Study Bill 65-Modifying County Attorney Duties
This bill removes several county attorney duties that are no longer practiced.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 10- Retention of Funds due to Contractors on Public Improvements
This bill provides additional protection to subcontractors and material suppliers on public projects where a mechanics lien is not available.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 64- Discovery of Privileged Medical Records in Criminal Cases
This bill protects privileged medical records in criminal cases but offers recourse for defendants to request records that may be essential to the case. A judge must review the records before they can be handed over to the defense.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 92- Health Care Professionals Lien Act
This bill allows a healthcare professional to place a lien on third party payments for services.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 96- Conveyance or Encumbrance of a Homestead
This bill provides that a homestead conveyance or encumbrance is not necessarily invalid if both spouses do not sign.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 38- Disposition of a Child with a Mental Illness in Juvenile Court
This bill eliminates the requirement that a juvenile court set aside a charge against a child who is committed for mental treatment.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House File 166- Transparency in Private Attorney Contracts
This bill creates transparency in contracts between the Attorney General and private attorneys.
House Study Bill 185- Statutory Corrections to the Code
This is the code editor’s bill.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 150-Mineral Rights
This bill addresses dormant mineral rights which prevent a marketable title to property.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 151-Probate and Trust Code
This bill updates the Iowa Probate Code, Trust Code and Inheritance Tax Chapter.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 166- Service of Process on Foreign Corporations
This bill allows service of process to be served on foreign corporations by sending a registered or certified letter to the Secretary of the foreign corporation.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 174-Nonsubstantive Code Corrections
This is the code editor’s nonsubstantive corrections
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 42- Board of Directors of Public Corporations
This bill would require Public Corporations in Iowa to have boards with staggered terms unless the company votes not to have staggered terms.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 165-Common Interest Communities
This bill creates the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act that provides for openness in common interest community management and boards.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House Study Bill 44- Parole Procedure for Juveniles Convicted of a Class “A” Felony
This bill provides a juvenile convicted of a non-homicide class “A” felony who was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole to now have the possibility of parole.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
House File 64- Eminent Domain
This bill addresses the eminent domain issues facing Iowans.
House Study Bill 88- County Attorney Duties Relating to DHS
This bill changes the duties of the county attorney in relation to DHS.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
HF 345- Joint Physical Care of Children
The bill creates a rebuttable presumption that a request for joint physical care by either parent is in the best interest of the child.
House File 115- Educational Setting of a Child in a Custody Proceeding
This bill provides a rebuttable presumption that it is in the best interest of a child to remain in the educational setting they were enrolled in the previous year. (Public, private, or home schooled)
House File 382- License Revocation for OWI Under 21
This law would revoke the license of any person under the age of 21 who operates a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of .02 or more.
House File 36- Reasonable Attorney Fees when Appealing the Termination of Parental Rights
This bill requires the public defender to pay the attorney fees for a petitioner in a private termination of a parental rights case. The bill also places a cap on the amount of attorney fees that have to be paid.
House Study Bill 46- Creditors Rights in a Spendthrift Trust
This bill eliminates allowing a creditor to reach a beneficiary’s interest in a spendthrift trust to satisfy a claim.
Status: Passed Judiciary Committee
HF 200- Expunging Criminal Records Upon Acquittal or Dismissal
This is a shell bill to study how best to protect records of people who have been acquitted of crimes or who’s charges have been dismissed.
Labor Committee
HF 120 – Allows for an increase in fees for medical records in relation to workers comp cases.
Status: House Calendar
HF 149 – Requires Department of Economic Development to include ‘Iowa is a Right to Work state’ on literature.
Status: Senate
HF 170 – One week waiting period for unemployment benefits.
Status: House Calendar
HF 401 – States that personal injuries sustained during nonwork hours and while on a personal errand are not compensable for workers comp.
Status: House Calendar
HF 473 – Forbids pre-qualifying for bidding on contracting bids, prohibits the use of project labor agreements, and expands reciprocal preference language to include labor force.
Status: House Calendar
HF 498 – Gets rid of span of control requirements for all state agencies.
Status: House Calendar
HF 515 – Instead of the current flat 10% interest rate for late workers comp payments, a floating interest rate would be used.
