Technology (Emerging Technology)

HF 2295 prohibits Iowa state and local police from using drones for routine traffic enforcement, except when assisting in pursuits of drivers fleeing law enforcement for violations like reckless driving. It allows certified officers to operate drones during active chases to help apprehend fleeing drivers and issue traffic citations for violations committed during the pursuit. The bill also restricts drone-collected evidence from being used in court unless obtained legally - such as from public airspace or with a warrant for private areas - and only if consistent with state/federal law. This directly affects law enforcement operations and the admissibility of evidence in traffic-related legal cases.

HF 2161 regulates the use of automatic license plate readers (APRs) by requiring local governments to first adopt an ordinance authorizing their use. It prohibits accessing captured license plate images or data more than 24 hours after capture without a warrant or subpoena, except for specific cases like stolen vehicles, Amber Alerts (child abductions), or human trafficking investigations. The bill bans using APRs for facial recognition and prohibits placing readers near religious sites, while requiring access logs and banning sharing data with non-governmental third parties. These rules apply to local authorities, law enforcement, and any entity operating APRs in Iowa, with violations punishable as misdemeanors.

This bill (HSB 612) prohibits Iowa law enforcement from using drones for routine traffic enforcement, except when assisting in pursuits of drivers evading police under Iowa Code section 321.279. It allows officers to operate drones during such pursuits to cite traffic violations committed while fleeing. The bill also restricts drone evidence in court: footage is inadmissible unless obtained from public airspace, visible to the public, or gathered legally under state/federal law. These provisions directly affect law enforcement practices and court proceedings involving drone-collected evidence.

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.