To the People of House District 95

After the Legislature has done great work to lower income taxes, Iowans have been loud and clear that they want us to shift our focus to property taxes. For House Republicans, we’ve made our focus providing certainty to the taxpayer. We want to make sure taxpayers are at the forefront of the conversation over the taxing entities.

This week, the House introduced a number of bills for consideration regarding property taxes. These bills serve as a starting point to kickstart a broad conversation about property tax reform. We expect these bills will change through the process as we seek feedback from Iowans.

• HSB 304 calculates property taxes on a per parcel basis with a 3% limitation.
• HSB 303 uses the interest from the taxpayer relief fund to buy down property taxes.
• HF 600 puts a cap of 2% on the average levy rate per $1000 but permits local government to go higher with a 60% vote of the people.
• HF 418 modifies the methodology for determining the actual value of residential property, assessment limitations of certain classes of property, and certain levy rate limitations.

Finally, HSB 313 was filed with a companion bill in the Senate and represents an overhaul of the entire property tax system. Based on the feedback we hear from Iowans, the current system is disliked by both taxpayers and taxing entities.  As this bill works its way through the subcommittee and committee process, we will be taking feedback and input from Iowans and stakeholders. This bill is meant to start an important conversation and is likely not in its final form. Here’s a general overview of what the bill does in its current form:

• Implements a revenue restriction to ensure property tax relief for all Iowans.
• Provides a $25k homestead benefit.
• Brings additional property tax relief to Iowa veterans and seniors.
• Lowers the uniform levy as it phases out the rollback system for residential, commercial and industrial property over five years. This rollback system was enacted in 1977 and currently results in a lack of predictability for local governments, among other issues.

Altogether, this particular bill is estimated to provides $426 million in property tax relief.

Headlines across Iowa this week reported that the state will be paying a family $85,000 to compensate their child for being bitten by a police dog at a University of Iowa football game in 2022. This was just one of several lawsuits against the state that were settled. These monthly dispatches from the press often prompts a question from inquiring Iowans – just who pays when the state or one of its employees is being sued? The answer may surprise.

Many in the public assume that the state, just like they do at home or in their business, carries some form of liability insurance to cover settlements or judgments when they are sued. But that is not how it works. The state is self-insured. What does it mean for Iowa to be self-insured? It’s actually pretty simple – the General Fund pays for any legal claims against the state. The state does not carry any type of liability insurance. Instead, the taxpayers of Iowa are the state’s insurers.

Claims against the state must be filed with the State Appeal Board, a three-member panel that oversees payment of claims. The Board is made up of the State Auditor, State Treasurer, and Director of the Department of Management. All sorts of claims are approved or rejected by this board, ranging from reissuing a paycheck an employee forgets to cash to sexual harassment lawsuits by state employees and multi-million dollar medical malpractice claims against the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC).

The Board works with the Attorney General’s office and Department of Management staff in reviewing claims. Every month, the State Appeal Board meets to review and act on claims. Meetings usually go on without much fanfare, unless there is a case that involves a significant payout or a unique situation. Those can be malpractice claims against UIHC or a case like the child being bitten by a police dog.

How much does the State Appeal Board pay out annually? Under Iowa law, the Board receives a standing, unlimited appropriation for its work. The Board receives as much money as it needs to cover the cost of these claims each year. In Fiscal Year 2024, the state budgeted $4.5 million for the State Appeal Board but actually spent $20.2 million. Payments have slowed down in the current budget year. Through February, the state has paid out $9.9 million from the General Fund for claims in FY 2025.

This week the House Agriculture Committee passed House Study Bill 143 (HF 799). House File 799 updates various programs and regulations, including crop production, animal health, agricultural processing, and agricultural marketing, which are part of the powers and duties of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The measure includes the assessment of some fees and provides for some penalties. HF 799 introduces significant changes to the regulation of agricultural inputs, particularly fertilizers and soil conditioners which, if enacted, would be referred to as ‘beneficial substances.’ The bill aims to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of agricultural practices by updating definitions, licensing requirements, and inspection protocols. It removes outdated terminology and incorporates new language to reflect current agricultural practices and scientific understanding. Furthermore, the legislation emphasizes the importance of proper labeling and registration of agricultural input products to ensure compliance and safety. Overall, the act seeks to streamline agricultural regulations while promoting sustainable practices.

