This Iowa bill (HF 2570) clarifies the authority of an "attorney in fact" (someone appointed to make health care decisions under a durable power of attorney). It requires the attorney in fact to follow the principal's (patient's) expressed wishes as written in the power of attorney document or a separate life-sustaining procedures declaration. The bill specifically states that such declarations cannot be interpreted to block withdrawal of hydration or nutrition when medically necessary (e.g., via IV or feeding tube), and the attorney’s authority cannot be limited by the principal’s verbal wishes shared with others or in unrelated documents unless the power of attorney document explicitly lists those limitations. It directly affects patients using durable powers of attorney and their appointed health care decision-makers.
This bill (HSB 748) modifies Iowa law regarding residential real estate transactions. It requires unit owners associations to provide certified status on dues payments (paid, delinquent, or future amounts) and to justify any fees charged for record access. For home inspections, it shifts the obligation to provide remediation-related report portions to the seller from the buyer (without charge), and allows sellers to cancel contracts if buyers fail to share this information. These changes directly affect homeowners, buyers, sellers, and property management entities involved in residential transactions.
HF 2529 requires manufacturers of farm equipment with diesel exhaust fluid systems to provide owners (farmers, lessees, or licensees) with free diagnostic and repair information, including software updates, on the same terms they offer to their authorized repair providers. It also mandates that manufacturers make replacement parts and diagnostic tools available for purchase at fair, reasonable prices comparable to those offered to authorized repair providers in the same region. The bill does not force manufacturers to disclose trade secrets or override existing agreements, but voids contracts that waive these new rights. This directly affects farmers who operate diesel-powered agricultural equipment requiring emissions control systems.
HF 2508 requires Iowa school organizations and nonschool groups operating extracurricular athletic activities to observe specific noncontact periods starting in the 2026-2027 school year. During these periods (summer: 10 days, fall: 7 days in November, winter: Dec 25-Jan 1, spring: 7 days during spring break), coaches, directors, and teachers cannot contact students about athletics, dance, cheerleading, band, show choir, or theater, and no competitions may occur. All high school students - including incoming ninth graders - are subject to these rules, meaning they cannot communicate with coaches or use school facilities for these activities during designated times, on or off campus. The bill applies to both school-sponsored and nonschool-sponsored organizations that schedule these events.
HF 2607 exempts employees of certain Amish employers from unemployment insurance eligibility. It applies only to employers who certify (to Iowa's workforce department) that all owners are members of the Old Order Amish church or a similar congregation with sincere religious objections to unemployment insurance, and who agree not to allow employees to claim benefits. Employers must also obtain written employee acknowledgments confirming they understand service won't qualify for benefits and file annual elections with the department. This exemption does not affect compliance with federal unemployment laws or other employment obligations.
HF 2684 allows Iowa school districts to use specific state funds tied to students enrolled in the education savings account program for any general school purpose starting in 2026, rather than being restricted to teacher salaries, professional development, or leadership programs. These funds, currently designated for limited uses under sections 257.10(9), (10), and (12), would gain full flexibility for districts after July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects school districts receiving these categorical funds from savings account participants. It removes prior requirements for how these funds must be spent, enabling districts to allocate them toward general operational needs like facilities, technology, or other non-specific expenses. The change applies only to funds attributable to resident pupils in the savings account program.
HF 2705 modifies Iowa school governance rules to clarify school board procedures and access to information. It requires school boards to publish meeting details online, allows board members to review curriculum and professional development materials (but not individual teacher plans), and changes how vacancies are filled (requiring notice of potential special elections). The bill also permits superintendents to hire support staff using electronic contracts and updates school improvement committee responsibilities. These changes directly affect school boards, district administrators, and local school governance structures across Iowa.
This bill amends Iowa law to clarify and expand the specific reasons a local assessor can be removed by the conference board. It adds two new grounds for removal: failing to meet employment standards or engaging in unethical/unlawful conduct, both requiring proof at a public hearing. The change directly affects local assessors and the conference board that oversees their removal process. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HF 2719 requires Iowa’s state commissioner of elections to collect and publish specific, data-driven performance metrics for district court judges, including bond-setting patterns, release decisions for violent vs. nonviolent offenses, sentencing comparisons, reversal rates, case processing times, and case disposal rates. The bill directly affects all district court judges, associate juvenile judges, and associate probate judges in Iowa by mandating public disclosure of these metrics in an online, searchable format with machine-readable data. Key provisions include adding reliability warnings for metrics based on small case volumes, requiring a methodology report explaining how data is adjusted, and including a mandatory disclaimer noting that statistics reflect case complexity more than judicial correctness. The information is intended to inform voters during judicial retention elections, with judges also allowed to add brief personal statements about their philosophy.
This bill sets new rules for how auto insurance companies handle claims involving vehicle repairs. For property insurance claims (where the insured's own car is damaged), insurers must pay based on the cost of aftermarket parts available within 100 miles of the repair shop, not original manufacturer parts. For liability claims (where someone else's car is damaged), insurers must use original parts unless the vehicle owner gives written consent to use aftermarket parts and the insurer agrees to cover modifications and defend against related claims. Violations can result in fines up to $50,000 or license suspension for insurers.
SF 448 modifies Iowa's requirements for school bus driver authorization. It changes the current rule so that school bus drivers are no longer automatically required to complete a department-approved training course. Instead, individual school districts can choose whether to require the course for new or existing drivers. If a district does require it, drivers must complete the course within six months of hire and every two years after, or risk losing their authorization. Drivers who lose authorization due to this requirement can regain it without completing the course if hired by a district that doesn't mandate the training.
HF 989 establishes a new regulatory framework for anaerobic digester systems used in animal feeding operations. The bill defines various terms related to these systems, including digester manure, feedstock, and digestate. It grants a state department the authority to create rules for the on-farm construction, expansion, storage, stockpiling, and application of materials associated with anaerobic digesters. These regulations aim to manage organic materials originating from animal feeding operations, and the bill also provides for fees and applicable penalties.
