Rep. Charley Thomson

Maddy summaryHF 2567 creates the Iowa State Archives and Records Authority to preserve and manage the state’s historical government records. It establishes a governing board with a state archivist, public members, legislative representatives, and an academic expert, requiring two physical research centers (in Des Moines and Iowa City) and a digital memory library for Iowa’s industrial, cultural, and agricultural history. The authority sets policies for state agencies to retain, organize, and make accessible records documenting Iowa’s development, including digital content. This law directly affects all state agencies responsible for creating and managing government records.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large Iowa businesses (with over $30 million in annual state revenue) to maintain a publicly accessible phone number for consumer inquiries and ensure human representatives are available during posted service hours. It limits automated phone systems to three menu prompts before connecting to a person and bans practices like endless loops or repeated disconnections that delay customer access. Businesses violating the bill face civil penalties set by the insurance director, while consumers can sue for at least $500 per violation plus attorney fees. The law excludes federally regulated entities like banks, airlines, and telecom companies.

Maddy summaryHF 2446 requires wind energy developers in Iowa to conduct a subsurface and environmental survey before obtaining construction permits. The survey must assess risks to karst terrain, wells, septic systems, groundwater, and nearby structures, and must be shared publicly with local authorities. Developers must also maintain third-party insurance naming landowners and the state as insureds, and provide a legal opinion confirming the project isn’t a nuisance. These requirements apply to all wind energy projects seeking permits under Iowa law, directly affecting developers, landowners, and county permitting boards.

Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill (HF 2332) prohibits most elective abortions after the second trimester and creates criminal penalties for "feticide" (intentionally causing fetal death during pregnancy). It defines "elective abortion" narrowly - excluding miscarriage treatment, medical emergencies, and procedures to save the mother's life - and bans knowingly performing or aiding such procedures. Feticide is classified as a felony (class C or D depending on intent), while unintentional fetal death during non-forcible crimes is a lesser offense. The law directly affects pregnant individuals seeking later-term abortions, healthcare providers, and anyone assisting in such procedures, with exceptions only for medical emergencies or preserving maternal life.

Maddy summaryHF 2477 requires commercial drivers in Iowa to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to understand safety instructions, read logs and signs, and communicate safety information. Drivers failing this assessment face an immediate out-of-service order, while commercial carriers employing such drivers face $100,000 civil penalties per violation, escalating to "high-risk" designation with increased inspections and permit restrictions for repeated offenses. The bill also mandates English comprehension during winter emergency conditions, including electronic acknowledgment of advisories and understanding emergency routing. These provisions apply neutrally to all drivers regardless of origin or license state, aiming to enhance highway safety through enforceable language standards.

Maddy summaryHF 2556 bans all state agencies, law enforcement, and contractors acting for government from using automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems or retaining their data. It requires existing ALPRs to be removed and all collected data destroyed within 30 days of the law's effective date. The bill creates a private right to sue for violations (with $1,000+ per day penalties), prohibits ALPR evidence in court, and imposes civil fines of $10,000+ per violation. This replaces Iowa’s current law, which only required deleting ALPR images after 30 days, with a complete prohibition on the technology.

Maddy summaryHF 2550 establishes Iowa's Small Modular Reactor Committee within the Economic Development Authority to coordinate statewide development of small nuclear reactors. The bill creates financial incentives including a 30% tax credit on qualified capital investments for businesses building reactor projects (like design, manufacturing, power generation, or related supply chains) starting in 2027. It also allows communities to grant property tax exemptions for up to 20 years on improvements directly tied to jobs created by these facilities. The committee will review project applications within 180 days, designate priority development zones, and administer these incentives.

Maddy summaryHF 2377 makes it a crime for political campaigns to knowingly spread false facts about polling data to raise money or influence actions. It targets schemes where campaigns falsely claim independent or scientific polling (like fake survey results) to solicit donations, sell goods, or get people to take costly actions. The law applies only to false statements about objective facts (e.g., data existence or survey methods), not opinions, predictions, or clearly labeled informal polls. Violations face fines or jail time (from misdemeanors to felonies), with funds obtained through fraud subject to forfeiture.

Maddy summaryHF 2309 requires Iowa public libraries to implement specific safeguards for materials deemed harmful to minors. It mandates that libraries physically separate adult sections with clear signage, prohibit minors from accessing such materials without written parental permission on file, and maintain that consent record. The bill defines "material harmful to minors" as content appealing to minors' prurient interest in sex, depicting graphic sexual acts under community standards, and lacking literary or educational value for minors. These requirements apply to all public libraries receiving state funding or operating under state oversight, directly affecting libraries, minors, and parents seeking access to restricted materials.

Maddy summaryHF 2420 establishes Iowa's Office of Inspector General for School Safety to independently investigate specific school safety incidents and oversee school compliance. The inspector general, appointed by the governor, investigates events like weapon possession, credible threats, or extended lockdowns requiring law enforcement, and can issue binding corrective directives for safety risks - such as updating safety plans or staff training - without interfering with routine discipline or curriculum. This office directly affects all Iowa school districts, requiring them to address safety deficiencies identified through investigations. The bill defines "material school safety incidents" and limits investigations to serious threats, while ensuring compliance with federal disability and privacy laws.