Key aspect of the bill include:

• Changes the term ‘soil conditioner’ to ‘beneficial substance,’ which includes various plant and soil amendments,
• Updates definitions related to fertilizers and beneficial substances to align with current agricultural practices, (c) establishes new licensing requirements for manufacturers and distributors of fertilizers and beneficial substances,
• Implements stricter labeling requirements to ensure transparency and compliance in the agricultural market,
• Removes outdated references to the ‘State Chemist’ and replaces them with ‘Bureau Chief of the Iowa Laboratory Bureau.’

A couple other changes of note authorize IDALS emergency rulemaking authority during a foreign animal disease outbreak and give the Board of Veterinary Medicine the ability to assess up to a $10,000 administrative penalty for violation of veterinary license provisions and rules.

This week marked the end of “first funnel” – a legislative deadline where bills need to be out of committee to move forward. This year the House Commerce Committee advanced 23 bills with the vast majority receiving bipartisan support. Below are some of the bills that advanced on energy, PBMs, insurance, and financial institutions.

HF 303 – Prior Authorization – This bill sets up timelines for response from health insurers on prior authorizations, requires insurers to review health care services that require prior auth, requires a prior auth exemption program with each health insurer and a report submitted to the Insurance Division on the effectiveness of their program.
HF 318 – Breast Imaging Cost Sharing – This bill requires insurers to provide the same cost-sharing requirements for supplemental breast examinations and diagnostic breast examinations as they do for mammograms.
HF 302 – Climate Change Hazardous Liquid Pipeline – This bill removes the statute the IUC cited in its Summit Carbon decision to say that the state policy finds the factor of climate change weighs in favor of granting a hazardous liquid pipeline to Summit. This bill also prohibits the IUC from considering climate change when determining whether to grant a HLP permit.
HF 404 – Community Solar – This bill requires investor-owned utilities to allow for community solar projects in their service area.
HF 640 – Self-Storage – This bill allows self-storage facilities to limit access if the occupant is using the space for residential purposes and allows for written agreements to be deemed accepted if not returned. This bill also allows for notice to remove personal property and for remaining property to be subject to lien.
HF 781 – Casino Smoking – This bill eliminates the exemption to the smoke free air act that allows for smoking on gaming floors.
HSB 99 – Pharmacy Benefit Managers – This bill includes the following additional regulations of PBMs in Iowa:

• Prohibits a PBM or insurer from discriminating against a pharmacy if the pharmacy is acting within its license and all laws.
• Prohibits the removal of pharmacy choice or imposing any monetary advantages or penalties that result in removing pharmacy choice (including unnecessary specialty drug designations and requiring use of mail order pharmacies).
• Prohibits additional cost-sharing on the insured based on where they choose to have their prescription filled.
• Requires all rebates to benefit the insured.
• Requires any amount paid by the insured for the prescription drug to be applied to their deductible.
• Requires PBMs to reimburse pharmacies based on acquisition cost.
• Prohibits spread pricing unless all cost differential is provided to the insured.
• Requires pharmacies have an appeals process if not reimbursed at acquisition cost.

HSB 123 – Governor Energy Bill – This bill comes from the Governor and does the following, as amended in committee:

• Allows advance ratemaking for new generation facilities, including small nuclear reactors, energy storage, and gas peaker plants,
• Requires the utility to provide support for their advance ratemaking application through an electric utility resource plan that has been filed no more than 24 months prior to the advance ratemaking application,
• Requires IUC to adopt rules to complete advance ratemaking proceedings within 10 months of filing an application,
• Requires electric IOUs to file a resource plan with IUC at least once every 5 years, with IUC feedback and required good faith to involve stakeholders in the process,
• Allows public utilities to apply for innovative tariffs that do not negatively impact nonparticipating customers,
• This bill updates language passed by the legislature in 2020 to establish a right of first refusal to incumbent companies in building electric transmission lines. Last year, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction, LS Power Midcontinent v. Iowa, that the law likely violated the title clause and single-subject rule of the Iowa Constitution. This bill reinstates the law already passed by the legislature, with the following changes:
  • Requires incumbent owners to provide Municipal utilities and RECs an opportunity to jointly own a portion of the transmission line based on load ratio share.
  • Requires quarterly updates to the IUB to show that the incumbent owner has used competitively bid construction contracts.
  • Allows the OCA and IUC to utilize the filings to challenge the costs of the project in front of FERC.
  • Provides for ag restoration requirements and allows IUC to appoint an inspector to ensure that the land has been restored properly,
• Adds water infrastructure to the existing energy infrastructure revolving loan program at IEDA.
• Requires the infrastructure revolving loan fund to provide Iowa State University $633,000 annually to do load forecasting,
• Requires anaerobic digester systems to receive a permit from the DNR.

