HF 270 requires Iowa's public universities to post key syllabus details online for every undergraduate course meeting in a classroom. The syllabus must include the instructor's name, descriptions of major assignments/exams, and required readings. Institutions must make this information searchable, accessible without login within five clicks from their homepage, available by the first day of classes, and kept online for at least a year. The bill does not apply to non-classroom courses like internships or study abroad programs and takes effect December 31, 2025.
HF 897 defines the digital platforms used by ride-hailing services (like Uber or Lyft) as "digital networks," specifically excluding them from being classified as "products" under Iowa law. This clarification affects transportation network companies and their apps, ensuring these platforms aren’t subject to regulations typically applied to physical goods. The bill amends Iowa Code to state that a "digital network" refers to the online systems enabling riders to book rides with drivers, not a tangible product. It is a technical definition change with no new requirements or fees for ride-hailing companies.
HF 801 requires juvenile courts to order trauma-informed screenings for commercial sexual exploitation when receiving complaints about a child's delinquent acts, and mandates Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services to screen children in child abuse cases using standardized tools. It defines commercial sexual exploitation as involving children in sex or explicit acts for money, goods, or services. The bill directly affects children who are subjects of delinquency complaints or child abuse reports, ensuring they are assessed for exploitation through evidence-based screening. The screening must occur within specified timeframes (24 hours for abuse assessments, 72 hours for family assessments). This is a policy change focused on mandated assessments, not new penalties or funding.
HF 379 requires the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) to offer interviews for specific medical residency or cardiology fellowship positions to applicants who are Iowa residents, or who earned their undergraduate degree from an Iowa college/university, or their medical degree from an Iowa medical school. It directly affects medical students and applicants seeking positions in specialties like obstetrics/gynecology, psychiatry, surgery, emergency medicine, neurology, primary care, or cardiology. The bill mandates UIHC to annually report to the governor and legislature by January 15, detailing interview participation, acceptance rates, and the number of qualifying applicants hired. This creates a structured process to prioritize Iowa-connected medical training candidates for certain programs.
This bill (HF 697) allows operators of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to carry one additional passenger if the ATV has a commercially sold modification specifically designed for passenger use on that ATV model. It directly affects ATV operators who use aftermarket or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) passenger seats or systems meeting these criteria. The key provision amends Iowa law to create an exception to the existing rule prohibiting ATVs from carrying more passengers than originally designed, expanding the farm operation exception to include properly modified ATVs. This change permits compliant modifications without criminal penalties, as long as the product is commercially available and designed for passenger use on the specific ATV type.
HF 927 prohibits intentionally releasing air contaminants into Iowa's atmosphere specifically to alter temperature, weather, or sunlight intensity. It directly affects any entity or individual conducting such weather-modification activities within Iowa. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Commission to create rules banning these emissions, allowing for emergency rulemaking to take effect immediately. These rules supersede other laws and must be published as a notice of intended action. The law focuses on preventing intentional atmospheric manipulation for weather control purposes.
HF 921 updates Iowa law governing investigations and disciplinary actions for certified public safety personnel, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and corrections staff. It requires agencies to provide officers with complaint details, witness statements, and complete investigation reports upon request, and establishes a court review process for officers challenging placement on Brady-Giglio lists (which affect officer credibility in court). The bill also clarifies that interviews during investigations are not hearings and adds confidentiality protections for peer support communications during crisis interventions. These changes aim to increase transparency in disciplinary processes while protecting officer rights.
HF 528 reclassifies speeding 25 miles per hour or more over the limit as reckless driving under Iowa law. This change means drivers who exceed speed limits by 25+ mph will now face reckless driving charges instead of standard speeding penalties. If such speeding unintentionally causes death, it becomes a class C felony (up to 10 years in prison); if it causes serious injury, it becomes a class D felony (up to 5 years). The bill directly affects drivers who speed significantly, with penalties escalating based on the outcome of the violation.
HF 542 requires drivers to approach slow-moving authorized emergency vehicles (operating at 15 mph or less) with caution, mirroring existing rules for stationary emergency vehicles. Drivers must change lanes if safe, or reduce speed below the limit and be prepared to stop if lane changes aren't possible. The bill defines "slow-moving" as 15 mph or less for emergency vehicles performing official duties. Violations remain a simple misdemeanor with a $135 fine, plus potential higher fines and license suspensions if accidents cause injury or death. This applies only to emergency vehicles, not other slow-moving vehicles like construction or utility vehicles.
HF 935 expands who can legally draw blood from people suspected of driving while intoxicated (DWI). Currently, only physicians, physician assistants, medical technologists, and registered nurses could do this at a police officer’s request. The bill adds paramedics (with medical director approval), licensed practical nurses, medical laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, and laboratory assistants to the authorized list. It also shields these individuals from liability for blood draws done reasonably and in compliance with medical standards, except in cases of negligence.
HF 773 changes how costs are awarded to taxpayers in disputes with Iowa's Department of Revenue over tax, penalty, or interest collection. The bill removes the current $25,000 cap on recoverable costs and shifts the burden of proof: if a taxpayer substantially prevails on the amount in dispute or key issues, the Department must prove its position was "substantially justified." If the Department fails to meet this burden, the taxpayer can recover reasonable costs, including court fees, expert witness expenses, and attorney/accountant fees incurred after the initial tax notice. This directly affects taxpayers challenging tax assessments in administrative hearings or court.
HF 902 requires all state-owned buildings in Iowa to display the National League of Families POW/MIA flag on secular days when weather permits. The custodian of each building must fly this flag second in precedence, directly below or adjacent to the U.S. flag, following federal guidelines. This bill directly affects state building custodians and honors Iowa veterans who are missing in action or prisoners of war. The requirement applies to all state-owned facilities, not just those with military connections.
