Rep. Dean Fisher

Maddy summaryHF 2136 strengthens privacy protections for minors' library records in Iowa. It requires libraries to keep records revealing a minor's library use confidential, except when: (1) a court grants strict approval for law enforcement access based on a clear connection to a specific crime investigation, or (2) parents or guardians request their minor child's records. The bill directly affects minors using Iowa public libraries, parents/guardians seeking access to their child's records, and law enforcement agencies seeking library data. It clarifies that libraries cannot disclose these records without a judicial order for law enforcement or a parent's request, reinforcing existing confidentiality standards under Iowa Code 22.7.

Maddy summaryHF 2095 requires individuals with delinquent child support obligations referred to a collection agency to file an Iowa tax return, regardless of their income level. This applies to both Iowa residents and nonresidents with income allocated to Iowa, overriding existing income thresholds for filing. Failure to file constitutes a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,560 fine. The bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services notify the Department of Revenue when child support arrears are referred to collection or resolved, ensuring tax filing requirements are enforced.

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 2098 requires mandatory reporters (such as health practitioners, social workers, and school staff) to report when they learn a newborn's biological parent previously had parental rights terminated due to child abuse. This triggers an immediate child abuse investigation within 24 hours or a family assessment within 72 hours by child protective services. The bill directly affects newborns in this specific situation and the mandatory reporters who must make these reports. It amends Iowa's child protection laws to explicitly include this scenario as a trigger for investigation, ensuring consistent action when parental rights were terminated for abuse. The law does not change existing reporting requirements but adds this specific circumstance to the mandatory reporting criteria.

Maddy summaryHF 2103 lowers the maximum speed limit for unpaved secondary roads under county jurisdiction from 55 mph during daylight to 45 mph, regardless of time of day. It directly affects drivers traveling on unpaved county roads and requires county boards of supervisors to update speed limits based on engineering studies. The bill allows counties to temporarily use approved stickers on existing signs instead of replacing all signs immediately when implementing the new speed limit. This change applies only to roads not surfaced with concrete or asphalt, while paved secondary roads retain their current speed limits.

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 240 requires pipeline applicants in Iowa to provide proof of sufficient insurance or surety before a hazardous liquid pipeline permit is granted. This insurance must cover damages from pipeline discharges (both negligent and intentional), property damage from construction or leaks, and increased insurance costs or inability to obtain insurance for nearby residents. Pipeline companies must either purchase insurance for affected residents or reimburse them for higher premiums caused by the pipeline's presence. The bill was recommended for passage by committees but was withdrawn on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 237 sets clear conditions under which the Iowa Utilities Commission can impose sanctions on people or groups (intervenors) participating in contested cases. The bill prohibits the commission from threatening or imposing sanctions unless it determines an intervenor was knowingly dishonest or violated a criminal law AND caused actual, quantifiable injury exceeding $500 to the commission. This directly affects intervenors in utility commission proceedings by requiring specific, documented misconduct and harm before penalties can be applied. The bill does not change utility regulations but modifies the commission's sanction process to require stricter proof.

Maddy summaryHF 419 exempts from Iowa's state sales and use tax the cost of specific items purchased by hotels, motels, and similar lodging providers for direct guest use. The bill covers supplies like toiletries, towels, cleaning products, bottled water, and in-room amenities (e.g., coffee cups, TV service) when these items are actually consumed or used by the guest. This exemption applies only to supplies sold to the lodging provider for guest consumption, not for general business operations. The tax exemption also extends to use tax under Iowa law, as specified in the bill's explanation. The bill defines "lodging provider" as a business offering temporary lodging and "lodging supplies" as listed items used directly by guests.

Maddy summaryHF 241 requires all Iowa Utilities Commission members to be present during live testimony at hearings related to public utilities, pipelines, or electric transmission lines. If any member is unavailable during such a hearing, the meeting must pause until all members return. The bill also mandates that at least one commission member attend all informational meetings about pipeline permits, electric transmission lines, or hazardous liquid pipelines, pausing the meeting if no member is present. This applies to meetings held by pipeline companies or the commission itself, directly affecting commission operations and how companies conduct required public meetings.