Maddy summaryHF 2174 establishes a task force within Iowa's judicial branch to examine legal services for indigent parties (those unable to pay for legal representation) in criminal, juvenile, and child abuse/neglect cases. The task force, composed of appointed legal and judicial representatives, must identify current service delivery methods, recommend improvements, address conflicts of interest for public defenders, ensure competent representation, and propose sustainable funding and attorney recruitment strategies. The task force will operate from July 2026 through November 2030, submitting annual reports to the governor and legislature with findings and recommendations. This is a procedural bill focused on analysis and recommendations, not direct policy implementation.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHF 192 amends Iowa law to clarify that abutting property owners (those whose property borders city streets) may be held liable for damages if they fail to maintain public areas between their property lines and curb lines, as required by city ordinance. The bill specifically adds that owners could be liable for not using "reasonable care" in maintaining sidewalks or similar public spaces. This change directly affects property owners adjacent to city streets, potentially increasing their legal responsibility for upkeep. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill classifies black bears as "fur-bearing animals" under Iowa law, bringing them under existing wildlife regulations. It allows the Natural Resources Commission to permit hunting or trapping of black bears through a special fur harvester license, subject to commission rules. Unlawfully taking a black bear incurs a $2,500 civil penalty, and the bear may be seized by the Department of Natural Resources. The law directly affects hunters, trappers, and wildlife management authorities in Iowa.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Staff Sergeants William Nathaniel Howard and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Iowa National Guard members killed in action during a December 13, 2025, enemy attack in Palmyra, Syria. It recognizes their service, sacrifice, and posthumous promotions to staff sergeant, while also acknowledging three wounded Iowa National Guard soldiers from the same incident. The resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' respect for their lives and sacrifice, and directs copies to be sent to their families as a gesture of recognition. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy or funding changes, solely intended to honor the fallen service members and their families.
Maddy summaryHF 452 aims to combat human trafficking by implementing several new provisions. The bill requires children subject to certain complaints or abuse allegations to be screened for commercial sexual exploitation and mandates substance use disorder screenings for children prior to their final dispositional hearing. It extends the civil statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse and human trafficking, allowing more time to file legal actions. Additionally, the bill permits video depositions for human trafficking victims in criminal prosecutions to potentially ease the burden of in-person testimony. Finally, it establishes an annual meeting of various stakeholders to develop legislative proposals to further combat human trafficking.
Maddy summaryHF 965 increases the state adoption tax credit available against the individual income tax. It raises the maximum credit for qualified adoption expenses from $5,000 to $20,000 per adoption, directly affecting taxpayers who adopt a child. The credit is refundable, meaning any amount exceeding a taxpayer's liability can be returned. This bill takes effect upon enactment and applies retroactively to adoptions finalized on or after January 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 21 is a commemorative resolution that honors the centennial anniversary of the National Bar Association and recognizes its Iowa co-founders for their 100 years of service to the state and legal community.
Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 19 is a commemorative resolution that honors the life and legacy of Jay Byers. It recognizes his contributions to Simpson College, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, and the state of Iowa through his leadership in education, economic growth, and public service.
Maddy summaryHF 394 restricts the Department of Transportation from designating a segment of State Highway 5 and US Highway 65 as an interstate unless federal exemptions for vehicle weight and size are secured. It creates a temporary exception, allowing implements of husbandry to continue operating on a specific portion of this highway if it becomes an interstate, until a suitable alternative route is established. The bill appropriates $250,000 to the Department of Transportation to study and develop this alternative highway route for agricultural vehicles. These provisions directly affect the Department of Transportation's authority over highway designations and agricultural vehicle operators in the specified areas.
Maddy summaryHF 59 establishes a grocer reinvestment program to provide grants for capital improvements, equipment, and technology upgrades to eligible grocery stores, primarily those with five or fewer locations in underserved or low-to-moderate-income communities. It also creates a local produce processing grant program to support Iowa-based entities increasing the availability and capacity of processing for fruits and vegetables grown in the state. A new fund will be created to finance both programs. Additionally, the bill modifies the existing local food and farm program to include grocery stores in its purpose of strengthening local food economies.