Rep. Jason Gearhart

Maddy summaryHF 2014 allows children aged 16 or older in Iowa to request a court hearing to change where they live (physical care) or visitation arrangements with parents. If the child requests a change, the court must grant it unless it finds clear evidence of coercion, danger to the child, or that a parent would be effectively barred from raising the child. The court must consider specific factors when evaluating if a parent would be barred, including visitation frequency, past order compliance, decision-making ability, and routine disruption. This bill amends Iowa Code sections 598.21C and 598.41, taking effect immediately upon enactment.

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 539 would allow Iowa military veterans with active duty military police experience to join state law enforcement agencies without completing the full law enforcement academy training. Veterans must have served at least four years in the military, held a military police role with accredited training equivalent to Iowa's standards, and received an honorable discharge. Eligible veterans would need to apply with documentation, receive a certificate of equivalency, and complete a one-week Iowa-specific orientation course covering state laws and procedures. The bill also requires the council to develop evaluation guidelines and publish annual reports tracking veterans' transitions and performance in law enforcement roles.

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 The bill was recommended for passage by committees but was withdrawn on March 31, 2025.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 summaryThis resolution (HR 14) calls on the President and Congress to support the Adoptee Citizenship Act, which would grant U.S. citizenship to children legally adopted from abroad who were 18 or older when the 2000 Child Citizenship Act took effect. It directly affects adoptees who were excluded from automatic citizenship under the 2000 law, despite being raised in the U.S. by American citizens. The resolution urges action to prevent deportation and address barriers these individuals face, such as difficulties obtaining passports, banking services, or education benefits. It does not create new law but advocates for congressional support of the pending Adoptee Citizenship Act.

Maddy summaryHF 244 would have amended Iowa law to simplify the offense of falsely claiming a pet as a service animal. It removed two requirements needed to prove the crime: that the person received a prior warning about the law and knew the animal wasn't a service animal. The bill would have made it easier to prosecute people who intentionally misrepresent pets as service animals to access public spaces or services. This change would have kept the existing penalty of a simple misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail and a $105-$855 fine) but lowered the legal bar for conviction. The bill was withdrawn on March 14, 2025, before becoming law.

Maddy summaryHF 920 appropriates $1 million from Iowa's general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the Double Up Food Bucks program. The program provides matching funds for SNAP recipients to purchase fresh produce at participating farmers markets and grocery stores across Iowa. Starting January 1, 2026, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing program participation, locations, and redemption rates. The funding does not expire at year-end but remains available for the program's continued operation.

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 summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 7) urges the U.S. President and Congress to support efforts granting citizenship to internationally adopted children who were over 18 when the 2000 Child Citizenship Act took effect. It specifically targets adoptees born abroad who were excluded from automatic citizenship under that law, despite being raised in the U.S. by American citizens. The resolution calls for passage of the Adoptee Citizenship Act, which would provide citizenship to these individuals, removing barriers they face in accessing banking, voting, education, and other services. It does not create new law but expresses Iowa's support for federal action to resolve this citizenship gap.

Maddy summaryHF 812 requests the Iowa legislative council to form an interim study committee to plan a state education summit for 2026. The committee, with specific membership including educators, administrators, and education officials, must determine the summit’s location, agenda, and speakers by December 2025. It will focus on identifying best practices in education, such as active learning and technology use, and develop speaker recommendations. The committee’s final report will propose the summit’s details to the legislature and governor.