SF 2281 adds specific synthetic opioids and related compounds to Iowa's list of controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. It directly affects individuals possessing, distributing, or manufacturing these newly listed substances, which include fentanyl analogs like Butonitazene and Flunitazene, as well as other novel synthetic drugs. The bill establishes penalties: violations could result in a class B felony (with a 25-year minimum prison term and fines up to $100,000), a class C felony (up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $50,000), or an aggravated misdemeanor (up to 2 years in jail and fines up to $8,540). The law takes effect immediately upon enactment to align with federal chemical designations.
SF 2370 establishes a pilot project called "Project to Preserve Families" administered by Iowa's State Public Defender to improve legal representation for families involved in child welfare cases. The project, running from 2020 through 2025, allows the State Public Defender to implement innovative legal approaches in up to 16 counties to help preserve families, reduce trauma for children, and achieve financial benefits for communities. It authorizes the State Public Defender to appoint attorneys for indigent families before formal proceedings if appropriate, coordinate with other agencies, and study outcomes. The bill aims to change how legal representation operates within child welfare proceedings to support family preservation.
This bill (SF 2342) removes a requirement in Iowa law that the state must be named as the beneficiary of insurance policies public officers use instead of bonds. Currently, such policies must benefit the state and allow the state to pursue claims on behalf of injured parties. The bill amends Code section 64.3(4) to eliminate this specific provision, giving public officers more flexibility in structuring their insurance coverage. It directly affects public officers who opt for insurance policies rather than traditional bonds to cover potential liabilities.
This Iowa bill creates a standardized process for resolving certain family law disputes through private arbitration instead of court. It applies to issues like child custody and support agreements when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration in writing. Key rules require arbitrators to be trained attorneys with domestic violence expertise, prohibit arbitration for divorce or adoption cases, and limit arbitrators from making decisions about state-involved child support. The law ensures arbitration agreements are legally binding unless specific conditions (like court approval for post-dispute agreements) are met.
This bill requires Iowa retail fuel dealers to file annual reports detailing total gasoline and diesel sales for each determination period ending before their tax year closes. Retail dealers who miss this filing deadline lose eligibility for tax credits promoting E-85 gasoline (section 422.11O), biodiesel blends (section 422.11P), and E-15 plus gasoline (section 422.11Y). Failure to file timely also triggers a $100 civil penalty per occurrence, with penalties deposited into the state general fund. The reporting requirement ensures accurate calculation of excise taxes on specific fuel blends like E-15 and B-20 biodiesel.
SF 2454 creates new protections for vulnerable adults by requiring life insurance companies and qualified staff to delay certain disbursements (like policy withdrawals) if they suspect financial exploitation. It establishes a 15-day initial delay period for disbursements, extendable to 55 days total after internal reviews, and mandates written notification to authorized parties and the state commissioner. The bill defines "eligible adults" (vulnerable individuals) and "financial exploitation," while allowing notifications to designated "permissible third parties" (like family members) without liability for good-faith disclosures. It also provides legal immunity to insurers or staff who act reasonably to prevent exploitation, without requiring prior notification to third parties.
SF 2206 prevents Iowa state agencies from including specific contract terms that could harm the state or violate public policy when purchasing goods or services. It voids 19 prohibited provisions (e.g., requiring the state to cover vendors' legal costs, using foreign law, hiding pricing details, or imposing binding arbitration outside Iowa courts) and mandates that all contracts follow Iowa law and be litigated in Iowa courts. Agencies may request limited waivers for necessary contracts if they prove harm would occur without specific terms, but waivers must be narrowly tailored. The bill applies to contracts entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2026.
This bill (SF 2115) changes sentencing rules for certain sexual exploitation of minors cases in Iowa. It prohibits judges from granting deferred or suspended sentences to individuals convicted under Iowa Code section 728.12 when the victim was under 12 years old or prepubescent at the time of the offense. The key provision amends sentencing guidelines to automatically disqualify offenders in these specific cases from receiving lenient sentencing options. This directly affects convicted offenders of severe sexual exploitation crimes involving very young children, ensuring they face immediate sentencing consequences.
HF 2190 requires proof of ownership for dogs over six months old in Iowa, while dogs under six months are automatically considered property. Owners must provide proof such as a microchip, rabies tag, vet records, or receipt to establish ownership, and shelters must scan for microchips when taking in dogs and before adoption. The bill presumes the person with valid proof owns the dog in disputes, and misrepresenting ownership to authorities is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $855 fine. It does not change existing rabies vaccination requirements under Iowa Code sections 351.33 and 351.35. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on January 28, 2026.
HF 2307 creates a "provisional coaching authorization" for the Board of Educational Examiners to issue to individuals seeking coaching roles without full credentials. It requires applicants to complete background checks, CPR/defibrillator training, youth sports concussion training, and child abuse reporter training. The provisional license expires after 180 days or the end of the sport season, whichever comes first, and allows conversion to a full authorization by completing specific training, coursework, or providing prior coaching experience. This bill directly affects prospective coaches in Iowa schools and adjusts hiring priority, placing those with provisional authorizations below fully credentialed coaches in school hiring decisions.
This bill amends Iowa's administrative procedure act to change how courts interpret laws in cases involving state agencies. It requires courts to interpret statutes and agency rules "de novo" (from scratch) instead of deferring to an agency's interpretation. The bill also mandates that when courts face uncertainty, they must favor interpretations that limit agency authority. This directly affects courts, agencies, and individuals or entities challenging agency decisions under Iowa law.
SF 2169 clarifies Iowa's apprenticeship program structure by defining key terms like "intermediary sponsor" (an entity training multiple employers' apprentices) and requiring 100 contact hours per apprentice annually for financial aid eligibility. It grants intermediaries sole authority to approve employer partners and establishes 60-90 day compliance periods before program cancellations or suspensions. The bill also updates plumbing licensing rules to limit apprentices to three per licensed worker. These changes directly affect apprenticeship sponsors, employers, and intermediaries operating programs in Iowa.