HF 556 – Credentialing Timeline – This bill provides a timeline for an insurer to respond to a provider seeking to be credentialed in-network and to provide a reason for denial.
HSB 206 – Infrastructure Sabotage – This bill adds cable services and information services to the definition of critical infrastructure under the sabotage law. A person who intentionally causes interruption of a fundamental service through critical infrastructure commits a class B felony.
HF 622 – Catastrophic Savings Accounts – This bill establishes catastrophic savings accounts, allowing Iowans to open interest-bearing savings accounts for paying qualified catastrophic expenses. The bill outlines contribution limits based on homeowners’ insurance premiums and provides tax incentives.

Prior to 2007, most Iowans could tell you what bullying looked like, and they could identify it when they saw it.  It was repeated and targeted hostile behavior from one student towards another student.

Despite that, when Democrats gained control of both chambers of the Iowa Legislature and the Governor’s office in 2007, one of the very first actions that Democrat trifecta took was to pass a bullying law (Senate File 61).

It defined bullying and harassment as any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student based on actual or perceived traits or characteristics that creates an objectively hostile school environment. The bill listed those perceived traits or characteristics. The list includes but is not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

The Iowa Department of Education has since provided guidance on the bullying law to help school district employees understand the difference between conflict and bullying. Here’s what the Department provides:

• Conflict is generally a disagreement or difference in opinion between peers who typically have equal power in their relationships. It’s usually an inevitable part of a group dynamic. Both parties have power to influence the situation (Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center).
• Bullying is a persistent pattern of unwelcome aggressive behavior that often involves an imbalance of power and/or the intention to harm or humiliate someone (Safe@School). Characteristics of a bullying situation include:

An imbalance of power

• The intent to harm;
• Worsens with repetition over time;
• The distress of the child or teen being bullied, often including fear or terror;
• Enjoyment of the effects on the child or teen being bullied by the person (people) doing the bullying;
• The threat–implicit or explicit–of further aggression

When the original bill passed in 2007, Republican legislators were concerned the practical implementation of the law would veer toward some school personnel narrowly applying the law by only focusing on enumerated traits.  In other words, if a student doesn’t exhibit one or more of the listed traits, that student cannot be bullied. The situation that student is experiencing is a conflict.

As a result, the House Education Committee passed House File 149 this week to remove the enumerated traits and characteristics from the code.  Striking the list means the same standard is applied to ALL kids removing the special emphasis on certain groups.

Additionally, the bill adds the words “repeated” and “targeted” to the definition of harassment and bullying. Under the bill, that definition would read:

Harassment and bullying shall be construed to mean any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal or physical act or conduct toward a student that creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

1. Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property.
2. Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.
3. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s academic performance.
4. Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

With these changes Iowa’s bullying focuses on mean and persistent behavior of one student towards another student instead of focusing on identity, systemic inequalities or social justice.

This week, the House Health and Human Services Committee introduced bills on work requirements for Medicaid expansion and food eligible for nutrition assistance.

House Study Bill 248 requires the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to request federal approval to include work requirements as a condition of maintaining eligibility for Medicaid expansion in Iowa. This program will reduce the dependence of low-income Iowans on public assistance and will help them move up the economic ladder.

This bill ensures that able-bodied adults are working. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, over 100,000 Iowans on Medicaid expansion are not working.

Medicaid expansion has only existed in Iowa for 10 years. This program is a safety net for low-income Iowans but is not intended to be a forever government dependent program. This bill intentionally gives DHHS flexibility to implement the program on an individualized basis, looking at the needs and abilities of each individual that has sought out assistance.

