Rep. Devon Wood

Maddy summaryHF 747 creates a state human trafficking task force to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts and improve victim support. The task force, established by the public safety commissioner, identifies existing victim services, develops public education materials, and makes recommendations to combat trafficking. It must submit annual findings to the general assembly by November 1, which will be included in the office’s existing annual report. This directly affects state agencies (like law enforcement and corrections), victims of trafficking, and the public through improved coordination and awareness resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Archie and Nancy Martin for their historical support of Black students at Iowa State University. It recognizes their role in addressing housing discrimination by hosting students at their Ames home (the Martin House, now a historic landmark) and advocating with university leadership. The resolution also references existing honors, including Martin Hall (named in 2004) and scholarships established in 2008 to support students of color. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the Martin family’s contributions to educational equity.

Maddy summaryHF 492 amends Iowa law to increase salary caps for certain county employees. It removes the previous 85% salary limit, setting new caps at 100% of the principal officer's salary for county deputy sheriffs, assistant county attorneys (in all counties, not just smaller ones), and other county deputy officers like election or motor vehicle division deputies. The bill requires county officials to certify deputy salaries to the board, ensuring they don't exceed these new limits. This directly affects county deputy sheriffs, assistant county attorneys, and other county deputy officers whose pay was previously restricted to 85% of their supervisor's salary.

Maddy summaryHF 170 requires Iowa railroad corporations to provide employees with up to four leave occurrences per academic year (each up to three consecutive days) to attend school events for their children, if the event cannot be scheduled outside work hours. Employees must request leave in writing at least 14 days in advance (24 hours for emergencies) and may need to provide documentation of the school event. Employers may offer paid or unpaid leave but cannot retaliate against employees for taking this leave. The bill applies specifically to railroad corporation employees with school-aged children and prohibits leave on federal holidays.

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 143 establishes a $750,000 fund to support rural veterinary practices in Iowa counties with populations of 30,000 or fewer (based on the latest U.S. Census data). The fund provides financial assistance - up to $25,000 per practice annually - for eligible practices to improve facilities, acquire equipment, or adopt new technologies for treating agricultural animals. To qualify, practices must be located in Iowa, employ fewer than 50 people, have no recent disciplinary actions against their licensed veterinarians, and not be in bankruptcy. The Iowa Department of Agriculture will administer the program, prioritizing practices serving livestock like cattle, pigs, and poultry.