Status: House Calendar
HF 521– Bill that limits the appeal process involved in the termination of teachers.
Status: House Calendar
HF 522– Changes Labor and Workers Comp Commissioners from Governor appointed 6-year terms, to employees serving at the pleasure of the director of Workforce Development.
Status: House Calendar
HF 523 – Allowing a credit for overpayment of workers compensation cases to be applied to current injury benefits.
Status: House Calendar
HF 525– Collective bargaining reform bill. Adds possibility for free agent employees, changes binding arbitration requirements, and excludes insurance and procedures for staff reductions from scope of negotiations.
Status: House Calendar
HF 527 – Requires the Department of Management to conduct a survey of public and private comparison of wages and benefits. Also requires an arbitrator to consider this report during arbitration disputes.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 101 – Providing for stays of decrees or judgments in workers comp cases pending judicial review.
Status: House Calendar
Local Government Committee
HF 105 – Traffic Camera Revenue
Requires that traffic camera revenue be directed into the city’s Road Use Tax Fund.
Status: House Calendar
HF 132 – Notification of Urban Renewal Plan
Requires that urban renewal plan tax implications be filed with the county auditor.
Status: In the Senate
HF 151 – Allowing Rural Water District to Declare Bankruptcy
Allows rural water districts to declare bankruptcy.
Status: House Calendar
HF 223 – Filling Vacant City Offices
Clarifies what elections qualify as the first re-elections for those who are put into vacant city offices.
Status: House Calendar
HF 450 – 28E Agreement Transparency
Shell bill with the intent of addressing 28E transparency.
Status: House Calendar
HF 454 – Delegating Authority for Unpaid Utilities
Allows a city or city utility to designate their authority to certify unpaid utility charges to the county treasurer.
Status: House Calendar
HF 459 – Civil Service Commissions
Changes the date for the census used in determining whether a city needs a civil service commission. Also changes requirement that a city of eligible population have a civil service commission, making it optional.
Status: House Calendar
HF 512 – Investments for Post-Employment Benefits
Allows cities and counties to engage in longer-term investments to pay for other post-employment benefits.
Status: House Calendar
HF 516 – Notification to Contractors of Subdivision Improvements
Requires the city to provide advance notice to a contractor before considering the acceptance of subdivision improvements constructed by the contractor before accepting them.
Status: House Calendar
HF 524 – Combining of Assessment Funds
Combines two separate assessors funds into one fund and sets a single rate for the new fund which is equal to the two separate funds.
Status: House Calendar
HF 538 – Recreational Lake Districts
Changes recreational lake districts in the state into public entities, expands the membership of the board and gives them the authority to tax as cities do with the approval of those living in the lake district at supermajority level.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 178 – County Assistance to Civil Services Commissions
Allows counties to provide administrative support to civil service commissions instead of providing monetary support should they choose to and if they have the capacity to provide that support.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 197 – Delaying IPERS Contribution Increase
Delays the implementation of employer and employee increase contribution rates by one year.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 207 – Providing Citizens Standing Against a Political Subdivision
Provides citizens standing against political subdivisions without being harmed in cases where local ordinance is in direct conflict with state law. No damages may be awarded.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 210 – E911 Surcharge Distribution
Increases to 50% the amount of E911 surcharge which gets distributed to the city in which the surcharge is charged.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 211 – Renters Bill of Rights
Requires that city not pass ordinances treating renters any different than home-owners.
Status: House Calendar
Natural Resources Committee
HSB 76 – Snowmobile registration and fees
Increases the registration fee for residents from $15 to $30, for nonresident $15 to $25.
Status: Ways & Means Committee
HF 268 – Special Senior Shotgun Season
Authorizes a special senior statewide antlered or any sex shotgun season deer hunting license to a
resident 65 years of age or older. This needs a corrective amendment to clearly define which firearm
season this license would be good for.
Status: House Calendar
HF 461 – Attachment of tags to a deer carcass
Requires that a tag shall be attached to the carcass of a deer taken within 15 minutes of the time the deer is located, or before the carcass is moved to be transported by any means from the place where the deer was taken, whichever occurs first.
