Rep. Jason Gearhart

Maddy summaryHF 2370 creates a confidential "green alert" system in Iowa for missing at-risk veterans, defined as those reported missing due to mental health crises, substance issues, or other well-being concerns. The system requires verification by a peace officer before activating a nonpublic alert shared only with specific agencies (like law enforcement, hospitals, and veteran support groups) to locate the veteran and provide voluntary assistance. It prohibits using the alert for arrests without independent probable cause, mandates 72-hour reviews, and penalizes false reports as a simple misdemeanor. The bill prioritizes de-escalation and trauma-informed responses while protecting veterans' privacy through strict data handling.

Maddy summaryHF 2471 allows residents in Iowa health care facilities to install electronic monitoring devices (like cameras or audio recorders) in their rooms, with specific requirements. Facilities must obtain written consent from all roommates before installation, and if consent is denied, must try to move the resident to a different room. The bill prohibits facilities from retaliating against residents who use these devices and requires them to post notices about monitoring in rooms. Residents or their legal representatives cover all costs for purchasing, installing, and maintaining the devices. This directly affects residents seeking privacy or safety measures and health care facilities managing room accommodations.

Maddy summaryHJR 2009 proposes a constitutional amendment limiting lifetime service for specific Iowa elected officials to 24 years total across all covered positions. It would prevent individuals from being elected or appointed to offices including governor, state legislators, attorney general, or statewide executive roles if they have already served 24 years in any combination of those offices. The amendment must first be approved by the next Iowa General Assembly (92nd) before being submitted to voters for ratification. This bill directly affects current and future officeholders in these specific state positions.

Maddy summaryHF 2180 establishes a state-funded grant program to help Iowa veterans obtain service animal training. It appropriates $100,000 annually starting in 2026 to provide eligible veterans with grants of up to $5,000 per lifetime, paid directly to accredited Iowa-based training organizations. To qualify, veterans must be state residents meeting department-defined criteria, and organizations must maintain a physical Iowa location and meet accreditation standards. The program requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to set rules for accreditation, application processes, and fund oversight, while coordinating outreach with local veteran service offices.

Maddy summaryHF 2077 modifies Iowa's education funding rules to allow school districts to use money from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund for increased insurance costs associated with employing individuals who hold professional permits to carry weapons under state law. The bill expands the definition of "school infrastructure" under the SAVE fund to specifically include these higher insurance premiums. This change directly affects school districts that hire permit holders for security roles, providing funding flexibility for related insurance expenses. The policy change is purely procedural, clarifying eligible uses of existing SAVE fund resources without altering the fund's overall purpose or creating new financial obligations.

Maddy summaryHF 2278 creates a shortened law enforcement academy program for experienced reserve peace officers in Iowa who meet specific criteria. To qualify, officers must have served continuously for at least four years (with no more than six months off) and completed 4,000 documented hours with Iowa or border-state agencies (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, or Nebraska), plus no serious disciplinary issues during that time. Agencies must verify an officer’s service history and record, and the Iowa law enforcement council can extend eligibility to officers from other states with comparable standards. The program allows these officers to complete a streamlined training course to achieve full peace officer certification.

Maddy summaryHF 2398 modifies Iowa's rules about firearms on school property by creating specific exceptions to the general prohibition. It allows school districts to authorize drivers of school vehicles to carry firearms in the vehicle during pupil transport. It also permits individuals with a valid weapon carry permit to keep a concealed pistol in their locked vehicle while on school grounds (in driveways or parking areas) during activities like dropping off students or making deliveries. Additionally, retired peace officers who retired in good standing and completed recent firearm safety training may carry firearms on school grounds. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2379 would amend Iowa law to allow individuals with a valid permit to carry weapons to possess firearms on school grounds under specific conditions. The bill creates a new exception to the current prohibition (which treats carrying weapons on school grounds as a class D felony), permitting permit holders who carry a firearm for a lawful purpose on their person, with the firearm continuously under their control. This directly affects licensed gun permit holders who wish to carry firearms on school property for permitted activities, such as security roles or personal protection during lawful school events. The key change removes the felony charge for these permit holders when meeting the defined conditions of continuous control and lawful purpose.

Maddy summaryHF 2321 reclassifies certain social workers employed by Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services as "protection occupation" members of the state public employees' retirement system. It directly affects social workers who conduct child protective assessments, family assessments, or safety planning requiring in-person contact with children/families and face heightened safety risks (e.g., entering private residences, interacting with violent individuals, or handling abuse allegations). The bill retroactively reclassifies their prior service as protection occupation service without requiring additional retirement contributions, provided their employer certifies their duties meet the specified criteria. This change ensures these workers' retirement benefits align with the risk level of their roles, as defined by the bill’s safety-related duties.

Maddy summaryHF 2167 establishes a state program to help landowners create buffer strips - permanent vegetation along rivers, streams, and other waterways - to reduce soil erosion, manage nutrients, and improve water quality. Landowners who enroll in the program will work with the state's soil conservation division to establish and maintain these buffer strips, sharing costs and potentially receiving compensation for income lost during their first year of enrollment. The program is funded by a $5 million annual appropriation from the state general fund, starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, managed through a dedicated fund under the division's control.