Rep. J.D. Scholten

Maddy summaryHF 2259 prohibits Iowa insurers from using credit information to underwrite or rate motor vehicle financial liability coverage policies. This directly affects auto insurers operating in Iowa, specifically banning the use of credit data for determining premiums or eligibility for standard liability insurance covering vehicle ownership, maintenance, or use. The bill amends Iowa law to add a new subsection (1A) explicitly banning this practice, defining "financial liability coverage" as the standard liability insurance required for motor vehicles. Current law already restricted some credit use in insurance, but this bill specifically extends the prohibition to this coverage type.

Maddy summaryHF 2206 reclassifies marijuana offenses in Iowa, reducing penalties for possession while maintaining criminal penalties for larger quantities. It establishes specific penalties based on amount: possession of 4 ounces or less is now a simple misdemeanor (or a $100 civil penalty for under 1/2 ounce, with community service for minors), while amounts over 12 ounces become serious misdemeanors and over 2 kilograms are felonies. The bill also adds enhanced penalties for distributing marijuana near schools or parks. It directly affects anyone possessing or distributing marijuana in Iowa, with key changes found in sections 124F.2 and 124.401G. The bill does not legalize marijuana but modifies how possession is punished.

Maddy summaryHF 2156 modifies Iowa's unemployment insurance rules for educational staff employed between academic terms. It removes the current provision that allowed workers to receive retroactive benefits if they had "reasonable assurance" of returning to the same role but were not rehired. Under this bill, individuals performing services for an educational institution before a vacation or holiday break are ineligible for unemployment benefits during that break, even if they had assurance of continued work afterward. This change directly affects non-instructional, non-research, and non-principal administrative staff at schools who might otherwise qualify for benefits during academic transitions. The bill does not create new funding requirements, as school districts will cover costs using existing state foundation aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $5 million from Iowa's general fund to the Department of Education for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to establish a therapeutic classroom incentive grant program. It directly provides funding to school districts to create therapeutic classrooms for students aged 3 to 21 whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with their success in regular school settings. The program enables school districts to receive grants to set up specialized classrooms designed to support these students' learning and development. The funding is specifically designated for this purpose and cannot be used for other educational programs.

Maddy summaryHF 2152 repeals Iowa's school tuition organization (STO) tax credit program, which allowed taxpayers to reduce their individual or corporate income tax by 75% of donations to private schools. Starting July 1, 2026, new contributions to STOs will no longer qualify for this credit, and the annual credit limit for 2026 is reduced to $10 million (down from $20 million). The program is fully repealed effective July 1, 2032, ending all future use of the credit. This directly affects Iowa taxpayers and businesses that previously claimed this credit against their state income tax bills.

Maddy summaryHF 2142 limits Medicaid claim reviews by restricting post-payment reviews to claims paid within the last 12 months, unless fraud or misrepresentation is involved. It prohibits providers from being required to repay overpayments identified more than 12 months after claim payment or having those amounts offset against future reimbursements. The bill allows providers to resubmit claims identified as improper through reviews as claims adjustments. It does not apply to retroactive cost settlements or rate changes based on Medicaid/Medicare cost reports, directly affecting Medicaid providers like hospitals and clinics.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Staff Sergeants William Nathaniel Howard and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Iowa National Guard members killed in action during a December 13, 2025, enemy attack in Palmyra, Syria. It recognizes their service, sacrifice, and posthumous promotions to staff sergeant, while also acknowledging three wounded Iowa National Guard soldiers from the same incident. The resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' respect for their lives and sacrifice, and directs copies to be sent to their families as a gesture of recognition. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy or funding changes, solely intended to honor the fallen service members and their families.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes and commends the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary. It highlights NCSL's role as a bipartisan organization supporting state legislatures through research, idea-sharing, and fostering cooperation. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses congressional appreciation and directs the House Chief Clerk to send a copy to NCSL.

Maddy summaryHF 812 requests the Iowa legislative council to form an interim study committee to plan a state education summit for 2026. The committee, with specific membership including educators, administrators, and education officials, must determine the summit’s location, agenda, and speakers by December 2025. It will focus on identifying best practices in education, such as active learning and technology use, and develop speaker recommendations. The committee’s final report will propose the summit’s details to the legislature and governor.

Maddy summaryHF 727 caps the annual finance charge for consumer credit sales at 10% on unpaid balances. It applies to both open-end credit (like credit cards) and other installment credit, limiting how much lenders can charge in interest. The bill directly affects consumers who take out credit for purchases and the lenders who provide those loans. Key provisions set a strict 10% annual rate ceiling, replacing previous higher thresholds. This is a concrete policy change to limit interest costs for borrowers.