Status: House Calendar
HF 462 – Allowing the operation of motorboats on Lake MacBride
Allows the operation of motorboats with power units exceeding 10 horsepower at any time on Lake MacBride, provided the vessel is operated at no-wake speed.
Status: House Calendar
HF 446 – Issuance of hunter safety certificates to peace officers, active military and veterans.
The bill provides that the department of natural resources shall issue a hunter safety and ethics certificate to residents who are peace officers, or active duty within the armed services or honorably discharged United States military veteran.
Status: House Calendar
Public Safety
House File 183- House Study Bill 4- Marijuana as a Schedule I Drug
This bill adds marijuana to the list of controlled I substances. Removes pharmacy board’s option to make it a schedule II
Status: House Calendar
House File 186 - House Study Bill 5- Salvia and K2 Ban
This bill adds Salvia and K2 to list of Schedule I controlled substances.
Status: House Calendar
House File 278- House Study Bill 60- Eluding a Marked Law Enforcement Vehicle
This bill makes eluding or attempting to elude a police officer, no matter the speed of the driver, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Status: House Calendar
House File 403- House Study Bill 67- DNA Collection
This bill requires a person convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor to submit a DNA sample.
Status: House Calendar
House File 398- House Study Bill 69- Criminal Interference with Official Acts
This bill makes it a criminal offense to interfere with official acts if the interference results in bodily injury.
Status: House Calendar
House File 320- House Study Bill 18- Regulation of Firearms in a State of Emergency
This bill prevents the state from seizing firearms or ammunition in a state of emergency, it also prevents the state from providing special hours for gun or ammunition sales that do not apply to other products.
Status: House Calendar
House File 7-Stand Your Ground
This bill allows citizens to stand their ground against an attack in any place they have the right to be and to use reasonable force to defend themselves.
Status: Passed Public Safety Committee
House Study Bill 127-Possession Under Criminal Law
This bill defines actual and constructive possession in criminal law.
Status: House Calendar
House File 122-Carrying of Weapons by a Licensed Private Investigator or Private Security Officer
This bill adds licensed private investigators or licensed private security officers to the short list of persons who can carry firearms on school property.
Status: House Calendar
House File 152- Sexual Misconduct By Employees of DOC
This bill makes it a Class “D” felony for an employee of the Department of Corrections to engage in a sexual act with anyone committed to the custody of the DOC.
Status: House Calendar
House File 153- Possessing Cell Phones in Jail or Prison
This bill makes it a Class “D” felony to provide inmates with cell phones or other electronic communicating devices. It is also a Class “D” felony for an inmate to possess a cell phone or electronic contraband in a jail or prison.
Status: House Calendar
House File 204- Membership of the Iowa Drug Policy Advisory Council
Increases the number of council members to from 15 to 17.
Status: House Calendar
State Government Committee
HSB 133 – Ballot Handling
States that only the auditor/staff and the recount committee can touch the ballots in a recount situation.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 187 – Alcoholic Beverages Division Technical Bill
The alcoholic beverages division technical bill with the addition of language that allows gas stations to sell hard alcohol.
Status: House Calendar
HF 6 – Searchable Database
Creates a searchable budget database as well as tax maps and searching features.
Status: Passed House
HF 8 – Voter ID
Requires that voters show photo identification at the polls before voting.
Status: Passed House
HF 10 – Electrician’s Reform
Creates a farm exemption from the electrician’s licensing structure.
Status: House Calendar
HF 65 – Bingo Equipment
Allows for the leasing of Bingo equipment from distributors who make equipment suitable for use by persons with disabilities.
Status: House Calendar
HF 148 – Program Review
Requires zero-based budgeting for a review of all state programs on a five year rolling basis.
Status: House Calendar
HF 205 – Open Meetings/Open Records
Creates the Iowa Public Information Board with some enforcement powers to ensure open meetings and open records laws are followed.
Status: House Calendar
HF 222 – Political Phone Calls
Prohibits political phone calls between 10pm and 8am.
Status: House Calendar
HF 237 – Real ID
Prohibits state agencies from moving forward with compliance with the Real ID Act of 2005.
Status: House Calendar
HF 341 – Climate Change Council
Eliminates the council effective immediately and gets rid of the reporting requirement.
