Rep. Brooke Boden

Maddy summaryHF 962 modifies the Iowa child and dependent care tax credit, affecting taxpayers who claim this credit against their individual income tax. It reduces the number of graduated income thresholds used to calculate the credit from seven to four. The bill also removes the current maximum income threshold for eligibility, allowing taxpayers with higher incomes to potentially claim the credit. Specifically, taxpayers with Iowa net income of $25,000 or more would be eligible for 50% of the federal child and dependent care credit. These changes would apply retroactively to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 964 proposes to exempt the sale of toilet paper from the state's sales tax. This would directly affect consumers, who would no longer pay sales tax on toilet paper purchases, and retailers, who would stop collecting sales tax on this item. The bill achieves this by amending Section 423.3 of the state's code, adding the sale of toilet paper to the list of items exempt from sales tax. By operation of existing code, this exemption would also apply to the use tax.

Maddy summaryHF 966 proposes to exempt the sale of dietary supplements from the state sales tax. Currently, dietary supplements are subject to sales tax, similar to candy or soft drinks. This bill would amend existing law to remove dietary supplements from the list of items subject to sales tax. This change would reduce the cost for consumers purchasing products like vitamins and minerals, as the exemption also extends to the use tax.

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 230 creates legal immunity for sports and exposition venues (like racetracks, sports arenas, and trade fairs) from nuisance lawsuits under specific conditions. It limits such lawsuits to cases where the plaintiff owns the affected property and the venue has materially violated a law, while granting automatic protection to venues operating over one year (if compliant with all laws). The bill also prohibits local governments from suing compliant venues and allows "reasonable expansions" (e.g., adding technology or land) without triggering nuisance claims, excluding expansions harming the environment or public safety. The bill was advanced through committee but withdrawn on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 9, 2025, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in Iowa. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes child care providers as essential to families, communities, and the economy. The resolution urges all Iowans to acknowledge these providers' contributions to supporting working families and child development. As a non-binding ceremonial measure, it has no direct policy impact beyond raising awareness.

Maddy summaryHF 149 amended Iowa school codes to remove the requirement that harassment or bullying be "based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student" from the official definitions. This change affects all public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in Iowa, altering how they define and address student harassment and bullying in policy documents. The bill specifically revised sections 280.28 (defining harassment/bullying) and 279.10 (related to school enrollment policies) to eliminate the reference to student traits. The bill was withdrawn on March 21, 2025, after advancing through committee.

Maddy summaryHF 186 modifies Iowa's child abuse reporting requirements for school employees. It defines "public school" and "nonpublic school" and adds school employees and agents to the category of "person responsible for a child's care," expanding who must be reported for suspected abuse. The bill requires schools to report all child abuse allegations by staff to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and to law enforcement if the abuse would constitute a criminal act. It also mandates that schools place staff under investigation on administrative leave and prohibits them from entering school property during an ongoing assessment. These changes apply directly to public and nonpublic school staff, school boards, and educational examiners.

Maddy summaryHF 108 allows peace officers in Iowa to file petitions for 72-hour emergency protective orders on behalf of domestic abuse victims who are in immediate danger and request the officer's help. This directly affects individuals experiencing domestic abuse who may be unable to file such petitions themselves due to fear, trauma, or other barriers. The key provision amends Iowa law to permit officers to act as advocates for these victims, streamlining access to urgent court-issued protection. The bill does not change the legal standard for issuing protective orders but expands who can initiate the process. (Note: The bill was withdrawn on March 14, 2025.)

Maddy summaryHF 920 appropriates $1 million from Iowa's general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the Double Up Food Bucks program. The program provides matching funds for SNAP recipients to purchase fresh produce at participating farmers markets and grocery stores across Iowa. Starting January 1, 2026, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing program participation, locations, and redemption rates. The funding does not expire at year-end but remains available for the program's continued operation.