Rep. Sean Bagniewski

Maddy summaryHF 263 requires all physically able students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Iowa public and accredited nonpublic schools to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, separate from required physical education classes. Schools must ensure this activity occurs unless a student is suspended, expelled, absent (including due to illness), or circumstances like inclement weather or early dismissal prevent it. The bill explicitly prohibits using physical education class to fulfill this 30-minute daily activity requirement. It applies directly to K-5 students and school staff responsible for implementing the activity schedule.

Maddy summaryHF 2373 proposes a state-run retirement savings program for Iowa workers. It requires employers with five or more employees to automatically enroll eligible workers (aged 18+ working 120+ days annually) in a trust managed by the Iowa Treasurer, with a default contribution rate set by the Treasurer. Participants can opt out, adjust contribution levels, or choose from low-risk investment options, including a target date fund as the default. Employers must provide annual enrollment periods and educational materials about the program. The bill is currently in committee and aims to expand retirement savings access for Iowa workers through employer-based enrollment.

Maddy summaryHF 2341 creates a partial property tax exemption for residential properties sold by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in areas declared major disaster zones by the president or state disaster emergencies by the governor. It applies specifically to properties sold to owners already receiving Iowa's homestead tax credit, providing a phased tax reduction over four years: 80% exemption in the first assessment year, 60% in the second, 40% in the third, and 20% in the fourth. The exemption expires after the fourth year, meaning homeowners pay full property tax starting in the fifth year. This bill directly affects HUD-sold homeowners in disaster-affected areas who qualify for the homestead tax credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new constitutional right to Iowa's constitution, guaranteeing every person access to clean water and air free from health-harming pollutants. It requires the state, acting as a trustee of natural resources, to conserve and restore public waters and air for current and future generations. The amendment is self-executing (taking effect immediately upon ratification) and mandates strict judicial review for any government action infringing on this right. It directly affects all Iowans and state agencies, fundamentally changing how environmental protections are legally enforced.

Maddy summaryHJR 2006 proposes a constitutional amendment to reform Iowa's legislative redistricting process. It would require the creation of a nonpartisan legislative services agency to draw congressional and state legislative district maps after each federal census, with strict deadlines for data collection and plan submission. The agency must publicly disclose maps, population data, and plan details before the legislature votes on the proposed districts. This amendment directly affects how Iowa's legislature draws district boundaries, aiming to standardize the process through mandated timelines and transparency requirements. (Note: This is a proposed constitutional amendment, not yet enacted.)

Maddy summaryHF 2261 creates a new customer class for large energy use facilities (defined as facilities using 20+ megawatts primarily engaged in specific services) served by electric or water utilities in Iowa. It requires utilities to establish separate rates, charges, and schedules for these facilities, ensuring costs directly assigned to them - like grid or water service loads - do not shift to other customers. The Iowa Utilities Commission must approve these rates, ensuring they prevent other customers from bearing unwarranted costs while promoting equitable contributions to grid and system efficiency. The bill applies to facilities constructed or expanded on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 2208 changes how certain single-family homes are taxed in Iowa starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects property owners who individually own more than ten single-family homes, reclassifying those homes from residential to commercial property for tax purposes. The bill defines a "single-family home" as a parcel with one dwelling unit used for human habitation. This reclassification means these properties will be subject to commercial property tax rates instead of residential rates. The change aims to adjust tax classification based on ownership scale rather than property use.

Maddy summaryHF 2207 restricts private equity companies from purchasing single-family homes in Iowa during the first 75 days a home is listed for sale. The 75-day period begins when the home is first listed through a real estate broker, multiple listing service, or public online platform. After this period, companies must submit a sworn affidavit to the county recorder confirming the purchase occurred after the 75 days or is exempt under other law, and the county recorder cannot record the deed without it. The law also prohibits companies from evading these rules by using subsidiaries, affiliates, or agents.

Maddy summaryHF 2169 requires the Iowa Finance Authority to review the household income limit for the FirstHome program, which helps Iowans buy their first home. The review must assess whether the current income threshold provides sufficient assistance to in-state homebuyers and serves as an effective incentive for out-of-state residents to move to Iowa, while also analyzing how raising the limit would impact program participation. The authority must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 11, 2027. This bill does not change the program immediately but sets a process to evaluate potential adjustments to the income eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHF 2156 modifies Iowa's unemployment insurance rules for educational staff employed between academic terms. It removes the current provision that allowed workers to receive retroactive benefits if they had "reasonable assurance" of returning to the same role but were not rehired. Under this bill, individuals performing services for an educational institution before a vacation or holiday break are ineligible for unemployment benefits during that break, even if they had assurance of continued work afterward. This change directly affects non-instructional, non-research, and non-principal administrative staff at schools who might otherwise qualify for benefits during academic transitions. The bill does not create new funding requirements, as school districts will cover costs using existing state foundation aid.