There is dignity in work. Not only from the financial stability it provides, but the sense of purpose, the skills you learn from completing a job, being responsible for more than yourself, creating good life habits of being on time and acting professionally and respectfully to all, providing a good example to your children. Also, our society has mostly tied health insurance with employment, and this bill builds on that to ensure Iowans are prepared for life after government assistance.

House Study Bill 216 requires healthy food based on necessary nutrition in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The legislature would like to emphasize the nutrition aspect of this taxpayer funded program to assist low-income individuals.

According to a 2016 USDA study of foods purchased with SNAPs funds, 20 cents of every dollar was spent on sweetened beverages, desserts, salty snacks, candy and sugar. In the same report, it ranked categories of food purchased by SNAP households. Sweetened beverages made up the 2nd most purchased category and prepared desserts was the 5th most purchased category. It also ranked the top 10 commodities by expenditure, with soft drinks being the top purchased commodity by SNAP households.

SNAP already limits recipients from purchasing hot foods intended for immediate consumption, as well as alcohol. This bill builds on that work to ensure that taxpayer funds are not going to fund poor health outcomes that do not alleviate hunger.

Iowa currently ranks 11th in the nation for adult obesity. One in six children in Iowa are considered obese. Obesity leads to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and, as many of the members this committee are concerned, several types of cancers. These obesity related diseases often disproportionately affect lower-income individuals at a higher rate. The leading cause of death in Iowa is heart disease.

This bill incentivizes better eating habits, and the state is willing to put additional support to those healthy choices by providing a $1 million appropriation in this bill to support additional purchases of fruits and vegetables through the Double Up Food Bucks Program.

The House Judiciary Committee has passed a wide variety of bills out of committee in the past six weeks. Recently, several bills have focused on the Iowa Utilities Commission, the approval of a pipeline, and the use of eminent domain. Below are summaries of some of those bills

House File 238 – Pipeline Permits and Renewals
House File 238 addresses the regulation of pipelines transporting liquefied carbon dioxide. The bill prohibits the Iowa Utilities Commission from renewing permits for these pipelines and establishes a maximum operational period of 25 years for any liquefied carbon dioxide pipeline. Currently, the commission cannot grant permits for longer than 25 years, but this bill reinforces the limitation specifically for carbon dioxide pipelines, ensuring they cannot operate beyond this timeframe.

House File 639 – Insurance Requirement for Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Permits
House File 639 introduces new insurance requirements for applicants seeking permits to construct hazardous liquid pipelines in Iowa. Before a permit is granted, applicants must provide proof of a surety or insurance policy that covers all potential damages related to the pipeline’s construction and operation. This includes compensation for any property damage, loss of value, and increased insurance costs for affected individuals. Additionally, if individuals face difficulties obtaining insurance or experience higher premiums due to the pipeline, the pipeline company is required to either purchase insurance on their behalf or reimburse them for the increased costs.

House File 241 – Utilities Commission Meeting Attendance
House File 241 mandates that all members of the Iowa Utilities Commission must be present during hearings related to public utility regulation, electric transmission lines, and pipelines. If any member is unavailable during live testimony, the hearing must pause until all members return. Additionally, at least one commission member must attend informational meetings regarding electric transmission line franchises and pipeline permits, with similar pausing requirements if no member is present. The bill aims to ensure full commission participation in these critical proceedings.

House File 242 – Eminent Domain Review 
House File 242 establishes procedures for reviewing eminent domain claims related to applications before the Iowa Utilities Commission. It allows affected property owners to petition the Polk County district court for a declaratory review of their rights and legal matters concerning eminent domain. The bill permits the initiation of new actions in different counties under specific conditions, ensuring that new cases are heard by different judges without regard to previous rulings. A $10 fee is required to file a declaratory action, with funds going to the state general fund. Additionally, the bill eliminates bond requirements for appeals or injunctions related to these actions.

This week the Senate Workforce Committee passed Senate Study Bills SSB 1165 and SSB 1173.  SSB 1165 (Senate File 487) updates the requirements for employers to maintain accurate work records for unemployment insurance purposes. It mandates that records be kept for three years after remuneration is paid or due, ensuring that the Department of Workforce Development can effectively audit compliance. The bill outlines the procedures for field audits, including the necessity for reasonable notice and pre-audit interviews. It specifies the types of records subject to audit and allows for a detailed examination of employee documentation. Additionally, it provides a process for employers to contest audit findings, enhancing transparency and accountability in the auditing process.

