Iowa Bills

This bill changes Iowa's vehicle registration rules for nonresident owners. It allows nonresidents who own real property in Iowa and use vehicles primarily on that property to apply for registration using their out-of-state driver's license number instead of providing the primary user's personal details (like name, address, and Iowa ID). Applicants must still submit reasonable proof of property ownership, and the Iowa Department of Transportation will establish rules for acceptable proof. This applies only to vehicles registered in Iowa that are used mainly at the nonresident's Iowa property.

This bill allows Iowa public and nonpublic high schools to offer an elective junior firefighter program for 11th and 12th graders. Schools must coordinate with fire departments and the fire service training bureau to ensure students receive training for firefighter I certification, including meeting specific program requirements like teaching life skills and fostering community relationships. Students must submit a liability waiver (signed by a parent/guardian if a minor) to participate. If a student passes certification exams before turning 18, they cannot receive official firefighter I certification until their 18th birthday.

HF 2231 establishes Iowa's "Seal of Civics Excellence" program administered by the Department of Education. It recognizes high school students who demonstrate civics proficiency through knowledge of American government and participation in community activities. Schools may voluntarily participate, and the Department will determine requirements, create a seal (like a sticker for transcripts or a certificate), and require it to be affixed to diplomas. The program is voluntary for schools, with the Department potentially charging a small fee for printing.

HF 864 requires commercial internet platforms (referred to as "covered platforms") that regularly host obscene material as part of their business to verify users' ages before allowing access. It defines "covered platforms" based on factors like the proportion of obscene content, user traffic to that content, and revenue generated from it. Platforms must use methods like government ID or financial documents for age verification, prohibit retaining identifying information after verification, and may use privacy-preserving techniques like zero-knowledge proofs. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, enforced by the Iowa Attorney General. The bill explicitly excludes liability for regular users and providers like ISPs merely offering connectivity.

This bill requires Iowa public schools and athletic organizations to accept cash (legal tender) as a payment option for entry fees to school sports events. It mandates that organizations must accept cash as a condition of registering with the state education department. The law does not prohibit other payment methods like credit cards or digital payments, only ensures cash is accepted. It directly affects schools and athletic groups managing competition entries, not students or families.

This bill updates Iowa's laws regarding captive insurance and life captive reinsurance companies by clarifying definitions and expanding the types of insurance these entities can offer. It establishes new categories for different captive structures, such as protected cell and special purpose companies, and allows them to apply for certificates of authority to provide various insurance products like health, life, and property coverage. The legislation also strengthens privacy protections for tax returns filed by these companies while permitting information sharing with federal and other state authorities for regulatory purposes. Additionally, the bill imposes stricter penalties on state officials who willfully or recklessly publish confidential tax information, including dismissal from office or employment.

SF 2426 requires commercial drivers in Iowa to demonstrate English language proficiency meeting federal standards (49 C.F.R. §391.11(b)(2)) to obtain or renew a commercial driver's license. The bill mandates a computer-based English proficiency exam administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with exemptions for those who previously passed the test. Drivers who fail to meet the requirement face a serious misdemeanor charge ($1,000 fine), while commercial motor carriers employing unproficient drivers risk fines up to $10,000 per violation. The law takes effect March 1, 2027, or upon implementation of a new state records system, whichever comes first.

This comprehensive education bill modifies various aspects of Iowa's public school system, with a primary focus on charter schools, funding, and student services. It establishes the state board of education and the University of Northern Iowa as the sole entities authorized to approve new charter schools, while also defining how these schools can be created within or outside existing public school districts. The legislation mandates that all schools provide specific information regarding immunization exemptions to parents and requires the development of state-wide resources to support mathematics proficiency and civics education. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for teacher licensure, education savings accounts, and funding allocations, aiming to standardize oversight and operational requirements across different types of educational institutions.

This bill establishes new taxes and regulatory rules for alternative nicotine products and vapor devices. It directly affects manufacturers, sellers, and consumers of these items by creating a specific tax framework and setting compliance standards for their sale. The legislation includes provisions for how these products must be stored and tracked, ensuring that warehouse records are maintained and accessible. By defining these requirements, the bill aims to standardize how these products are handled within the state's existing tax and health systems.

SF 2231 expands access to preschool and college programs in Iowa. It allows community-based childcare centers and preschool providers to participate in school district programs under specific agreements, ensuring eligible four-year-olds can access services regardless of their program type. The bill also creates pathways for high school students (grades 9-12) to enroll in nonsectarian college courses at community colleges for credit, requiring school districts to notify students and parents about these options. Additionally, it mandates that public school districts make textbooks available to accredited nonpublic school students upon request, using state funds if appropriated. These provisions directly affect preschool providers, public/private school districts, high school students, and nonpublic school students.

HF 2676 requires physicians in specific specialties (like family medicine, pediatrics, and surgery) to complete one hour of nutrition and metabolic health continuing education every four years to renew their licenses. It also mandates that Iowa medical schools require 40 hours of nutrition coursework for graduation starting in 2028. The bill prohibits schools from serving meals containing eight specific dyes (including blue dye 1 and red dye 40) during the school day and bans their sale on campus. Additionally, it allows pharmacists to distribute ivermectin as an over-the-counter medication without professional penalties. These provisions directly affect healthcare professionals, medical students, schools, and pharmacies.

This bill establishes new formulas for calculating state funding increases for schools starting in 2026, directly affecting all public school districts. It modifies how property tax replacement payments are handled, changes transportation equity aid funding rules, and sets new methods for adjusting school district budgets based on enrollment changes. The bill also creates a salary supplement for education support personnel and includes funding appropriations to implement these changes. All provisions take effect for the 2026 budget year.