Maddy summaryHouse File 15 creates a rural attorney recruitment assistance program to help counties and municipalities with populations under 26,000 recruit legal professionals. Eligible local governments must apply, demonstrate a need for an attorney, and agree to provide 35% of an incentive payment. Attorneys who commit to practicing full-time in these rural areas for at least five years will receive an annual incentive payment over five years, equal to 90% of the University of Iowa College of Law resident tuition and fees. These attorneys must also serve as contract public defenders and participate in volunteer legal aid projects. The program is funded through state appropriations and contributions from the participating local governments.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 18 is a commemorative resolution that honors and congratulates the Grand View University wrestling team for winning its 13th National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national championship. It recognizes the team's historic achievement, including individual national champions and All-American honors, and acknowledges Coach Nick Mitchell.
Maddy summaryHF 30 creates a tax deduction for Iowa law firms representing indigent clients in specific court-appointed cases. It directly affects eligible law firms with two or more attorneys (who practice at least half the year) and attorneys licensed for fewer than 10 years, for cases appointed on or after July 1, 2025. The deduction equals the difference between $150 per hour (or the firm's actual rate) and the state's standard hourly rate ($76-$86) for such cases, calculated based on the firm's pro rata share. The deduction applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes and commends the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary. It highlights NCSL's role as a bipartisan organization supporting state legislatures through research, idea-sharing, and fostering cooperation. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses congressional appreciation and directs the House Chief Clerk to send a copy to NCSL.
Maddy summaryHF 373 requires Iowa courts to appoint legal representation for children in foster care based on age: children under 10 must have both a court-appointed lawyer and a separate advocate (guardian ad litem), while children 10 or older only need a lawyer. The bill ensures continuity by directing courts to reappoint the same lawyer or advocate if already serving the child, and mandates that representation continues until a child is no longer in foster care. It also clarifies that lawyers for children must perform specific duties, such as reviewing records and interviewing service providers, but are not required to submit certain written reports. The law applies directly to children involved in foster care proceedings across Iowa.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 14) calls on the President and Congress to support the Adoptee Citizenship Act, which would grant U.S. citizenship to children legally adopted from abroad who were 18 or older when the 2000 Child Citizenship Act took effect. It directly affects adoptees who were excluded from automatic citizenship under the 2000 law, despite being raised in the U.S. by American citizens. The resolution urges action to prevent deportation and address barriers these individuals face, such as difficulties obtaining passports, banking services, or education benefits. It does not create new law but advocates for congressional support of the pending Adoptee Citizenship Act.
Maddy summaryHF 26 requires Iowa employers to treat adoptive parents the same as biological parents for job benefits, protections, and policies during the first year after adopting a child under six years old. It applies to most employers covered under Iowa’s employment laws and defines "adoption" broadly to include placements through state agencies, licensed groups, or independent arrangements. The bill explicitly states adoptive parents cannot take disability leave unless they have a qualifying medical condition under the employer’s existing policies. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $500 per pay period.
Maddy summaryHF 920 appropriates $1 million from Iowa's general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the Double Up Food Bucks program. The program provides matching funds for SNAP recipients to purchase fresh produce at participating farmers markets and grocery stores across Iowa. Starting January 1, 2026, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing program participation, locations, and redemption rates. The funding does not expire at year-end but remains available for the program's continued operation.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 7) urges the U.S. President and Congress to support efforts granting citizenship to internationally adopted children who were over 18 when the 2000 Child Citizenship Act took effect. It specifically targets adoptees born abroad who were excluded from automatic citizenship under that law, despite being raised in the U.S. by American citizens. The resolution calls for passage of the Adoptee Citizenship Act, which would provide citizenship to these individuals, removing barriers they face in accessing banking, voting, education, and other services. It does not create new law but expresses Iowa's support for federal action to resolve this citizenship gap.
Maddy summaryHF 915 maintains the legal privilege protecting private communications between spouses during marriage. It states that neither a current spouse nor a former spouse can be forced to testify about such communications in court, even after the marriage ends. The bill specifically allows spouses to refuse testimony if subpoenaed regarding these private conversations. However, it preserves existing exceptions where spouses may be examined in cases involving child abuse, neglect, or criminal acts against children, as outlined in current law. This bill directly affects individuals in marital or divorce proceedings where private communications could be relevant.