HF 766 modifies regulations for motor vehicle window tint, directly affecting individuals who operate vehicles on Iowa highways. The bill establishes specific light transmittance standards in state law, removing the Department of Transportation's authority to set these rules. It prohibits front windshields from having less than 70% light transmittance and side windows immediately next to or forward of the driver from having less than 50% light transmittance. Operating a vehicle in violation of these standards would be subject to a scheduled fine.
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 2628 allows Iowa's Department of Transportation to issue instruction permits to minors under 18 whose special restricted driving licenses were suspended due to violations (like traffic offenses or accidents). This replaces the current rule that blocked them from obtaining any license type for three months after their 16th birthday. The instruction permit ($6 fee) permits supervised driving with an approved adult (parent, guardian, instructor, or 25+ person with permission) in the front seat. The bill takes effect March 1, 2027, or when the new license system launches, whichever comes first.
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.
SF 628 allocates specific state transportation funds to renovate the Waterloo maintenance garage for Department of Transportation (DOT) employees. It directs money from the road use tax fund, primary road fund, and statutory allocations fund toward this facility upgrade. The bill directly affects DOT maintenance staff working at the Waterloo location by improving their workplace. Signed by the Governor in June 2025, it became law to fund this specific infrastructure project.
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.
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.
