This bill increases the state funding limit for nonpublic school pupil transportation claims from approximately $8.997 million to $9.184 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The additional funds are specifically designated to reimburse claims that were not previously paid because they were submitted late due to administrative errors. It directs the Iowa Department of Education to use these new moneys to process those delayed reimbursements and takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill creates a new Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund in Iowa to support the maintenance and improvement of scenic roads across the state. The fund will be financed through voluntary one-dollar contributions collected from vehicle registration applicants and existing state transfers, with all collected money going to the state treasury except for a small portion counties may keep. The state department of transportation will manage the fund to cover costs for litter prevention, upkeep, and development of scenic routes. The legislation takes effect on January 1, 2027, and requires the department to establish rules for administering the program.
HF 788 requires Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) employees operating state-owned commercial vehicles to provide a urine sample for alcohol and drug testing within two hours after any accident causing injury or death. The employee must submit the sample to a peace officer, though they may pay for an independent test at their own expense (though this doesn’t prevent the required test from being used as evidence). Failure to comply is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $855 fine. This applies only when no blood, breath, or urine test was already taken under existing traffic laws.
HF 879 strengthens penalties for intentionally damaging critical infrastructure, such as power grids, water systems, or transportation networks. It increases criminal penalties for sabotage acts that threaten public safety or disrupt essential services. The law directly affects individuals who commit such acts by imposing stricter fines and potential prison sentences. This bill, signed into law by the Governor on May 1, 2025, modifies existing statutes to apply enhanced penalties to these specific offenses.
HF 395 requires school bus drivers in the state to complete approved training courses for their position. The bill establishes a standardized training program that must be approved by the state education authority, directly affecting all school bus drivers and the school districts that employ them. Key provisions include defining the content and standards for these courses and including specific effective date language. The law, signed by the Governor on June 6, 2025, mandates this training requirement for new and existing drivers.
This bill clarifies the administrative process for approving payments during the construction of farm-to-market roads. It specifies that county boards of supervisors, county engineers, or the Department of Transportation (DOT) are authorized to approve both partial and final claims for work in progress. This change formalizes the payment approval authority for these entities, affecting contractors and those overseeing rural road development.
HF 918 modifies Iowa law regarding motor vehicle financial liability coverage. It requires vehicle owners to certify and provide proof of insurance when registering or renewing their motor vehicle registration, effective December 1, 2028. The bill also revises penalties for operating a vehicle without coverage, increasing fines, particularly for violations connected to an accident or for repeat offenses. Drivers cited for lacking coverage can have their charge dismissed if they provide proof that coverage was in effect at the time of the stop, though court costs will be assessed. Fines collected will be distributed among the victim compensation fund, counties, and the state general fund.
House File 977 expands the ground emergency medical transportation (GEMT) program. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to employ dedicated staff to increase enrollment of eligible GEMT providers. These staff will offer technical assistance, actuary support, and help with Medicaid enrollment to providers seeking to participate. The department is also directed to develop the program to ensure access to emergency medical services statewide. Additionally, an annual report on the program's status, including enrollment numbers and barriers, must be submitted to the general assembly.
SF 22 regulates how drivers can use electronic devices while operating a vehicle. It specifically addresses the use of these devices in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. The bill establishes penalties for any violations of these new rules. These provisions and penalties are set to become effective on July 1, 2025.
This bill modifies age requirements for certain commercial motor vehicle drivers operating exclusively within the state. It lowers the minimum age for intrastate drivers transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, by making state age qualification rules inapplicable to them. Conversely, the bill removes an existing exemption for retail dealers and their employees who deliver fertilizers, petroleum products, and pesticides to farm customers within a 100-mile radius. As a result, these specific drivers will now be subject to general state driver age qualification rules.
