Rep. Charley Thomson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Iowa's historical resource research centers in Des Moines and Iowa City to be maintained as publicly accessible, adequately staffed facilities within those cities. It amends existing law to specify that the Department of Administrative Services must operate these centers in buildings located in Des Moines and Iowa City, with sufficient staffing and public access. The bill directly affects the Department of Administrative Services, which manages these centers. It does not create new funding or alter historical research content, but mandates operational requirements for two existing facilities. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the State Government committee.

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 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 713 simplifies how beneficiaries claim property like life insurance or retirement accounts after someone dies. It requires banks, insurers, and other property holders to notify named beneficiaries within 10 business days of the owner’s death and provide contact details. Beneficiaries can then submit a simple written statement (affidavit) confirming their claim, without needing to provide extra personal details like Social Security numbers. If property holders refuse to act within 30 days, beneficiaries can sue for the property or information, with courts able to award damages, penalties up to $10,000, and legal fees. This bill directly affects beneficiaries and financial institutions holding non-probate assets.

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 239 restructures Iowa's Office of the Consumer Advocate within the Department of Justice, establishing it as a separate division. The bill specifies that the attorney general appoints the consumer advocate (subject to Senate confirmation), sets their salary, and requires regular reports to a committee of state officials (secretary of agriculture, auditor, treasurer). It clarifies that the office's expenses and salaries are funded separately from the utilities commission, with costs for services covered by the commerce revolving fund. The bill also defines how the office may charge expenses for its services in utility proceedings, ensuring fiscal separation between the two entities.

Maddy summaryHF 191 prohibits the intentional emission of air contaminants within Iowa for the purpose of deliberately altering temperature, weather, or sunlight intensity (geoengineering). It directly affects any entity or individual conducting such emissions in the state, overriding conflicting existing laws. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Commission to adopt implementing rules, including emergency rules for immediate enforcement. Key mechanisms include a clear prohibition on weather-modification emissions and a mandate for the Commission to develop specific regulations under existing rulemaking procedures. The bill focuses solely on preventing intentional atmospheric manipulation, not general air pollution control.

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 610 expands who can automatically participate in Iowa Utilities Commission proceedings. It grants automatic intervention rights to state legislators, elected county or city officials, and residents who have a reasonable interest in the case. The bill specifically adds these groups to the list of people entitled to intervene "as of right" in any commission hearing or decision. This change aims to increase public and local government involvement in utility-related regulatory decisions. The bill is currently moving through committee stages with recent approval recommendations.

Maddy summaryHF 594 is a proposed Iowa bill that prohibits financial institutions from denying, restricting, or terminating financial services based on a "social credit score." This score would evaluate protected activities like First Amendment speech, refusal to adopt environmental targets beyond legal requirements, or business ties to firearms/oil companies. The bill requires institutions to provide written explanations for service denials within 14 days and allows affected individuals to sue for up to $30,000 in damages for willful violations. It explicitly excludes standard financial risk assessments from this prohibition. The bill is currently pending in committee after passing a subcommittee vote (13-8) in March 2025.