Rep. Austin Baeth

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.

Maddy summaryHF 338 removes a prohibition in Iowa law that previously prevented the dental board from creating rules allowing registered dental assistants to administer local anesthesia. The bill directly affects dental assistants who complete required training and the Iowa dental board, which would now have the authority to establish rules for this expanded practice. Key provisions eliminate the specific language blocking the board from delegating local anesthesia administration, though it does not automatically grant this authority - it requires the board to adopt new rules first. The bill is currently pending in the Health and Human Services committee after introduction on February 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 333 requires Iowa public school districts to provide free feminine hygiene products (such as tampons and sanitary pads) in at least half of the restrooms serving students in grades 6-12, with regular refilling. The bill applies directly to all Iowa public schools educating middle and high school students. It appropriates state funds from 2025-2028 to reimburse school districts for the full cost of compliance, with the Department of Education managing the reimbursement process. The funding ends June 30, 2028, after which schools would use other state aid for ongoing costs.

Maddy summaryHF 324 requires Iowa law enforcement officers to conduct a threat evaluation for individuals identified as the primary physical aggressor in domestic abuse incidents *when no arrest is made*. This evaluation uses a department-adopted checklist considering factors like prior abuse convictions, violations of protective orders, felony convictions, and weapon possession. If two or more checklist factors apply, officers must provide the aggressor with resources like counseling, job programs, and housing assistance information. The bill also mandates that officers provide victims with materials about financial aid, mental health services, and legal support. These changes aim to address domestic abuse risks and provide support services without advocating for specific outcomes.

Maddy summaryHF 251 requires Iowa's state board of education to publish detailed information about nonpublic schools accredited by independent agencies. The board must list each school, the specific educational standards the accrediting agency required for accreditation, and any amendments or waivers to those standards. This information will be posted on the education department's website and updated annually by June 30. The bill expands transparency by making school-level accreditation details publicly available, moving beyond the current requirement that only listed accrediting agencies.

Maddy summaryHF 152 directs Iowa to apply for and participate in the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Children program, which provides food assistance to children during summer months when school meals are unavailable. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (with Education) to submit an application to the USDA by February 2025 and appropriates state funds to cover administrative costs for the summer 2025 program. It directly affects approximately 240,000 Iowa children eligible for the program, which is funded by an estimated $29 million in federal resources. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment but applies retroactively to July 1, 2024, ensuring state funding covers costs from that date.

Maddy summaryHF 111 creates a tax credit for advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) who serve as unpaid clinical preceptors for nursing students. Eligible preceptors receive a $500 credit per qualifying clinical mentoring session (with at least 100 hours of supervised learning), capped at $2,000 annually for individual income tax. To qualify, preceptors must provide uncompensated instruction at their workplace, be selected by nursing programs, and have at least one year of preceptor experience. The credit applies to tax years starting January 1, 2026, and any unused portion isn’t refundable or carryable to other years.