Rep. Angel Ramirez

Maddy summaryHF 2258 requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and fertility preservation services (like egg freezing before cancer treatment). It mandates coverage for up to three completed egg retrieval cycles with unlimited embryo transfers (using single embryo transfer when medically appropriate), plus fertility medications on par with other prescription drug coverage. Religious employers may request an exclusion from this coverage if it conflicts with their beliefs, but must notify employees about the exclusion. The law applies to new or renewed health insurance plans issued on or after July 1, 2026, and excludes accident-only, dental, vision, and other specific coverage types.

Maddy summaryHF 2217 requires all public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in Iowa to test for radon gas in school buildings at least once by July 2027 and every five years thereafter, with testing limited to October-March. It creates a state grant program within the Department of Education to help schools cover the costs of radon testing and mitigation, using funds that remain available year-to-year rather than reverting to the general fund. Schools must follow specific testing protocols and address elevated radon levels (4 picocuries per liter or higher) by conducting follow-up tests or developing mitigation plans. The bill also mandates that testing results be published online and reported to health officials, with grants intended to supplement, not replace, existing school funding for radon-related work.

Maddy summaryHF 2219 requires Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct interviews with adoptive parents and adopted children 18-36 months after an adoption is finalized. The interviews must include separate face-to-face meetings (one with the parent and one with the child alone) and assess the child’s living conditions to ensure well-being. This applies only to adoptions with final court decrees issued on or after the bill’s effective date. The law mandates these checks to monitor the child’s adjustment in their new home environment.

Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill prohibits peace officers (including state troopers, city/county police, and federal/state agency officers) from wearing opaque facial coverings like balaclavas or tactical masks during duty, except for clear face shields, medical masks, motorcycle helmets, or safety gear. Violating this would be a serious misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail or $2,560 fine). Crucially, if an officer commits misconduct (e.g., false arrest) while wearing a prohibited covering, they lose legal immunity and could face $10,000+ in damages. The bill specifically defines "facial covering" to exclude items used for medical protection, safety, or operational needs.

Maddy summaryHF 2222 allows Iowa courts to require a pretrial risk assessment for bailable defendants charged with offenses where their release might endanger others. The assessment, conducted by correctional services using a state-approved tool, must be considered by the court when setting release conditions. Courts must determine if sufficient conditions (like supervision or restrictions) can reduce risk to others before releasing the defendant. This applies specifically to defendants where the court identifies a potential safety risk upon release. The bill does not change sentencing or create new offenses, only modifies pretrial release considerations.

Maddy summaryHF 2234 requests the Iowa legislative council to create an interim study committee focused on affordability issues in transportation, housing, energy, healthcare, and food. The committee must study these areas during the 2026 legislative interim and submit its findings and recommendations to the Iowa General Assembly by December 31, 2026. This bill does not make new laws but sets up a formal process for examining cost-of-living challenges affecting Iowa residents. It directly involves the legislative council and future policymakers who will review the committee's report. The study aims to inform potential future legislative action on affordability.

Maddy summaryHF 2221 modifies Iowa's state child care assistance program by adjusting eligibility requirements and reimbursement rules. It sets income limits (capping at 160% of federal poverty level for basic care or 200% for special needs children), requires parents to work or train at least 32 hours weekly (28 for special needs), and prohibits changing reimbursement rates without new legislation. The bill also establishes a priority waiting list based on income and circumstances (e.g., families at or below 100% poverty level first), and requires providers to accept written agreements for families to pay additional fees beyond state reimbursement. This directly affects low-income families needing child care while working or training, and child care providers receiving state payments.

Maddy summaryHF 2206 reclassifies marijuana offenses in Iowa, reducing penalties for possession while maintaining criminal penalties for larger quantities. It establishes specific penalties based on amount: possession of 4 ounces or less is now a simple misdemeanor (or a $100 civil penalty for under 1/2 ounce, with community service for minors), while amounts over 12 ounces become serious misdemeanors and over 2 kilograms are felonies. The bill also adds enhanced penalties for distributing marijuana near schools or parks. It directly affects anyone possessing or distributing marijuana in Iowa, with key changes found in sections 124F.2 and 124.401G. The bill does not legalize marijuana but modifies how possession is punished.

Maddy summaryHF 2156 modifies Iowa's unemployment insurance rules for educational staff employed between academic terms. It removes the current provision that allowed workers to receive retroactive benefits if they had "reasonable assurance" of returning to the same role but were not rehired. Under this bill, individuals performing services for an educational institution before a vacation or holiday break are ineligible for unemployment benefits during that break, even if they had assurance of continued work afterward. This change directly affects non-instructional, non-research, and non-principal administrative staff at schools who might otherwise qualify for benefits during academic transitions. The bill does not create new funding requirements, as school districts will cover costs using existing state foundation aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $5 million from Iowa's general fund to the Department of Education for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to establish a therapeutic classroom incentive grant program. It directly provides funding to school districts to create therapeutic classrooms for students aged 3 to 21 whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with their success in regular school settings. The program enables school districts to receive grants to set up specialized classrooms designed to support these students' learning and development. The funding is specifically designated for this purpose and cannot be used for other educational programs.