Technology

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 24, 2025

HSB 104: A bill for an act relating to emergency telephone systems including next generation 911 systems and public safety answering points.

This bill updates Iowa's emergency 911 systems to align with federal requirements for next-generation 911 (NG911) technology. It directly affects phone companies, 911 service boards, and public safety agencies by requiring phone companies to share subscriber data with NG911 providers and changing funding allocations: reducing the share for joint 911 service boards from 60% to 46% of surcharge funds until federal transition phases (phases 1 and 2) are complete. Key provisions include mandating quarterly reimbursements for NG911 network maintenance, requiring data confidentiality, and directing a study on shared public safety answering point management. The bill aims to modernize 911 infrastructure while ensuring continued emergency call handling during the federal transition.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates adoption of NG911 technology for emergency systems, aligning with federal standards to modernize infrastructure and require data sharing for improved public safety communications.90% confidence

Tags Public Safety

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introduced · Iowa · Legislature

1362XD: Department of Management, Records, Funds, and Contracts (1362XD) - Management, Department of

This bill establishes a dedicated "technology reinvestment fund" to support state IT projects, appropriating $17.5 million annually starting in 2025 plus prior-year infrastructure funds. It requires the Department of Management to prioritize projects based on strategic alignment, ROI, rural access improvements, scalability, and sustainability - excluding routine maintenance. State agencies receiving fund money must submit annual reports detailing project progress, costs, and funding sources to the legislature. Additional provisions include background checks for IT staff and restrictions on contract terms that violate state law or constitution.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $17.5M annually for state IT projects with ROI and strategic alignment requirements, promoting fiscal responsibility in government spending95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAllocates $17.5M annually for state IT projects prioritizing rural access, scalability, and sustainability, advancing digital infrastructure and internet access.95% confidence

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Jan 28, 2025

SF 124: A bill for an act relating to the issuance of a subpoena or search warrant for menstrual health data.

This bill prohibits courts from issuing subpoenas or search warrants to obtain menstrual health data. It directly affects individuals whose menstrual health data - defined as any information created or received by an entity about a person's menstrual health, status, or predictions - might otherwise be sought in legal proceedings. The key provision amends Iowa law to explicitly ban subpoenas for such data under Section 622.63 and prohibits search warrants for digital menstrual health data under Section 808.2. These changes prevent law enforcement or courts from accessing this sensitive personal information through legal process. The bill focuses solely on restricting data collection methods, not on broader health policies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits subpoenas/warrants for menstrual health data in criminal proceedings, protecting privacy rights and aligning with civil rights protections in criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects patient privacy for menstrual health data, directly advancing healthcare rights by preventing legal access to sensitive health information.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits subpoenas/warrants for menstrual health data, strengthening privacy protections for sensitive digital health information under technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Jan 30, 2025

SF 143: A bill for an act relating to consumer data protection, and including retroactive applicability provisions.

SF 143 strengthens Iowa's consumer data protection laws by granting individuals new rights regarding automated data processing. It defines "profiling" as automated analysis of personal data to predict factors like health or behavior, requiring businesses to notify consumers and allow opt-outs for decisions affecting housing, employment, health care, or financial services. The bill expands "health data" protections and clarifies exemptions for entities already regulated under federal laws like HIPAA and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. It applies retroactively to January 1, 2025, affecting businesses handling consumer data in Iowa.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands health data protections and requires opt-outs for health care decisions, strengthening patient privacy rights in healthcare contexts.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires opt-outs for automated housing decisions, protecting consumers from biased algorithms in rental/mortgage applications per bill's housing-specific provisions.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens consumer data protection by requiring opt-outs for automated profiling in critical areas like health/finance, expanding health data safeguards, and defining 'profiling' to enhance privacy controls.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 4, 2025

SF 160: A bill for an act relating to the use of automatic tabulating equipment and optical scan voting systems.

