Veterans

signed · Iowa · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SF 2471: A bill for an act relating to fees for lifetime fur harvester licenses.

This bill establishes a $5 fee plus processing charges for lifetime fur harvester licenses in Iowa. It specifically targets Iowa residents who served in the U.S. armed forces on federal active duty and were disabled during their military service. The Department of Natural Resources will issue these licenses, with the Department of Veterans Affairs assisting in verifying applicants' service and disability status. The legislation defines "disabled" as being entitled to a service-connected rating under federal law.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides fee waiver and special lifetime fur harvester licenses specifically for disabled veterans, recognizing their service and providing them with benefits.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · House Jun 2, 2026

HF 2199: A bill for an act relating to level II law enforcement academy training programs.

HF 2199 sets new requirements for Iowa's Level II law enforcement academy training programs. Applicants must provide proof of a two- or four-year police science or criminal justice degree from an accredited school approved by the academy, or qualify under exemptions for military veterans or federal officers. The bill also requires individuals who complete the training to secure employment with a law enforcement agency within 18 months to receive certification. It specifically applies to those seeking certification through a short course of study program.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts military veterans from degree requirement for law enforcement academy, supporting veteran employment pathways90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · Senate May 15, 2026

SF 93: A bill for an act relating to qualifications to serve as a commissioner or an executive director for a county commission of veteran affairs. Effective date: 07/01/2026.

This bill (SF 93) sets specific qualifications for members of Iowa county veteran affairs commissions and their executive directors. It requires all commission members to be veterans meeting one of three criteria: (1) a veteran as defined in Iowa law, (2) an active Iowa National Guard/reserve member with a unit recommendation, or (3) a former Guard/reserve member with an honorable discharge (DD214 or letter). The executive director must also meet these same veteran qualifications, except for those hired before July 1, 1989. The bill directly affects county-level veteran affairs leadership positions across Iowa.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates veteran status for county veteran affairs commission members and directors, ensuring veteran-led leadership in managing veteran services per bill requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · House Apr 30, 2026

HF 2491: A bill for an act providing for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities.

HF 2491 waives all tuition and mandatory fees at Iowa's regents universities for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, veterans must apply for admission and have exhausted all other federal or state financial aid options, such as Pell Grants or VA education benefits. The waiver is prorated each semester to cover only the difference between other aid received and the actual tuition and fees charged. This policy directly affects eligible veterans seeking higher education at Iowa's public universities, ensuring they face no out-of-pocket costs for tuition and mandatory fees after other aid is applied.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill waives tuition/fees for veterans with disabilities at regents universities, expanding higher education access and providing direct financial support through a targeted funding mechanism.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransWaives tuition/fees for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities, expanding educational benefits after exhausting other aid options.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

passed · Iowa · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SF 2466: A bill for an act relating to veterans services and making appropriations.

This bill establishes a statewide electronic system for county veterans service offices to submit federal benefit claims and requires staff in these offices to obtain specific federal certifications and security clearances within twelve months of employment. It creates a new veterans services excellence fund funded by lottery proceeds and state appropriations to incentivize counties to improve veteran outreach and application efficiency, with annual allocations based on performance metrics starting in 2027. The legislation also clarifies that recognized veterans' service organizations can represent veterans in federal benefit claims and grants them power of attorney for this purpose. Additionally, it sets up quarterly reporting requirements to share performance data with county commissions and boards of supervisors.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes statewide electronic system for veterans claims and requires staff certifications/security clearances, advancing digital infrastructure and cybersecurity standards.75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes electronic system for veteran benefit claims, creates funding fund for veteran services, and mandates staff certifications to improve veteran outreach and application efficiency.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

Track

passed · Iowa · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SF 152: A bill for an act relating to state driver’s license requirements for certain persons with a military driver’s license.

SF 152 allows the Department of Transportation (DOT) to waive the driving skills test and certain physical exams for eligible military personnel applying for a state driver's license. This applies to individuals currently on active duty or those separated from service within the past year. To qualify for the waiver, applicants must certify they've held only a military license for two years, maintained a clear driving record, and have recent military experience operating motor vehicles. They would still need to pass an eyesight screening, a highway sign recognition test, and a written test on state traffic laws, and would be exempt from driver education requirements.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransWaives driving skills tests/exams for veterans transitioning to civilian licenses, easing access to state driver's privileges as a practical service benefit.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

Track

signed · Iowa · Senate Jun 6, 2025

SF 253: A bill for an act creating a lifetime fur harvester license for disabled veterans.

SF 253 creates a lifetime license for disabled veterans to harvest fur, eliminating the need for annual renewals. This directly affects veterans with service-connected disabilities who engage in fur harvesting activities. The key provision replaces standard annual licensing requirements with a permanent license valid for the veteran's lifetime, removing recurring fees and paperwork. The bill became law after Governor's signature on June 6, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates lifetime license eliminating annual fees/paperwork for disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities, directly advancing their benefits.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · House May 27, 2025

HF 901: A bill for an act relating to the law enforcement academy, including military veterans with active duty military police experience and former federal law enforcement officers.

HF 901 modifies law enforcement academy requirements to allow military veterans with active duty military police experience and former federal law enforcement officers to count their prior experience toward academy completion. This directly affects eligible veterans and former federal officers seeking to become state law enforcement officers. The bill's key provision replaces standard academy training hours with credit for qualifying military or federal law enforcement service. It became law after the Governor signed it on May 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allows military veterans with police experience to count it toward law enforcement academy requirements, directly supporting veteran employment in state law enforcement by recognizing prior service.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · House May 6, 2025

HF 885: A bill for an act relating to deer and wild turkey hunting licenses for disabled veterans.

This bill creates a new provision allowing resident disabled veterans to use their deer hunting license and tag during any established deer hunting season. The only requirement is that the hunting method for the chosen season (e.g., bow, firearm) must align with the method authorized by their license. This expands hunting season flexibility for veterans who have a service-connected disability, as verified by the department of veterans affairs. Such hunters must be able to display proof of their resident and disability status if requested by a peace officer, with penalties for non-compliance mirroring existing wildlife laws.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands hunting license flexibility for disabled veterans, strengthening their benefits and recognizing their service.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · House May 2, 2025

HF 118: A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program.

This bill modifies the Iowa National Guard service scholarship program, which helps eligible Iowa National Guard members pay for college tuition. It establishes that scholarship awards cannot exceed the difference between a student's tuition and any financial aid they receive under specific federal military programs (10 U.S.C. §2007). Additionally, the bill removes a provision that previously prohibited scholarship eligibility or award determinations from being based on a National Guard member's unit, drill location, or whether they are in the Army or Air National Guard.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands access to higher education scholarships for National Guard members, removing restrictions and clarifying funding rules to support educational attainment.75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill modifies scholarship program to help National Guard members pay for college tuition, expanding educational benefits for veterans.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans