Iowa Bills

This bill, SF 314, addresses regulations for real estate professionals, specifically brokers and salespersons. It focuses on requirements related to their license application forms. Additionally, the bill also concerns the rules governing brokerage agreements, which are contracts used in real estate transactions. Without the full bill text, specific changes to these forms or agreements cannot be detailed.

SF 167 is a school funding bill that establishes the state's funding increase rates for the budget year beginning July 1, 2025, covering both general and specific categorical programs. It modifies provisions related to property tax replacement payments, which help offset local property taxes for schools. The bill also adjusts the regular program state cost per pupil, which is the base amount of state funding provided for each student. Finally, it modifies funding mechanisms for shared operational functions among school districts.

This bill modifies the responsibilities of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) concerning library services. It eliminates the requirement for the State Librarian to submit biennial reports on library activities and removes DAS's obligation to develop a biennial unified plan for its library services. The bill also removes DAS's responsibility to establish and administer standards for state agency libraries, though it retains its role in setting standards for public libraries. Additionally, it updates the terminology for the "enrich Iowa program" by replacing "access plus programs" with "interlibrary loan programs" when describing supported services.

This bill removes a specific notification requirement for the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) that directly affects its members. It repeals the obligation for IPERS to send a notice to members who terminate their covered employment before they retire. This previously required notice contained information about the member's account balance, status, and explained their possible courses of action under the IPERS chapter.

Senate File 427 modifies the requirements for individuals seeking licensure as a professional land surveyor in Iowa. The bill adds a new provision requiring applicants to successfully pass an examination specifically focused on the laws of this state. Additionally, it prohibits the state's engineering and land surveying examining board from issuing temporary licenses to practice as a professional land surveyor. These changes directly affect individuals applying for or seeking to practice as a land surveyor in Iowa.

This bill expands Iowa's "Right to Try" Act by broadening the definition of an "eligible patient." Previously limited to individuals with terminal illnesses, the bill now includes patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses. These patients can access "individualized investigational treatments," which are drugs or products unique to their genetic profile and have successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials. The bill also defines "eligible facilities" and updates the specific requirements for written informed consent for patients with terminal illnesses.

This bill makes several changes to the powers and procedures of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) and its associated licensing boards, directly affecting regulated professionals, license applicants, and individuals interacting with these agencies. It allows DIAL to adopt standards by reference if they are freely accessible online and grants the department discretion to close complaints that do not allege a violation of relevant rules or statutes

This bill updates state law by expanding the definition of a "peer review committee." It specifically includes statewide nonprofit organ procurement organizations (OPOs) within this definition. This change grants OPOs the same legal status and protections typically afforded to other peer review committees, such as those in hospitals or medical societies. The bill directly affects organ procurement organizations operating in the state by formally recognizing their internal review processes under this designation.

This bill makes several changes related to emergency services provided by cities. It clarifies that cities can provide compensation, stipends, or benefits to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical care providers even if they hold other city offices. The bill also allows a currently serving city council member to be appointed as a volunteer fire chief, provided they abstain from voting on their own appointment. Furthermore, it permits cities to establish dedicated funds or reserve accounts for acquiring and maintaining major equipment for police, fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. These funds will receive insurance settlements or other payments for damaged emergency equipment, with a provision for reimbursing the city's general fund if it covered initial repair or replacement costs.

This bill amends the requirements for physical examinations for personnel working in licensed or registered child care facilities. Currently, staff must receive an initial physical examination within six months prior to starting employment. This bill expands that timeframe, allowing the initial examination to be completed either within six months before starting work or within three months after beginning employment. These examinations, which include communicable disease tests, must be performed by a licensed physician or physician assistant. Subsequent physical examinations are still required every three years following the date of the initial exam.

This bill expands the state's ability to recover benefits inappropriately obtained from the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), directly affecting individuals who receive aid from the department. It establishes that benefits acquired through false, misleading, or inaccurate information create a debt and a lien on a person's property, similar to existing provisions for other state agencies. The bill authorizes the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to collect these delinquent HSEM debts. Furthermore, HSEM can refer suspected cases of fraud or misrepresentation to this department, and in substantiated cases, the state must pursue legal options, including wage garnishment or removal from other public assistance programs, to recover the funds.

HF 472 creates a new legal process called a "special motion for expedited relief." This motion is designed to quickly address lawsuits that are filed in response to a person's exercise of their rights to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, assembly, or association. It allows courts to promptly review and potentially dismiss these types of cases. The bill aims to provide a faster way to resolve legal challenges that might otherwise suppress these constitutional rights.