Iowa Bills

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HF 406: A bill for an act relating to restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence, and creating a civil cause of action.

HF 406 requires device companies (manufacturers of smart devices) and AI application developers to provide clear, upfront notices when users initialize devices or start apps with AI. These notices must explain exactly what private data the AI accesses, how it will be used, and give users interactive options to refuse specific data access or uninstall the AI before it collects data. The bill mandates that all data usage must align with a "statement of purpose" disclosed to users, prohibiting companies from accessing or using data in ways not previously explained. It directly affects consumers using smart devices (like smartphones or tablets) sold in Iowa after July 2025, as well as manufacturers and developers of AI-enabled products.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HF 433: A bill for an act relating to national wild turkey federation special registration plates, providing fees, and making appropriations.

HF 433 allows Iowa drivers to obtain special National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) license plates for a one-time $25 fee (plus $25 for personalized plates) and an annual $10 fee on top of regular registration. The fees collected are deposited into the road use tax fund and then transferred monthly to the state general fund, with the money appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR must use these funds to award grants prioritizing Iowa chapters of organizations focused on wild turkey habitat conservation, improving hunting opportunities, and increasing hunter participation. This directly affects vehicle owners who choose these specialty plates and supports conservation efforts through dedicated funding.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HF 69: A bill for an act relating to the sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer on public school property under certain circumstances, and including effective date provisions.

HF 69 modifies Iowa law to allow public school boards to authorize the sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol (beer, wine, or liquor) on public school property during non-school-related social events, provided the school has a valid five-day retail alcohol license. This change specifically applies to public schools, not higher education facilities or regular school activities. The bill maintains existing restrictions prohibiting alcohol at school functions, on public streets, or in public places without a license, with violations classified as simple misdemeanors punishable by up to 30 days in jail or fines up to $855. It does not alter current rules for private schools or higher education institutions.

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HF 38: A bill for an act authorizing cities to establish self-supported entertainment areas.

HF 38 allows Iowa cities to create designated "entertainment areas" where a surcharge (up to 3%) is added to specific transactions. This applies to food and alcohol sales at venues, entertainment tickets, and lodging rentals within the area, with revenues funding improvements or services for the zone. Cities must meet strict requirements, including a projected 250,000+ annual visitors, contiguous property under 75 acres, and at least 75% of properties being entertainment-related. The process requires a public hearing, 25% property owner petition signatures, and a council vote before implementation. The bill directly affects property owners, venue operators, and city governments within designated entertainment zones.

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HF 37: A bill for an act relating to the salary of county attorneys in certain counties.

HF 37 removes a requirement that counties with populations under 200,000 must set county attorney salaries between 45% and 100% of a district court judge's annual salary. This change directly affects county attorneys in smaller Iowa counties by eliminating the mandated salary range, allowing those counties to set salaries without that specific benchmark. The bill amends Iowa Code section 331.752 to delete the salary range provision, making the policy change concrete and procedural.

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HF 481: A bill for an act relating to rent increases in manufactured home communities and mobile home parks.

This bill limits rent increases in mobile home parks and manufactured home communities to once per calendar year, requiring landlords to provide tenants with 90 days' written notice before any increase. Landlords may only raise rent more frequently if justified by higher insurance premiums or infrastructure costs paid by tenants. It directly affects tenants in these communities by reducing the frequency of unexpected rent hikes. The law amends existing notice and timing rules to provide greater housing cost predictability.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HF 241: A bill for an act relating to utilities commission member attendance at hearings and informational meetings.

HF 241 requires all Iowa Utilities Commission members to be present during live testimony at hearings related to public utilities, pipelines, or electric transmission lines. If any member is unavailable during such a hearing, the meeting must pause until all members return. The bill also mandates that at least one commission member attend all informational meetings about pipeline permits, electric transmission lines, or hazardous liquid pipelines, pausing the meeting if no member is present. This applies to meetings held by pipeline companies or the commission itself, directly affecting commission operations and how companies conduct required public meetings.

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HSB 298: A bill for an act concerning alcoholic beverage control.

This bill modifies Iowa's alcoholic beverage laws to allow customers at licensed establishments to take one unopened bottle of wine home after partially consuming it on-site, provided the bottle is resealed visibly and a receipt is given. It also expands permitted open-container transport to adjacent licensed premises, temporarily closed public rights-of-way, or private properties. Additionally, the bill permits native producers (distilleries, breweries, wineries) to hold up to two retail licenses for their own premises, regardless of other manufacturing licenses they hold. These changes primarily affect licensed alcohol sellers and their customers in Iowa.

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HF 242: A bill for an act relating to procedures to review the exercise of eminent domain, and providing fees.

HF 242 creates a new court review process for property owners and applicants involved in Iowa Utilities Commission eminent domain cases. It allows individuals whose property is subject to eminent domain to petition Polk County district court for a declaratory judgment about legal rights and status before the commission makes a final decision, with a $10 filing fee paid to the court clerk (deposited into the state general fund). The bill prohibits bond requirements for appeals or injunctions related to these reviews and sets conditions for new actions after 18 months or changed circumstances, requiring a different county and judge to review the case anew without relying on prior decisions.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Mar 5, 2025

SF 241: A bill for an act prohibiting a court from ordering payment of a postsecondary education subsidy for a child under a dissolution of marriage temporary order or final judgment or decree, and providing for application to existing orders, judgments, and decrees.

This bill prohibits courts from requiring either parent to pay for a child's postsecondary education (like college or career training) in divorce or custody orders. It directly affects parents in divorce cases involving children aged 18-22 who are attending school. The key provision (Section 598.21F) states courts "shall not order" such payments in temporary orders or final judgments. The law applies only to new or pending orders after July 1, 2025, and does not change existing orders made before that date.

Topics ✗ Education

in committee · Iowa · Senate Mar 5, 2025

SF 221: A bill for an act relating to child abuse and employees and agents of public schools and nonpublic schools.

SF 221 updates Iowa's child abuse reporting procedures for schools. It requires public and nonpublic schools to report alleged abuse by staff to child protection services and law enforcement if criminal. Schools must allow confidential access to children during investigations and cooperate with assessments. The bill also mandates that school boards and educational examiners be notified of verified child abuse findings against staff, potentially leading to license denial or revocation for educators. These changes apply directly to all schools and their employees.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Iowa · Senate Mar 5, 2025

SR 4: A resolution commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the State Government Affairs Council.

This resolution (SR 4) is a ceremonial Senate measure commemorating the 50th anniversary of the State Government Affairs Council. It formally recognizes the Council's 50 years of work building relationships between state/local governments, businesses, and communities, and promoting nonpartisan collaboration, diversity, and professional development in government affairs. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it simply honors the Council's legacy and encourages continued support for its mission.

Bill results