Rep. Brooke Boden

Maddy summaryHF 2059 amends Iowa law to expand the definition of "victim" to include first responders (law enforcement, fire personnel, and emergency medical services) for the purpose of presenting victim impact statements at sentencing. This change directly affects first responders who experience trauma or harm while responding to crimes, allowing them to formally share how an offense impacted them during court proceedings. The bill specifically adds this category to the existing definition, which already covers individuals harmed by crimes and certain family members of victims. The key provision enables first responders to participate in sentencing discussions under Code section 915.21, without altering broader victim rights protections.

Maddy summaryHF 2301 creates a public registry for individuals convicted of multiple domestic abuse assaults (defined as repeated offenses under Iowa Code §708.2A). It requires courts to order registration after a conviction with at least one prior domestic abuse assault conviction, including the offender’s name, date of birth, conviction details, and photo on the Iowa Department of Public Safety website (excluding addresses or Social Security numbers). Offenders must pay a $150 registration fee ($50 retained by the court, $100 for registry administration), and the registry automatically removes names after 2-10 years based on prior convictions. The registry applies only to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2026, with prior convictions dating back to any time.

Maddy summaryHF 2108 would allow Iowa's Board of Nursing to suspend or revoke a nursing license if a licensed nurse cannot speak English proficiently. This bill directly affects licensed nurses in Iowa who lack sufficient English language skills. The key provision amends licensing rules to add "inability to speak English proficiently" as a grounds for disciplinary action by the nursing board. The bill creates a specific policy change regarding language requirements for nursing licensure without specifying additional requirements or penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 2214) waives all fees for veterans of the U.S. armed forces when camping or using rental facilities at Iowa state parks and recreation areas managed by the Department of Natural Resources. It directly affects veterans who use these state park facilities, eliminating their cost for camping or rentals. The key provision requires the department to not charge veterans fees but allows them to request documentation verifying veteran status to apply the waiver. The bill does not alter fees for non-veterans or create new fees for anyone.

Maddy summaryHF 2279 allows honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. armed forces to have "VETERAN" prominently marked on their Iowa driver's licenses. It expands eligibility to include National Guard members regardless of their active duty service days (previously requiring at least 90 days), directly affecting veterans seeking this designation. To qualify, licensees must provide proof like a DD-214 showing honorable discharge; the Department of Transportation will then mark the license and notify the local veteran affairs commission, which will contact the veteran. The bill clarifies that "veteran" includes National Guard service without minimum active duty requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 2211 requires Iowa public school districts to allow students enrolled in nonpublic schools to join public school show choir or marching band if those activities are offered by the public school but not by the nonpublic school. This applies to students living within the public school district or in a neighboring district, based on agreements between school districts and nonpublic schools. Nonpublic school students participating under this bill must pay the same fee as public school students, with no higher fees allowed. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

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 965 increases the state adoption tax credit available against the individual income tax. It raises the maximum credit for qualified adoption expenses from $5,000 to $20,000 per adoption, directly affecting taxpayers who adopt a child. The credit is refundable, meaning any amount exceeding a taxpayer's liability can be returned. This bill takes effect upon enactment and applies retroactively to adoptions finalized on or after January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 19 is a commemorative resolution that honors the life and legacy of Jay Byers. It recognizes his contributions to Simpson College, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, and the state of Iowa through his leadership in education, economic growth, and public service.

Maddy summaryHouse File 963 proposes to exempt the sale of laundry soap or detergent from the state sales tax. This bill directly affects consumers who purchase these cleaning products and the retailers who sell them. It achieves this by adding a new subsection to Section 423.3 of the state's Code, specifically exempting the sales price of laundry soap or detergent. As a result, these items would also be exempt from the state's use tax.