Rep. Elizabeth Wilson

Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill (HF 2378) sets a phased increase to the state minimum wage: $10.00 per hour starting July 1, 2026; $12.50 on July 1, 2027; and $15.00 on July 1, 2028. It also establishes a lower minimum wage of $9.10, $11.60, and $14.10 for employees in their first 90 days of work, effective on the same dates. Beginning July 1, 2029, the wage will automatically rise each year by the same percentage as the federal Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, with no decreases allowed. The bill removes a tip credit for certain workers and allows counties or cities to set higher local minimum wages than the state rate.

Maddy summaryHF 2384 increases Iowa's maximum unemployment benefits for eligible workers. It raises the cap from 16 to 26 times a worker's weekly benefit amount during a benefit year. For workers laid off due to an employer's business closure, it increases the cap from 26 to 39 times the weekly benefit amount. This change directly affects unemployed Iowans who qualify for benefits, ensuring they receive more total support under these specific circumstances. The bill modifies how benefit limits are calculated based on prior earnings.

Maddy summaryHF 2380 establishes a community-based wage enforcement program in Iowa to strengthen enforcement of state wage payment and minimum wage laws. The bill requires the director of the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to contract with qualified community-based organizations (nonprofits with five years of employee advocacy experience) to provide free services directly to workers. Key services include employee education about wage rights, direct advocacy for filing complaints, legal assistance, and tailored support for marginalized communities or non-English speakers. All program activities must be accessible to any Iowa employee at no cost, aiming to improve resolution of wage disputes under state law.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would guarantee Iowa workers the right to form unions, negotiate wages and working conditions through their chosen representatives, and protect workplace safety. It specifically prohibits state laws that interfere with collective bargaining or require union membership as a condition of employment. The amendment would directly affect all Iowa workers and employers, adding these protections to the state constitution. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, it would become part of Iowa's fundamental law.

Maddy summaryHF 2385 prohibits employers in Iowa from willfully misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees, which would deny them benefits like unemployment insurance. It uses current federal IRS guidelines to determine worker classification and applies to misclassifications occurring after the bill's effective date. Employers violating this law face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per misclassified worker for repeat offenses, plus a Class D felony charge (up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,245). The Iowa Department of Workforce Development enforces the law, collects penalties for the general fund, and refers violations to county attorneys.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 109) formally honors the Jordan House Museum in West Des Moines, Iowa, for its 180+ years of historical service. It recognizes the museum's significance as a preserved 1850 Victorian home, an Underground Railroad site led by abolitionist James C. Jordan, and a center for educating the public about African American, Indigenous, and early Iowa history. The resolution directs copies to be sent to Iowa's congressional delegation, local historical societies, and national institutions like the Smithsonian museums. It is purely ceremonial with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded health insurance subsidy program to help Iowans maintain affordable health coverage after federal subsidies expire in 2026. It establishes a new state fund that will provide financial assistance equal to the value of the federal premium tax credit that would have been available in 2025, ensuring residents do not lose coverage due to the federal funding reduction. The program requires applicants to submit standard health insurance application information including income and immigration status, with subsidies potentially available retroactively from January 1, 2026. State agencies will develop an online application system, and the bill appropriates state funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover these subsidies until federal credits are restored.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily prevents gas and electric public utilities in Iowa from raising customer rates or charges through December 31, 2030. It applies to all utilities providing gas or electric service, including smaller providers, electric cooperatives, and municipally owned utilities. The law prohibits any new or changed rates, automatic adjustments, or temporary rate increases that would result in higher bills for customers during this period. The Iowa Utilities Commission will oversee the regulation of this rate freeze for smaller utility providers. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2223 creates a new residential property tax rebate program for Iowa homeowners, funded from the taxpayer relief fund, applicable to property taxes due in fiscal years 2026-2027. It modifies existing homestead tax credit rules to expand eligibility for elderly and disabled residents (ages 65+ with income under 250% of federal poverty level) and adds a new credit calculation method for homes where property value didn’t increase due to improvements. The bill also adjusts how homestead credits are calculated, covering up to $14,550 of a home’s value, and sets the effective date for most changes as July 1, 2027. These provisions directly affect Iowa homeowners, particularly seniors and low-income residents, by providing potential tax relief through modified credits and a new rebate.

Maddy summaryHF 2476 allows Iowans with nonapparent disabilities - such as autism spectrum disorder, mental disabilities, or developmental disabilities - to request a special mark on their driver’s license or nonoperator ID card. The mark would feature a butterfly design approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation or another method the department deems sufficient to indicate the disability. Individuals must apply when renewing or initially obtaining the license/ID and may need to provide medical proof. The department will note this status in its electronic database for law enforcement access and create educational materials about the option.