Iowa Bills

This bill directs the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to form a study committee during the 2026 legislative interim to examine how to transition home visiting services from the current Early Childhood Iowa area system to a new district-based model. The committee, which includes voting legislators, nonvoting stakeholders, and representatives from various state departments, must analyze the financial, logistical, and community impacts of this change while ensuring minimal disruption to families receiving care. Additionally, the bill mandates that the committee gather input from service providers and families through public sessions and submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 8, 2027.

This bill modifies the sales or use tax refund available to biodiesel producers in Iowa by increasing the refund rate from four to five cents per gallon for the period between January 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027. The refund amount is calculated by multiplying the designated rate by the total number of gallons of biodiesel produced within the state during each calendar quarter. After January 1, 2027, the refund rate reverts to four cents per gallon, and the provision remains in effect until January 1, 2028. Additionally, the bill applies retroactively to cover biodiesel produced on or after January 1, 2026, ensuring that producers receive the higher refund rate for that initial period.

This bill establishes a grant program within the Iowa Department of Justice to fund nonprofit organizations that operate sexual assault forensic examination centers. To qualify for funding, these nonprofits must be independent of hospitals, employ sexual assault nurse examiners, and prioritize services for survivors, including adults, people with disabilities, and rural residents. The program requires the selected organization to provide medical forensic care, offer training to law enforcement and medical professionals, and submit annual reports on services provided and client demographics. Additionally, the bill creates a trust fund in the state treasury to accept private donations and state or federal money specifically for supporting these examination centers.

This bill proposes exempting high-ethanol gasoline (containing more than 85% ethanol) from excise taxes when purchased directly at terminals or refineries for use in agricultural machinery. To qualify for this tax exemption, buyers must provide and retain specific exemption certificates, which suppliers are required to keep on file for at least three years. The legislation also holds purchasers personally responsible for paying the tax if they use the fuel for any purpose other than agricultural production.

This bill updates the rules for licensing companies that sell service contracts for homes and vehicles in Iowa. It clarifies specific definitions, such as what counts as a "service contract holder" and distinguishing between original and substitute parts. The legislation requires these companies to provide more detailed information about their owners and officers when applying for a license and mandates timely reporting of any criminal charges or disciplinary actions against key personnel. Additionally, it explicitly states that these service contracts are not considered insurance and outlines requirements for how support services must be managed by licensed companies.

House Study Bill 784 is a corrective measure that updates specific sections of existing Iowa laws to fix errors or clarify language. The bill primarily affects state government finances, healthcare regulations, and administrative procedures by amending statutes related to funding amounts, medical licensing, and definitions of discrimination. Key changes include adjusting financial figures for future years, clarifying rules for supported community living services, and refining definitions regarding medical conscience and patient consent. Additionally, the bill sets a maximum renewal period of three years for administrative medicine licenses and limits how much preschool funding providers can use for administrative costs.

SF 2487 appropriates state funds to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, to support its administrative operations, regulatory programs, and specific initiatives. The bill allocates money from various sources, including the general fund and specialized funds, to areas such as horse and dog racing enforcement, motor fuel inspections, dairy regulation, and assistance for farmers with disabilities. It also establishes cost-sharing agreements with Iowa State University of Science and Technology to support programs like the local food and farm initiative and the midwest grape and wine industry institute. Additionally, the legislation designates certain funds to remain available for expenditure in the following fiscal year if not fully spent, rather than reverting to the general fund.

This bill provides funding and sets operational rules for Iowa's judicial branch for the fiscal year 2026-2027. It appropriates approximately $202.7 million for salaries, staff, and general operations, while allocating additional funds specifically for jury fees, juvenile court services, and delinquent sanction programs. The legislation also mandates that the judicial branch use state budget systems, submit monthly financial reports, and focus on collecting unpaid court fines and costs. Furthermore, it requires district court clerk offices to remain open during regular hours in all 99 counties and restricts the judicial branch from changing appropriation amounts without notifying the legislature.

SF 2483 is an appropriations bill that allocates state funds to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The legislation provides specific funding for veterans' services, including administration and home ownership assistance, as well as programs for aging, disability, behavioral health, and public health. It also includes money for child welfare initiatives, family support programs, and mental health treatment, while repealing certain expenditure projections for child care and adoption subsidies. The bill establishes reporting requirements for the Iowa Veterans Home and directs portions of the funding toward federal matching programs and specific community capacity building efforts.

This bill provides funding for the Iowa Department of Justice and the Department of Corrections for the fiscal year 2026-2027. It allocates money to support the Attorney General's office, victim assistance programs, legal services for low-income individuals, and cybersecurity improvements. The legislation also funds the operation of several state correctional facilities and requires the Department of Justice to report on non-state funding sources. Additionally, it directs the state to reimburse the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for training instructors on human trafficking issues.

This bill allows surviving spouses, parents, children, or siblings of U.S. military members who died while on active duty during a conflict or from service-related causes to request a special mark on their driver's license or identification card. If the request is approved with proof of eligibility, the state will prominently display the phrase "GOLD STAR FAMILY" on the front of the license or card. The legislation does not change any other information on the documents and does not affect individuals who do not meet these specific eligibility criteria.

This Iowa bill extends the expiration date for the biodiesel blended fuel tax credit from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2033. The change directly affects retail dealers who sell biodiesel fuel blends, allowing them to continue claiming a state income tax credit for promoting these fuels. By updating the relevant tax code sections, the legislation ensures that dealers whose tax years do not align with the original repeal date can still claim the credit for a full calendar year. The bill also clarifies how the credit amount should be calculated for dealers claiming it in the year following the extension period.