Rep. Chad Ingels

Maddy summaryHF 458 establishes a state grant program within Iowa's Department of Justice to fund nonprofit organizations operating sexual assault forensic examination centers. Eligible nonprofits must be state-incorporated, employ sexual assault nurse examiners, maintain dedicated treatment facilities for survivors, and prioritize sexual assault care as their primary mission. The program requires grantees to provide medical forensic services to all survivors - including adults, children, rural residents, and people with disabilities - and conduct mandatory trainings for medical staff, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public on sexual assault services and prevention. Grantees must submit annual reports on services delivered but may seek additional funding from other sources, with the contract structured as general reimbursement for operating costs.

Maddy summaryHF 2444 establishes new regulations for specific food sales in Iowa. It creates a licensing system for "farm-to-table events" held on farms (requiring annual permits and compliance with food safety rules), exempts cottage food from most state licensing when sold through food establishments (with labeling and display requirements), and restricts raw milk distribution to licensed farms meeting specific criteria (prohibiting sales at most retail locations but allowing limited delivery to licensed facilities). The bill directly affects farm operators hosting events, cottage food producers, and raw milk dairy farms. Key provisions include mandatory annual licensing for farm events, safety rules for food handling, and strict limits on where raw milk can be distributed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for approaching or staying within 25 feet of first responders after they have issued a verbal warning not to approach. It directly affects individuals who might interfere with law enforcement officers, probation or parole officers, firefighters, or emergency medical providers performing their duties. The law prohibits approaching within the specified distance with the intent to impede the responder's work, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. Violating this provision is classified as a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine between $430 and $2,560. The bill defines harassment as conduct that intentionally causes substantial emotional distress without a legitimate purpose.

Maddy summaryHR 114 is a resolution that formally honors the 30 Iowans who died and the four Iowans who survived the sinking of the USS Indianapolis on July 30, 1945. The bill recognizes the service of these individuals and the ship, which delivered atomic bomb components to Tinian before being torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. This measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to the men who served from Iowa.

Maddy summaryHF 2012 allows Iowa residents with intellectual disabilities enrolled in approved comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs to access the state's tuition grants program. These programs, approved by the U.S. Department of Education, provide academic, career, and independent living instruction. Eligible students may receive grants covering up to two semesters of resident tuition and mandatory fees annually for a maximum of eight semesters. The grants are paid at the start of each semester by the educational institution, with refunds required if a student withdraws after receiving payment.

Maddy summaryHF 463 creates two specialized human trafficking prosecution units within Iowa's Department of Justice, one serving western Iowa and the other eastern Iowa (divided by Interstate 35). These units will bring together prosecutors, investigators, law enforcement, victim services, healthcare professionals, and community advocates to investigate, prosecute human trafficking cases, and support victims. The units will also provide community training and technical assistance to raise awareness. The bill directly affects victims of human trafficking and requires coordination between the Attorney General's office, public safety, and health agencies. It defines "human trafficking" using the existing legal standard from Iowa Code section 710A.1.

Maddy summaryHF 2319 exempts service performed for certain Amish employers from unemployment insurance eligibility, directly affecting Amish congregations meeting specific religious criteria. Employers must certify to Iowa's workforce department that all owners are Amish members with sincere religious objections to unemployment insurance, obtain written employee acknowledgments of non-eligibility, and submit annual elections. The exemption applies only to employees hired on or after the bill's effective date, requiring ongoing employer compliance. The bill explicitly states it does not exempt employers from federal unemployment laws or other tax obligations.

Maddy summaryHF 2401 exempts certain advisory board members from a mandatory training requirement for public officials. Specifically, it removes the need for members of boards, councils, or committees established solely to provide advice or recommendations - when appointed by a school board, city council, or board of supervisors - to complete the education course about open meeting laws. This change applies to advisory groups not subject to the Iowa Public Information Board's jurisdiction, aligning their requirements with current law. The bill modifies an existing training mandate under Iowa Code 21.12 without creating new policy.

Maddy summaryHF 96 establishes a tuition reimbursement program for Iowa teachers pursuing an advanced dyslexia specialist certification. It provides up to 75% of tuition costs (capped at two years) to teachers working in Iowa schools or area education agencies who are obtaining this specialized certification. The program, funded with $335,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026, requires annual applications and verification of current teaching status. Teachers must apply each year and complete the certification process to receive payments, with the first payment after year one and the second after year two. The College Student Aid Commission administers the program and reports annually on participation and outcomes.

Maddy summaryHF 2225 creates a tax credit for Iowa residents who paid nonresident tuition at state universities and later work in the state as health care professionals, teachers, licensed veterinarians, or professional engineers. The credit equals 100% of the difference between the nonresident and resident tuition rates they paid during their studies, available within three years of graduation while employed in Iowa. Unused credit can be carried forward for up to five years to offset future income tax, but it is not refundable and does not apply to nonresidents. The bill requires the Board of Regents to publish historical tuition rates online and applies retroactively to tax years starting January 1, 2026.