Rep. John Wills

Maddy summaryHF 715 would automatically deem Iowa-elected U.S. Senators or Representatives resigned if Congress fails to pass a budget by October 31 each year or if the member votes for a continuing resolution with automatic funding extension. This affects Iowa's federal lawmakers directly, triggering their resignation under Iowa state law. The office would then be treated as vacant and filled according to standard procedures for congressional vacancies. The bill does not change federal budget processes but creates a state-level consequence for congressional inaction on funding.

Maddy summaryHJR 6 is a resolution passed by Iowa's legislature requesting Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention. It seeks to propose amendments that would impose fiscal limits on federal spending, reduce federal power over states, and restrict congressional and federal official terms. This is a procedural application - meaning it does not change laws itself but asks Congress to convene a convention to draft such amendments. Iowa's application remains active until two-thirds of states apply for a similar convention or Iowa withdraws it. The resolution specifically limits the convention's purpose to these three policy areas.

Maddy summaryHF 326 establishes a pilot program in Iowa to provide hyperbaric oxygen treatment (for diabetic foot ulcers, traumatic brain injury, or PTSD) to eligible veterans through a dedicated reimbursement fund. It directly affects veterans diagnosed with PTSD or traumatic brain injury who require this treatment, as well as authorized treatment facilities. The bill creates a Veterans Recovery Fund to reimburse facilities for treatment costs and related travel/living expenses after a treatment plan is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Facilities must submit proposed treatment plans for approval before providing care, and veterans cannot be charged for services under the program. The program requires biennial reports to the legislature evaluating participation and effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHF 511 amends Iowa law to require fathers of children born out of wedlock to pay for the mother's pregnancy and birth expenses, directly affecting unmarried parents and the child. The bill specifically adds these costs to the father's existing legal obligation for child support, maintenance, and education under Section 600B.1. Key provisions include allowing paternity proceedings during pregnancy but requiring trials to occur after birth (with a 20-day minimum wait), and enabling enforcement against the father's estate if paternity is established. This change clarifies and expands financial responsibility for pregnancy-related costs in unmarried parent cases.

Maddy summaryHF 453 defines an "unborn child" as a human organism from fertilization to fetal death or live birth. It expands wrongful death damages (under Code 633.336) to include unborn children, applies homicide and assault criminal laws (via new sections 707.1A and 708.1A) to unborn children as legal victims, and ensures these cases receive the same legal protections as cases involving born individuals. The bill explicitly excludes life-saving medical procedures for the pregnant person and natural miscarriages from its application. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 3) is a symbolic statement by Iowa's House of Representatives affirming the state's support for Israel. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals or entities; instead, it expresses solidarity through shared values, condemns antisemitism and terrorism, and encourages cultural and economic collaboration between Iowa and Israel. The resolution highlights Iowa's partnership with Israel's Western Galilee region, economic ties in agriculture and technology, and support for Israel's sovereignty following the October 7 attacks. It was adopted unanimously (76-10) on February 13, 2025, with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryHF 280 prohibits the governor from closing, mandating, or regulating places of worship during disasters or public health emergencies, including under emergency proclamations. It directly affects religious congregations using buildings designated as active places of worship. The bill defines "place of worship" as a building where an active congregation gathers for worship. This law would prevent executive actions restricting religious gatherings during declared emergencies. The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee after being introduced on February 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 85 establishes a regulatory relief program in Iowa to help businesses test new innovations without full regulatory compliance. It creates a Regulatory Relief Office to administer the program, allowing eligible businesses to apply for temporary waivers of specific licensing or authorization requirements needed to demonstrate new products or services. Businesses must submit detailed applications explaining how the innovation benefits consumers, identifies risks, and outlines safety protections, while state agencies review applications to ensure consumer health, safety, and financial protection. The program requires annual reports tracking participant industries, cost savings, consumer outcomes, and recommendations for permanent regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryHF 66 would make daylight saving time the permanent standard time in Iowa, eliminating the current biannual clock change. The bill amends state code to state that daylight saving time (central time) is the official time year-round, removing the seasonal adjustment period from April to October. This change would affect all Iowa residents, businesses, and organizations that rely on standardized time for daily operations, scheduling, and coordination. The bill does not alter Iowa's time zone but establishes the current summer time as the continuous standard.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new conservation area designations for landowners, replacing Iowa's existing forest and fruit-tree tax exemption program. Land designated as a conservation area will be taxed at $12 per acre for commercial uses (like fruit production or pasture managed with a certified plan) or $8 per acre for other conservation uses, starting in 2026. To qualify, areas must cover at least five continuous acres and meet specific land-use requirements, such as maintaining pasture stubble height or having hunting/fishing leases. The bill phases out the old exemption program, which applied only before 2026 and will be fully repealed by 2031.