Rep. Sean Bagniewski

Maddy summaryHF 456 prevents cities from enforcing rules that restrict homeowners in residential neighborhoods (with 25 mph speed limits) from planting vegetation up to 42 inches tall on most property. For areas near curb lines where plants might block drivers' views, the height limit is 34 inches. The bill directly affects property owners in residential zones by prohibiting local ordinances that exceed these specific height limits for purposely planted vegetation. It does not ban all vegetation rules but ensures cities cannot impose stricter height restrictions than those defined in the bill. This is a direct policy change to standardize vegetation height limits in residential areas.

Maddy summaryHF 455 changes Iowa's unemployment benefit rules by increasing the maximum total benefit amount an individual can receive in one benefit year. Currently, benefits are capped at 16 times the weekly benefit amount; this bill raises that cap to 26 times the weekly amount. The bill directly affects Iowa workers who qualify for unemployment benefits, ensuring they can receive up to 26 weeks' worth of benefits based on their prior earnings. The key change simplifies the calculation by removing the previous lower limit tied to wage credits, though benefits remain tied to the individual's base period earnings. This adjustment applies to all eligible claimants, including those laid off due to employer closures.

Maddy summaryHF 444 creates a new "recreational property" classification for golf courses operated as commercial businesses. Starting with the 2026 assessment year, these properties would be assessed at 75% of their actual value for tax purposes, rather than the standard rate applied to other property types. This would reduce property taxes for qualifying golf courses. The bill specifically defines "recreational property" as commercial golf courses subject to taxation.

Maddy summaryHF 431 removes all time limits for victims to file civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation of minors in Iowa. It applies directly to victims of these specific harms, including cases involving counselors, school staff, or others in positions of trust. The bill revives previously dismissed cases where the time limit had expired, allowing victims to file new lawsuits even if they were previously barred. This change takes effect immediately upon enactment, eliminating prior deadlines like the five-year window for school-related abuse claims.

Maddy summaryHF 422 establishes quality standards for Iowa's statewide voluntary preschool program (SVPP), directly affecting school districts, early childhood providers, and families with preschool-aged children. The bill requires programs to meet specific standards including teacher-child ratios, student learning goals, parent involvement, and collaboration with families and community partners like Head Start and childcare centers. It mandates 5-year program renewals and clarifies that state preschool funding can cover staff training, materials, and transportation but cannot be used for facility construction. The bill also requires programs to demonstrate ongoing community partnerships and integrates children from other preschool programs with parental consent.

Maddy summaryHF 412 modifies Iowa's child care assistance program to better support unhoused parents. It defines "unhoused" as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (including living in motels, shelters, cars, or transitional housing) and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to extend the 30-day employment-based eligibility limit for parents of children under six years old who are unhoused. The bill also exempts unhoused children from program waiting lists and mandates an expedited process for approving assistance and extensions for unhoused applicants. These changes directly affect low-income parents experiencing housing instability who are seeking work.

Maddy summaryHF 411 exempts families determined by Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be "unhoused" from making copayments for the state child care assistance program (CCA). The bill defines "unhoused" as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including living in motels, shelters, cars, or temporary settings. Unhoused families are not required to pay copayments as a condition of CCA program participation, and this exemption lasts for six months after HHS determines the family is no longer unhoused. This change directly affects low-income families experiencing housing instability who rely on state child care assistance.

Maddy summaryHF 376 sets specific limits on campaign contributions for Iowa candidates. It restricts contributions to $4,000 from individuals or political committees and $40,000 from political parties for statewide office candidates (like governor), while lowering these caps to $1,000 and $10,000 for state senator or representative candidates. The bill applies separately to each primary, general, and special election within an election cycle. Violations carry penalties including a serious misdemeanor charge (up to 1 year in jail and $2,560 fine) or civil penalties up to $2,000.

Maddy summaryHF 403 allows courts in Iowa to permit certain witnesses, including minors under 18 and victims or witnesses with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities, to testify via two-way closed-circuit video equipment instead of in the physical courtroom. This protects them from trauma caused by facing the defendant directly, which could impair their ability to communicate. The court must specifically find such measures are necessary and limit the room with the witness to the judge, attorneys, necessary technicians, and individuals supporting the witness’s well-being. The minor must also be informed the defendant will view their testimony via video but will not be physically present.

Maddy summaryHF 410 would require Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services to set reimbursement rates for child care providers caring for unhoused children equal to the rate for children needing special-needs care. The bill defines "unhoused" as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including living in motels, shelters, cars, or transitional housing. This change directly affects child care providers serving unhoused children and the state's child care assistance program budget. The bill was introduced on February 13, 2025, and remains in committee.