Rep. Matt Windschitl

Maddy summaryHF 621 modifies Iowa's rules about firearms on school property. It allows school districts to authorize personnel to carry weapons in school vehicles transporting students, and permits individuals with valid concealed carry permits to keep concealed handguns in locked vehicles while parked in school driveways or parking areas during drop-offs, pick-ups, or deliveries. Retired peace officers who maintain certification and completed recent firearm safety training may also carry weapons on school grounds. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment, creating specific exceptions to existing prohibitions on firearms in school vehicles and on school property.

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 summaryHF 519 requires Iowa's Department of Public Safety to sell seized or forfeited legal firearms and ammunition (not illegal or offensive weapons) through public auction, rather than destroying them by default. The department must prioritize auction sales unless items are kept for law enforcement use, added to their weapons archive, or exchanged with other agencies under specific conditions. Unsold or damaged items, or illegal/offensive weapons, may be destroyed. This change applies to firearms and ammunition deposited with the department after seizure or forfeiture proceedings.

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.