SF 160 modifies Iowa's election equipment rules by requiring counties to use optical scan voting systems for all elections starting July 1, 2025. It allows small cities (under 3,500 population) and school districts to count ballots manually if election officials determine turnout will be low, but voters can petition to override this choice with 100 signatures. The bill ensures voting systems meet federal accessibility standards for disabled voters through compatible electronic ballot marking devices. It directly affects local election officials in small jurisdictions and county election administrators.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates use of optical scan voting systems and ensures accessibility via electronic ballot marking devices, advancing election technology standards.85% confidence

Tags Elections

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 10, 2025

HF 273: A bill for an act relating to student access to personal electronic devices in schools.

HF 273 requires Iowa school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt a policy by December 31, 2025, prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices (like cell phones or smartphones with internet access) during classroom instruction. The policy must allow exceptions for educational use by teachers, emergencies, health management, and students with IEPs or 504 plans. Schools must make the policy publicly available online, include it in student handbooks, and notify parents through email, mail, or a note. This bill directly affects all public and accredited nonpublic schools, students, and their families by establishing clear rules for device use during learning time.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts student device use during class, limiting technology access in learning environments despite limited exceptions.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts student use of personal internet-capable devices during class, directly limiting technology access in educational settings per bill requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 12, 2025

HSB 130: A bill for an act creating the quantum technology tax credit available against the individual and corporate income taxes, and including applicability provisions.

HSB 130 creates a tax credit for Iowa businesses and nonprofits investing in quantum technology infrastructure. It allows eligible applicants (including consortia) to claim credits against individual or corporate income taxes for qualifying capital investments - like lab equipment and software - used to build shared quantum facilities, provided they secure at least $2 million in federal grants. The credit is available for tax years 2026-2032, with annual funding capped at $24 million and a total program limit of $44 million. To qualify, projects must be completed before 2031 and approved by Iowa’s authority, with credits refundable if exceeding tax liability.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit reducing taxable income for businesses investing in quantum tech, directly advancing tax incentive policy for economic development.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates tax credit for quantum tech infrastructure investments, directly funding technology advancement and infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SF 61: A bill for an act relating to robotics extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics.

SF 61 requires Iowa's Department of Education to provide technical assistance to school districts for starting robotics-focused career and technical student organizations. It also authorizes high school athletic organizations (that receive school district funding) to sponsor or host robotics competitions. The bill specifically supports schools in creating robotics teams and competitions that align with federal career education standards. This directly affects public and nonpublic high schools, students participating in robotics, and athletic organizations seeking to expand their programs. The policy change focuses on enabling school-based robotics activities through existing educational and athletic structures.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires DOE technical assistance for robotics student orgs and authorizes competitions, expanding career-focused extracurricular programs in schools.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly promotes robotics education in schools through career technical programs, advancing technology-focused student development and aligning with federal tech education standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SSB 1083: A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of management, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.

This bill creates a dedicated $17.5 million annual technology reinvestment fund for Iowa state IT projects, plus additional funding from infrastructure reserves for 2023-2025. It requires the Department of Management to prioritize projects based on strategic alignment, return on investment, rural access benefits, sustainability, and scalability. State agencies receiving funds must report annually on project progress, costs, and outcomes. The bill also adds background check requirements for IT staff and prohibits certain contract terms that could increase state liability.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated $17.5M annual IT fund with strategic spending criteria, directly increasing state budget allocation for technology projects and promoting fiscal responsibility through accountability measures.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates $17.5M annual tech fund prioritizing rural access, sustainability, and strategic IT projects, directly funding state technology infrastructure development.85% confidence

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 18, 2025

SSB 1065: A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.

This bill requires Iowa public schools to adopt policies restricting personal electronic device use during classroom instruction starting in 2025, with specific guidelines for device storage, emergency communication, and exemptions for students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans. It also mandates that health classes in grades six and eight include instruction about social media's effects, as specified in amended curriculum standards (sections 256.11, subsections 3 and 4). School districts must develop model policies for device use, and teachers must receive professional development to deliver the new social media curriculum. The law directly affects all public school students in grades six through eight and their educators, with implementation beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates social media curriculum in grades 6-8 and device restrictions during instruction, enhancing educational standards and safety policies.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts student device use during instruction, mandates social media education, and limits technology access in classrooms per bill requirements.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum School Safety Social Media

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