SSB 1173 (Senate File 504) amends the current unemployment insurance tax framework by redefining ‘taxable wages’ to exclude wages paid to employees from other states that do not have reciprocal agreements with Iowa. It reduces the percentage of the statewide average weekly wage used in calculating taxable wages from 66.66% to 33.33%. Additionally, the bill simplifies the contribution rate structure by reducing the number of benefit ratio ranks from 21 to 9 and the number of contribution rate tables from eight to four. These changes are intended to lower the tax burden on employers and streamline the calculation process for unemployment contributions.

This week the House Local Government Committee reported out of committee House Study Bill 246, which enhances and improves Iowan’s recovery efforts for communities affected by natural disasters. This comprehensive legislation encompasses several important programs and regulatory changes that will benefit homeowners, renters, and the broader community. Here are the main highlights:

Natural Hazard Mitigation Financing Program

• Creation of a New Program: The bill establishes the Natural Hazard Mitigation Financing Program, designed to provide loans to eligible entities for projects that mitigate the impact of natural hazards.
• Revolving Loan Fund: A dedicated Natural Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund will be created, funded through state appropriations, federal grants, and loan repayments. This fund will be managed by the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) in consultation with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA).
• Project Eligibility: Projects eligible for funding include flood control structures, zoning changes, and building code enforcement, among others.

Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program

• Expanded Assistance: The bill clarifies that disaster recovery housing assistance will be available to both homeowners and renters affected by natural disasters, as specified in the governor’s disaster emergency proclamation.
• Financial Assistance Definition: The legislation defines “financial assistance” to include grants, loans, and forgivable loans, ensuring that aid is accessible to those in need.
• Administrative Cost Limit: The IFA is restricted to using no more than 5% of the funds for administrative costs, ensuring that the majority of resources go directly to assistance.

Disaster Recovery New Housing Program

• Tax Benefits: The bill introduces a new tax provision allowing individuals and businesses to subtract qualifying state disaster recovery new housing grants from their taxable income, encouraging investment in recovery efforts.

Post-Loss Assignment of Benefits

• Consumer Protections: The bill establishes regulations for post-loss assignments, ensuring that residential contractors cannot engage in deceptive practices when handling insurance claims. This includes prohibiting contractors from rebating deductibles or imposing fees for canceling assignments.
• Contract Requirements: Contractors must provide detailed itemized descriptions of work to be performed and inform clients of their rights under their insurance policies.

Licensing and Regulation of Adjusters, Appraisers, and Umpires

• Stricter Licensing Requirements: The bill enhances the licensing process for public adjusters, independent adjusters, and appraisers, ensuring that only qualified individuals operate in Iowa.
• Financial Responsibility: Applicants must secure a surety bond to demonstrate financial responsibility, protecting consumers from potential losses due to unlicensed or unethical practices.
• Penalties for Violations: The legislation establishes penalties for adjusters and appraisers who violate licensing laws, including potential felony charges for serious offenses.

Iowa Economic Emergency Fund

• New Appropriations: The bill allocates 10% of the maximum balance of the Iowa Economic Emergency Fund for disaster response and recovery activities, contingent upon a governor’s disaster proclamation.
• Nuisance Property Remediation: The bill also includes funding for the Nuisance Property Remediation Assistance Fund, supporting efforts to address blighted properties in disaster-affected areas.

House Study Bill 246 represents a significant step forward in Iowa’s disaster recovery efforts. By establishing new funding mechanisms, enhancing consumer protections, and improving the regulatory framework for adjusters and contractors, this legislation aims to create a more resilient Iowa.

This week the Iowa House Natural Resources Committee approved three pieces of legislation that will enhance hunting opportunities for Iowans. The committee passed House Study Bill 255 requiring youth deer hunting licenses be available for purchase during the same timeframe as general deer hunting licenses, encompassing all established deer hunting seasons. The measure allows holders of a youth deer hunting license to utilize their license and tag during the season for which it was issued or in any subsequent established deer hunting season, provided they follow the authorized method of take for that following season. However, if the tag is filled in one season, the license will not be valid for subsequent seasons. This legislation seeks to enhance success, accessibility, and flexibility for youth hunters in Iowa.

