Rep. Rick Olson

Maddy summaryHF 684 requires all Iowa state agencies to purchase only steel manufactured in the United States. This bill directly affects every state agency that buys steel for projects or operations, such as construction or manufacturing. The key provision mandates that agencies cannot purchase foreign-made steel, changing current procurement practices to prioritize domestically produced materials. The bill is currently in the early stages, having been introduced and referred to committee on February 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 687 requires that any contract for a project funded by state money or tax credits must include a provision mandating the use of only products or materials manufactured in the United States, if feasible. This applies directly to state contractors and projects receiving state funds or tax credits, replacing current preferences with a strict requirement. The bill strengthens existing rules by making U.S. manufacturing a mandatory condition for procurement, rather than a preference based on cost comparisons. It does not create new tax credits but modifies how existing state funds are spent.

Maddy summaryHF 685 requires state agency contracts involving steel to include a provision mandating that any steel purchased with state funds or tax credits must be manufactured in the United States. This directly affects state agencies purchasing steel and their suppliers when using state money. The key mechanism is a mandatory contractual clause specifying U.S. manufacturing for covered steel purchases. The bill does not apply to contracts funded by non-state sources.

Maddy summaryHF 681 creates a dedicated wage and hour division within Iowa's Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. This division will directly enforce state wage laws under chapters 91A (wage payment), 91D (minimum wage), and 92 (child labor) for workers and employers across Iowa. Key provisions require the division to investigate wage violations and prioritize state-level enforcement over referring cases to the federal Department of Labor. The bill mandates that the division handle enforcement activities, including penalties, for these specific labor laws rather than relying on federal authorities. This establishes a permanent state mechanism for wage enforcement previously managed under broader departmental responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHF 688 requires Iowa state agencies to prioritize purchasing American-made products and materials from American-based businesses when their life cycle costs (total costs over the product's lifetime) are comparable to foreign alternatives. This directly affects state agencies that buy goods or materials for government operations, such as office supplies or equipment. The bill amends existing law to clarify that agencies must choose American products if they meet the agency's needs and cost similarly to foreign options, rather than just considering them. It does not change current cost-based requirements but strengthens the preference for domestic products. The bill aims to support U.S. manufacturing and jobs within state procurement.

Maddy summaryHF 682 requires Iowa state departments to recapture tax incentives (such as credits, exemptions, or rebates) from businesses that violate state or federal child labor laws (under Iowa Code chapter 92 or the Fair Labor Standards Act). It applies to businesses receiving state tax benefits and extends to their contractors, subcontractors, or third parties working at the business's facility. Beginning July 1, 2025, if a violation occurs, the business must notify the administering department within 30 days of the appeal period ending, and the state will reclaim the tax benefits using the same process as for unpaid taxes. This bill directly affects businesses receiving state tax incentives who breach child labor protections.

Maddy summaryHF 605 allows pharmacists in Iowa to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives (like pills, rings, or patches approved by the FDA) without a new prescription, using a standing order from the health department. Pharmacists must complete specific training, conduct a patient risk assessment, provide counseling on use/side effects, and refer patients if unsafe, while dispensing up to a 12-month supply at once. The bill also requires health insurance plans to cover these contraceptives without excluding them, similar to other outpatient prescription drugs. It explicitly excludes abortion-inducing drugs and mandates patient education on backup contraception and STI prevention.

Maddy summaryHF 607 increases Iowa's Medicaid eligibility income threshold for pregnant women and infants from 215% to 375% of the federal poverty level. It directly affects low-income pregnant individuals and infants whose families earn up to 375% of the federal poverty level, expanding access to coverage. The bill requires Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services to submit state plan amendments to the federal government by January 2026, enabling 12 months of continuous postpartum Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women and updating infant eligibility rules. This change aligns with federal provisions under the American Rescue Plan Act and aims to improve healthcare continuity for this population.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution authorizes Iowa to replace its current U.S. Capitol statue of Samuel J. Kirkwood with one honoring former Governor Robert D. Ray. It creates a seven-member committee (appointed by the governor) to raise funds through donations for the statue exchange, commissioning the new statue, and relocating the Kirkwood statue. The resolution establishes a state fund to manage these costs and requires the Kirkwood statue to be permanently displayed at Iowa's state capitol building. The bill does not appropriate state funds but relies on private donations for the replacement process.

Maddy summaryHF 434 allows Iowa property owners to remove otters from their land at any time without needing a permit. The bill specifically prohibits using shotguns or spears to kill otters and restricts certain trapping methods. This directly affects landowners who encounter otters on their property, providing a clear process for removal while limiting how the animal can be taken. The law amends Iowa Code Section 481A.87, effective upon enactment.