Transportation (Public Safety)

HF 938 updates Iowa's emergency vehicle equipment standards. It requires police, fire, EMS, and emergency management vehicles purchased or refurbished after specific dates (2021-2022) to have: rear zone amber lights or arrows (not on front/sides), a master switch to activate all emergency lights, and sirens with at least two distinct tones. The bill also removes redundant "official" wording before vehicle lists in the law. These changes directly affect state and local emergency vehicle operators by standardizing safety equipment requirements. The bill does not alter when emergency vehicles may exceed speed limits or run red lights.

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.

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.