The second measure, House File 505, introduces a new Code section regarding hand-fishing/noodling licenses, requiring individuals to purchase a license to engage in this specific fishing method. HF 505 defines noodling which is a type of hand fishing that typically involve reaching into a hole beneath the water level along a shore or bank and pulling out a catfish with a person’s hand into the fish’s mouth. The bill sets restrictions on the practice, including a limit of three catfish per license, a minimum size requirement of ten inches for harvested fish, and a prohibition on the use of special equipment. The bill measure provides that noodling is only permitted during daylight hours. The Natural Resource Commission is tasked with determining the tenure and fees associated with the license. Violations of these regulations will incur fines.

The third bill, House Study Bill 257, modifies going forward the minimum size tract of rural land that will qualify the owner for special deer or turkey license that is provided without license fee. The bill as amended by the Committee proposes to restructure the current provision that grandfather as eligible tracts of land of at least 2-acres as currently specified in the Code and provided that land was purchased prior to January 11, 2027. Land parcel bought on or after January 11, 2027, must be 20-acres of more to qualify the landowner for free deer and turkey licenses that can only be hunted on such property.

House Study Bill 200 – Age-Appropriate Firearms Safety Instruction 
House Study Bill 200 mandates that by July 1, 2026, all Iowa school districts must implement age-appropriate firearm safety instruction for students in grades K-12. The program for younger students (K-6) will be based on the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program, while the curriculum for grades 7-12 will follow the National Rifle Association’s hunter education course. School districts are required to offer this instruction to all students, including those in nonpublic schools, and can conduct classes off school property. The bill also specifies that instructors do not need to be licensed teachers. Funding for this initiative will come from state school foundation aid.

House File 265 – Firefighters Requirements
House File 265 mandates that the Iowa Department of Public Safety revise its rules regarding fire fighter training and certification by January 1, 2026. The bill stipulates that individuals who have committed any adult crime requiring them to be listed on a sex offender registry will be ineligible for certification as firefighters, including volunteer firefighters. This measure aims to enhance the standards for firefighter certification in Iowa. The bill reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of fire fighting personnel.

House File 523 – 72 Hour Protective Order
House File 523 allows peace officers to file a petition for a 72-hour emergency protective order on behalf of individuals who claim to be in present danger of domestic abuse. The individual must request the peace officer to submit the petition. The bill seeks to streamline the process for obtaining emergency protective orders in urgent situations.

House File 546 – Minimum Bond Requirements
House File 546 establishes a minimum bond amount of $100,000 for individuals arrested under specific serious criminal offenses, including attempted murder, assault with a weapon, and possession by a felon. This means that for these offenses, a magistrate cannot set a bond lower than this amount during the initial appearance. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of a standard bond schedule for these serious offenses, ensuring that individuals charged with them are held to stricter bail conditions.

This week the State Government Committee passed a monumental piece of legislation to further protect the first responders across Iowa who protect and rescue Iowans every day. House Study Bill 266 was reported out of State Government Committee unanimously. The bill would amend Iowa Code to ensure that all types of cancer are covered for Iowa’s firefighters. Currently there are only 14 types of cancer that are covered under the presumption that it was contracted while on active duty because of the job. There are over 200 types of diagnosable cancers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters. Research shows that due to the carcinogenic materials and the significantly greater exposure to chemicals, gases, vapors, and particles that firefighters are 9% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than the general population and 14% higher risk of dying of cancer than the general population. If enacted this legislation would provide coverage to all cancers and alleviate concern when a firefighter gets a life altering diagnoses that they must wonder if their cancer treatment will be covered.

HSB 266 will move to the House floor for the consideration of the full legislative body. House Republicans have over the past several legislative sessions strongly supported legislative efforts in the House to provide expanded coverage for firefighters’ pension funds.

As spring break grows near, more Iowans are preparing this March to fly out for a quick break from the winter doldrums.  Supporting Iowa’s commercial service and general aviation airports is one of the tasks taken on by the Department of Transportation.

