This bill proposes adding a new section to Iowa's Constitution protecting an individual's right to refuse any medical procedure, treatment, vaccine, or preventive care without interference. It specifically states that public accommodations (like businesses or services) cannot deny equal access or liberty based on someone exercising this right to refuse medical care. If passed, the amendment would require voter approval after being referred to the next state legislature. The change would directly affect all Iowans regarding their medical choices and how public spaces may interact with those choices.
HF 2172 modifies testing requirements for students enrolled in Iowa's education savings account program (which allows families to use public funds for private school tuition). The bill gives families a choice: students must take either all state and federally required assessments or standardized national tests in math and English language arts during the same grade levels as federally mandated tests. Results from whichever test option is chosen must be shared with parents and reported to the Iowa Department of Education. This change updates current law, which previously required all students in the program to take every state and federal assessment.
HF 2175 makes it a class C felony to buy or sell a person, punishable by up to 10 years in prison or fines up to $13,660. The law specifically exempts surrogate mother arrangements where the surrogate receives no money or other value for agreeing to carry a child and give up all parental rights to the intended parents. This bill directly affects individuals involved in commercial surrogacy arrangements and anyone attempting to buy or sell people, while clarifying that non-monetary surrogacy agreements remain legal. The key provision prohibits financial transactions involving people but explicitly allows surrogacy without payment to the surrogate.
HF 2181 updates Iowa's telecommunications regulations to specifically address services for incarcerated persons and simplifies electric transmission franchise applications. The bill narrows the definition of "alternative operator services" to apply only to calls made by inmates from correctional facilities, requiring these services to have tariffs approved by the Utilities Commission and prohibiting regulated phone companies from handling billing without confirmation of tariff approval. It also removes the requirement for a signed, sealed form when applying for electric transmission line franchises, though applicants must still provide details like the project description and terms to the commission. These changes directly affect correctional facilities, inmate calling service providers, and rate-regulated utilities handling billing.
HF 2169 requires the Iowa Finance Authority to review the household income limit for the FirstHome program, which helps Iowans buy their first home. The review must assess whether the current income threshold provides sufficient assistance to in-state homebuyers and serves as an effective incentive for out-of-state residents to move to Iowa, while also analyzing how raising the limit would impact program participation. The authority must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 11, 2027. This bill does not change the program immediately but sets a process to evaluate potential adjustments to the income eligibility criteria.
HF 2168 would impose a 50% tax on money transfers (remittance transfers) made within Iowa using cash, money orders, or similar physical payment methods. This tax applies only to transfers initiated with physical instruments, not those funded from bank accounts. The remittance provider collects the tax from the sender and remits it monthly to Iowa's Department of Revenue. All tax revenue will go to Iowa's general fund, effective July 1, 2026.
This bill requires Iowa county election officials to reject petitions for satellite absentee voting stations located on school property if the election ballot includes school-related funding questions (like bonds or levies). It directly affects county election commissioners who must follow this rule when processing station requests. The key provision adds a specific rejection criterion to existing election law, automatically disqualifying such petitions when school funding measures appear on the ballot. This policy change prevents satellite voting stations from being established on school grounds during elections involving school district funding decisions.
HF 304 modifies Iowa's utility regulations to focus telecommunications oversight on services for incarcerated people and simplify franchise applications. It restricts the definition of "alternative operator services" to only include telecommunications provided to incarcerated persons in correctional facilities, requiring these services to be approved by the Utilities Commission through tariffs. The bill also removes the requirement for a specific form, chair's signature, and official seal when applying for electric transmission line franchises, while still mandating applicants provide project details and terms. These changes directly affect telecommunications companies serving correctional facilities and entities seeking transmission franchises.
This Iowa bill (SF 81) clarifies and expands who can seek child support from a father after paternity is established. It allows the child’s mother, third parties who provided support to the mother, or child welfare authorities (if a child might become a public charge) to file claims. Key changes include enabling enforcement against a father’s estate after death and specifying that paternity established through court, genetic testing, or written acknowledgment creates enforceable support obligations. The bill also adds procedural details, such as requiring court approval for post-birth trials and allowing testimony from deceased mothers via deposition. It directly affects children, mothers, fathers, and third parties who have provided financial support.
HSB 562 creates a temporary study committee within Iowa's Department of Transportation to examine the feasibility of building wildlife crossings (like overpasses or underpasses) at highway locations with high rates of animal-vehicle collisions. The committee, including transportation, natural resources, and university experts, must analyze crash data, traffic volume, and animal habitats to rank high-risk locations and recommend solutions. It will also assess costs, crash-reduction benefits, and strategies to access federal funding for potential future projects. The committee must submit a final report to the legislature by January 2027, but the bill does not authorize actual construction or funding. This is a preparatory study, not a direct policy change.
This bill establishes regulations for businesses offering "human composting" (natural organic reduction), which converts human remains into soil. It requires facilities to obtain a license from Iowa's board of mortuary science, meet specific facility standards (including secure refrigeration and processing equipment), and follow strict handling procedures for bodies and remains. The law directly affects funeral homes and new composting businesses, requiring written authorization from decedents' designees, prohibiting commingling of remains, and mandating tracking systems. Key provisions include a $425 license fee, annual renewal requirements, and rules for accepting bodies only from licensed funeral homes.
SF 2104 requires large water use facilities in Iowa to report annual water usage to the Department of Natural Resources. It specifically targets facilities using 25,000+ gallons per day primarily engaged in data processing (NAICS 518210), ethyl alcohol manufacturing (NAICS 325193), or cryptocurrency mining. Each covered facility must submit detailed water usage reports by March 31 each year. The bill establishes a straightforward reporting obligation without altering water usage limits or imposing new restrictions.
