HF 992 increases the fee for duplicate or proof of interstate fuel tax permits from 50 cents to $1.00 per document. This affects commercial vehicles operating across state lines that use fuel purchased outside Iowa, requiring them to carry proof of tax payment for Iowa fuel taxes. The bill modifies existing law that mandates these vehicles to possess such proof while operating in Iowa. The change directly impacts businesses and drivers managing interstate fuel use compliance, without altering the underlying tax requirements or penalties for non-compliance.
HF 990 establishes a licensing process for medical cannabidiol (CBD) dispensaries in Iowa. The bill requires the state department to issue requests for proposals and license up to five dispensaries (with potential for up to ten) by April 1, 2018, and renew licenses by December 1 each year. It directly affects businesses seeking to operate medical CBD dispensaries by setting caps on the number of licenses and defining the application timeline. The key provision is the structured annual licensing system to regulate the distribution of medical CBD products within the state.
This bill establishes new licensing requirements for crematory operators in Iowa, mandating they complete a nationally recognized cremation training course. It also requires funeral directors applying for a crematory operator license to submit a standard application, streamlining their path to operate cremation facilities. The bill expands disciplinary actions for both funeral directors and crematory operators, including penalties for misrepresenting services, violating regulations, or allowing unlicensed operation. Additionally, it prohibits paying or accepting commissions to secure funeral or cremation business, classifying such actions as a simple misdemeanor. These changes aim to standardize oversight and protect consumers within the funeral and cremation industry.
SF 473 (Iowa) prevents state departments from requiring foster care providers or adoptive parents to affirm policies conflicting with their religious or moral beliefs about sexual orientation or gender identity. It prohibits disqualifying individuals from foster care or adoption based solely on such beliefs, including their intent to raise children consistent with those beliefs. The bill allows departments to still consider the religious or moral beliefs of both the child and the provider when determining the best placement for the child. This applies directly to individuals seeking or currently providing foster care or adoption services in Iowa, and it creates legal remedies for violations.
SF 469 establishes an "emeritus license" for physicians and surgeons, including osteopathic physicians, in Iowa. This license is available to individuals aged 60 or older who are primarily engaged in supervising and training resident physicians. Holders of an emeritus license can maintain their full scope of practice and are exempt from continuing education requirements. The license is valid for three years, renewable once, and carries half the application and renewal fees of a standard license, with initial licenses not issued before January 1, 2026.
SF 512 clarifies who can change the deadlines for bringing civil lawsuits in Iowa. The bill amends Code section 614.1 to specify that only the General Assembly has the power to alter the time limits for various civil actions. This directly affects individuals and entities involved in lawsuits related to injuries, contracts, fraud, malpractice, and other specified claims, ensuring legislative control over these statutes of limitations.
This bill exempts high-ethanol gasoline, specifically blends containing more than 85 percent ethanol, from the state excise tax when purchased directly from a terminal or refinery for use in agricultural equipment. To qualify for this tax exemption, buyers must obtain and present a specific certificate to the supplier, who is required to keep these records for at least three years. The law also holds the purchaser personally responsible for paying the tax if they use the fuel for any purpose other than agricultural production. Ultimately, the legislation removes the cost of the excise tax for farmers buying high-ethanol fuel directly from the source for their machinery.
This bill creates sales and use tax exemptions and refunds for tangible personal property, digital products, and services used to build, maintain, or restart nuclear electric generation facilities in Iowa. The tax relief applies to items directly used for construction, repair, or restarting operations after decommissioning, provided the facility begins commercial operation within twelve and a half years of receiving its license or pouring initial concrete. If a facility fails to start operations within this timeframe, it must repay all previously claimed tax exemptions and refunds. Additionally, the law defines specific equipment and systems eligible for these benefits, including nuclear components, electrical infrastructure, cybersecurity tools, and energy storage systems, while repealing the provision on July 1, 2051.
SF 2304 allows Iowa water and wastewater utilities (specifically investor-owned, regulated utilities) to recover costs for certain infrastructure improvements through a new "system enhancement charge" on customer bills. Utilities must first get approval from the Iowa Utilities Commission for a detailed multiyear plan, including engineering reports, cost estimates, and proof that projects meet environmental or safety requirements (like replacing aging pipes or complying with federal regulations). The commission must approve the plan if it covers eligible improvements (e.g., resilience upgrades, new systems for health/safety, or regulatory compliance) and sets fair rates, but cannot block the plan over individual projects that don’t meet criteria. This applies only to projects not already included in the utility’s existing rate base.
This bill requires Iowa school districts and charter schools to adopt specific discipline policies for students causing violent or nonviolent disruptions (like threats, assaults, or property damage). Key provisions mandate policies that include behavior correction strategies, require parental consent before mental health counseling, align with federal disability laws, and establish escalating discipline levels. It also creates oversight committees to review student returns to classrooms after removal and gives teachers authority to temporarily remove disruptive students (with 30-minute supervision for nonviolent cases). The policies directly affect schools, students, and parents through new discipline procedures and consent requirements.
SF 2429 modifies Iowa's rules for annual permits allowing heavy vehicles to transport fluid milk products. It increases the maximum gross weight limit from 96,000 to 136,000 pounds for permitted vehicles on roads, while keeping the 20,000-pound-per-axle limit unchanged. The bill expands permit authority beyond the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to include local authorities, and requires the DOT to establish rules for axle configurations. This change affects milk transport companies and local governments, taking effect January 1, 2027.
HF 2678 allows business owners to remove unauthorized personal information (like addresses or email) from Iowa business filings using a sworn affidavit. It creates two key processes: (1) individuals can submit a notarized affidavit to have their misused information removed from a business's records, and (2) the Secretary of State can send written questions (interrogatories) to businesses suspected of fraud if credible evidence exists, requiring a response within 21 days. If a business fails to respond or admits violations, it may face administrative dissolution. This bill directly affects businesses filing with Iowa's Secretary of State and individuals whose personal data was improperly included in filings.