Iowa has a total of 104 commercial service and general aviation airports.  The eight commercial service airports are publicly-owned airports that offer scheduled passenger service and has at least 2,500 passenger boardings each year. To help maintain and improve service at these critical facilities, the Legislature provides $1.9 million a year from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) to DOT’s Commercial Service Vertical Infrastructure program. This provides funding for landside development and renovation of terminals, hangars, maintenance buildings, and fuel facilities at commercial service airports. Routine maintenance of buildings and minor renovation projects are not eligible.

Appropriated funds are distributed to the commercial service airports by a 50/40/10 formula. One half of the funds are allocated equally between each airport, 40% of the funds are allocated based on the percentage of enplaned passengers at each airport versus the total number of enplaned passengers in the state, and 10% of the funds are allocated based on the percentage of the air cargo tonnage at each airport versus the total tonnage in the state. Commercial service airports are required to submit applications for specific projects for approval by the Transportation Commission. No local match is required.

In Fiscal Year 2025, the funding from this grant was distributed as follows:

• Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (Burlington) – $120,085
• Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids) – $435,599
• Des Moines International Airport – $724,575
• Dubuque Regional Airport – $124,553
• Fort Dodge Regional Airport – $120,798
• Mason City Municipal Airport – $121,158
• Sioux Gateway Airport (Sioux City) – $128,330
• Waterloo Regional Airport – $124,902

State assistance to airports is not limited to just the commercial hubs.  Iowa’s 96 general aviation airports are eligible to seek funding from the General Aviation Vertical Infrastructure program.

Public owned general aviation airport sponsors may apply for funding through the RIIF-funded grant program for projects that include landside development and renovation of airport terminals, hangars, maintenance buildings, and fuel facilities. Routine maintenance of buildings and minor renovation projects are not eligible. Eligible projects may be funded up to 85 percent when funding is available for the program.

In Fiscal Year 2025, six general aviation airports received grant funding. These are:

• Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport – $45,600
• Ankeny Regional Airport – $300,000
• Decorah Municipal Airport – $300,000
• Northeast Iowa Regional Airport – $300,000
• Keokuk Municipal Airport – $80.750
• Knoxville Municipal Airport – $32,700

The House Veterans Affairs Committee advanced 11 bills this year to support Iowa Veterans.

HF 250 – County Vets Commission – This bill comes from the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs to update a legislative report to be based on the fiscal year, rather than calendar year, and to provide oversight over the training of county executive directors and administrators by the commandant of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs.

HF 175 – In-State Tuition – This bill requires Iowa’s community colleges and regent universities to provide in-state tuition for veterans, their spouse, their dependent children, and their survivors, no matter state of residence.

HF 534 – Veterans Trust Fund – This bill comes from the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs to continue the $2.5 million transfer from the Iowa Lottery to the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund until the fund reaches $75 million, rather than current law of $50 million. At the beginning of FY25, the trust fund was at $42.6 million.

HF 779 – Veteran License Plate – This bill allows reserve forces and Iowa national guard members to receive the United States veterans license plate.

HF 518– Hyperbaric Oxygen Pilot – This bill establishes a veterans recovery pilot program and fund to allow for the free treatment of veterans with PTSD or traumatic brain injury with hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The program is repealed July 1, 2031.

HF 692 – Deer Hunting Disabled Veterans – This bill allows disabled veterans that served in the armed forces on active duty (verified by IDVA) to use a deer hunting license and tag during any deer hunting season that corresponds with the method of take for the license.

HSB 243 – Veteran Service Organizations Grant Program – This bill appropriates $250,000 to the veterans service organization grant program to provide matching funds for employing staff to assist veterans with claims.

House File 268 exempts cash tips from Iowa income tax beginning January 1, 2026. Cash tips are gifts – and logically should not be taxed because they are not guaranteed or predictable wages. According to preliminary numbers, service-industry employees would save over $28 million in taxes per year. The bill is now eligible for full consideration by the House Ways and Means Committee.

Des Moines County:

• Greater Burlington Partnership Forum: Friday, March 21st from 8 – 9AM at the Greater Burlington Partnership in the Winegard Board Room.

Henry County:

• Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Forum: Friday, March 14th at 8:30AM at Mount Pleasant City Hall in the City Council Chambers.

As always, you can can shoot me an email with any questions or concerns at taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov or you can call the Capitol Switchboard and leave me a message at (515) 281-7340.
Sincerely,

Rep. Taylor Collins