Status: House Calendar
HF 392 – Plumber’s Reform
Changes the fee structure for the plumber’s licensing as well as adds a comprehensive property owner’s exemption.
Status: House Calendar
HF 456 – State Libraries
Centralizes the state libraries into one entity; based upon a study done by the libraries.
Status: House Calendar
HF 469 – Pioneer Cemeteries
Allows for public access to pioneer cemeteries at reasonable times.
Status: House Calendar
HF 484 – Iran Divestiture
States that Iowa will divest from any public investments in Iran or suspect Iranian companies.
Status: House Calendar
HF 492 – Secretary of State Staff
Removes some staff of the Secretary of State’s Office from Chapter 20.
Status: House Calendar
HF 499 – Returning of Absentee Ballots
States that candidates and election officials cannot be the person designated to pick up and return absentee ballots.
Status: House Calendar
HF 519 – Voter Registration
Provides that voter registration for the primary can close 11 days before the election instead of 10.
Status: House Calendar
HF 533 – Fair Board
Creates an Iowa State Fair Endowment Fund to receive gifts for the state fair grounds.
Status: House Calendar
HF 536 – Auditor’s Technical Bill
Makes technical changes to Chapter 11.
Status: House Calendar
Transportation Committee
HSB 93 – Traffic Cameras
Puts some parameters on the use of traffic cameras for red lights and speeding violations.
Status: House Calendar
HSB 143 – E-Title and Registration
Prohibits the DOT from moving forward with e-title and registration without the approval of the legislature.
Status: House Calendar
HF 53 – Rear Detachable Wheels on Motorcycles
Allows for the legal operation of a motorcycle equipped with rear detachable wheels for stabilization purposes.
Status: Passed House
HF 79 – Unlawful Use of Handicap Parking Spaces
Puts a five year expiration date on what used to be perpetual handicap parking pass.
Status: House Calendar
HF 406 – Speeding Violations Considered for License/Insurance Purposes
Expands what speeding violations will be disregarded for purpose of a license revocation or suspension and for insurance premiums.
Status: House Calendar
HF 463 – Civil War Plates
Creation of a commemorative Civil War license plate with the proceeds going to restore the battle flags.
Status: House Calendar
HF 465 – Axel Weight Limitations
Allows for a truck to legally lift an axel to go around a corner.
Status: House Calendar
HF 466 – Mental Condition Disclosure
Allows an advanced registered nurse practitioner or a physician assistant to submit a report to the DOT that states an individual is not physically or mentally competent to drive.
Status: House Calendar
Veterans Affairs Committee
HF 195 -Visitation and Joint Physical Care Parenting Time
A service member serving on active duty may petition to assign parting time to a family member of the child
Status: In Senate Subcommittee
HSB-199 Discrimination of Initial Employment or Re-employment of Veterans
Any employer or prospective employer cannot discriminate against any member of service in hiring, initial employment, employment or re-employment because of military status.
*Amendment on floor to state claim procedure
Status: Ready to be placed on House Calendar
HF- 363 Duties of Commission on Veterans Affairs
This bill makes changes relative to the duties and responsibilities of the department of veterans affairs and the commission on veterans affairs. The bill requires that the commission, upon review of rules proposed by the department
Status: Passed in House
HF- 364 Records Managed by Department of Veterans Affairs
A bill for veteran’s records managed by the department of veterans affairs. The bill requires that the department of veteran’s affairs provide the appropriate county commission of veteran affairs with a roster of information. Including the name, address of record, and the county of residence of military service members discharged from active duty within 30 days of the department receiving such notice. This will allow for the counties to reach out to the service members and keep them informed of their benefits upon their return home.
Status: In Senate Subcommittee
HF-474 Purple Heart Day
This bill designates August 7 of each year as Purple Heart 10 Day. This designation does not make August 7 a state holiday
Status: On House Calendar
HF 475- Injured Veterans Grant Program
This bill allows for a seriously injured veteran who has previously received an injured veteran’s grant to receive additional grants from the injured veterans grant program for subsequent, unrelated injuries which meet the requirements of the program.
This bill will be retroactive with amendment on the floor
Status: On House Calendar
