Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell

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 560 repeals a provision (Section 147.164) that previously prohibited gender transition-related medical care for minors in Iowa. It amends parental rights law to explicitly state that parents or guardians have the fundamental right to make decisions about their minor child's medical care, including gender transition-related activities, subject to strict judicial review. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies retroactively to March 22, 2023. This change directly affects parents/guardians making healthcare decisions for minors and minors seeking gender transition care.

Maddy summaryHF 554 modifies Iowa public school library requirements. It requires school districts to employ a licensed teacher librarian (starting July 1, 2025), removing the previous option of hiring someone previously employed at a public library. The bill eliminates enforcement mechanisms like written warnings and hearings for library program compliance, removes confidentiality protections for parents requesting book removals, and deletes prohibitions against student involvement in material removal decisions. These changes directly affect school districts, library staff, and parents making material removal requests.

Maddy summaryHF 462 removes time limits for civil lawsuits by victims of sexual abuse in Iowa. It eliminates the previous 5-year deadline for cases involving counselors, therapists, school staff, or instructors, and establishes no statute of limitations for all sexual abuse civil actions. The bill also revives previously dismissed cases where lawsuits were barred by expired deadlines or failure to file. This applies only to civil claims for damages, not criminal matters, and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

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 368 updates Iowa's water quality laws to regulate large livestock operations. It specifically requires medium and large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) - like major dairy or hog farms - to obtain federal-style NPDES permits for managing manure and wastewater. The bill establishes state rules for manure storage, treatment, and facility inspections, aligning with federal Clean Water Act standards. These permits aim to prevent pollution from runoff into rivers and streams, directly affecting agricultural operations that meet the CAFO size definitions.