Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Iowa calculates and distributes funding to area education agencies and school districts, primarily adjusting the foundation base percentages used to determine regular program and special education support services funding. It establishes new formulas for calculating professional development supplements starting in 2026 and requires that at least 90% of special education support services funds received by districts after 2025 be used for services contracted from area education agencies. The legislation also ensures that certain teacher and professional development supplements are paid in full even if the governor orders budget reductions, protecting these specific funding categories from cuts. Additionally, the bill clarifies rounding rules for most funding computations and includes a legislative intent statement linking school funding quality to student education quality.
Sponsored bills
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.
Maddy summaryHF 2708 modifies Iowa's penalties for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) that unintentionally causes injury. It creates a new aggravated misdemeanor charge for OWI causing injury that does not meet the legal definition of "serious injury" (e.g., minor harm not requiring surgery or severe disfigurement). A first offense carries up to two years in jail and fines of $855-$8,540, while a second or subsequent offense becomes a class D felony punishable by up to five years in jail and fines of $1,025-$10,245. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of OWI causing non-serious injury, adjusting penalties to better align with the severity of the harm caused.
Maddy summaryHF 2663 appropriates $2 million to fund a University of Iowa study on the underlying causes of cancer rates in Iowa, and $3 million to the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants supporting clinical cancer research and improving access to cancer research trials for Iowa residents. The funds would cover research costs at the university and allow the health department to provide grants to public or private organizations running cancer research programs. This is a funding measure for research infrastructure, not a direct healthcare service or treatment program.
Maddy summaryHF 2665 requires new single-family and two-family residential construction (after adoption) to include passive radon mitigation systems in the building code. It creates a tax credit of up to $1,000 for homeowners and renters to cover the cost of installing radon mitigation systems, applying retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2025. For rental properties, tenants can test for radon (with results ≥4 picocuries per liter triggering landlord action), and landlords must install mitigation systems within 90 days or face lease termination with rent refunds. The bill also appropriates $100,000 for free radon test kits available to homeowners and renters through the state health department.
Maddy summaryHF 2458 establishes a state grant program within Iowa's Department of Workforce Development to help two groups: high school students pursuing a para-educator certificate and associate degree, and current para-educators seeking a bachelor's degree. The program provides financial assistance for education costs and is funded by a $3.5 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026-2027. It also allows prior work experience through this grant program to count toward the 14-week student teaching requirement for education students. The bill requires the Department of Workforce Development to administer the program in consultation with the Department of Education.
Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill creates a legal framework for "transfer on death deeds," allowing property owners to automatically transfer real estate (like homes or land) to chosen beneficiaries upon their death without probate. Property owners can name beneficiaries, record the deed before death, and revoke it anytime during their lifetime - no beneficiary acceptance or payment is required. The transfer takes effect only if the beneficiary survives the owner, and the property remains subject to existing mortgages or liens at the time of death. It directly affects Iowa property owners seeking to simplify inheritance for their heirs.
Maddy summaryHF 263 requires all physically able students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Iowa public and accredited nonpublic schools to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, separate from required physical education classes. Schools must ensure this activity occurs unless a student is suspended, expelled, absent (including due to illness), or circumstances like inclement weather or early dismissal prevent it. The bill explicitly prohibits using physical education class to fulfill this 30-minute daily activity requirement. It applies directly to K-5 students and school staff responsible for implementing the activity schedule.