Rep. Tracy Ehlert

Maddy summaryHF 460 requires Iowa public and accredited nonpublic schools to incorporate specific play-based learning time into preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten programs. It mandates at least 90 minutes of play-based learning per half-day and 180 minutes per full day for prekindergarten, and 45 minutes per day for kindergarten. The bill defines "play-based learning" as child-directed activities promoting development through play, excluding recess or physical education. These requirements apply to all school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools operating early childhood programs.

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 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 2612 requires public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to adopt policies granting students in grades 6-12 at least one excused absence per school year for participating in specific civic or political events. The policy mandates students provide at least 24 hours' notice to school administrators before the event. Eligible events include voting, serving as a poll worker, attending government meetings, political rallies, forums, or town halls. Crucially, absences for these events will not count toward chronic absenteeism metrics or affect truancy enforcement. This bill directly affects school boards and students in grades 6-12 across Iowa's public and accredited nonpublic school systems.

Maddy summaryHF 2632 lowers the vote threshold for school district bond approvals from 60% to a simple majority (over 50%). This change applies specifically to school districts, while counties, cities, and other local governments must still secure 60% approval for bond measures. The bill amends Iowa Code sections 75.1 and 296.6 to reflect this distinction. All bond elections must still occur on the date specified in section 39.2, subsection 4, paragraph "d".

Maddy summaryHF 2455 repeals Iowa's existing law that prohibited abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected through medical testing. This bill removes the legal restriction on physicians performing abortions following the detection of a fetal heartbeat. The repeal would directly affect medical providers and patients seeking abortion care in Iowa by eliminating this specific prohibition.

Maddy summaryHF 2453 allows Iowa school districts to use existing general fund flexibility accounts for costs to expand preschool programs for four-year-olds. This directly affects school districts by expanding the permitted uses of funds they already manage under state law. The bill amends Section 298A.2, subsection 2, paragraph c, subparagraph (1) to specifically include "start-up costs and costs to expand" approved local preschool programs. The key change is redirecting current flexibility funds toward preschool expansion without creating new state funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2454 creates a temporary license for mental health counselors who have met all licensing requirements except the postgraduate supervised clinical experience. This allows school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to hire such temporary counselors to provide mental health services to students under a qualified supervisor. The temporary license is valid for three years and renewable, with fees set by the licensing board to cover administrative costs. Schools must ensure these counselors work under supervision as defined by the board.

Maddy summaryHF 2421 ensures uninterrupted SNAP benefits for Iowa households if federal funding for the program stops due to a government shutdown. It requires Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to use leftover state general fund money - unspent or uncommitted for that fiscal year - to continue providing full SNAP benefits at the same level as federal funding would have covered. This mechanism keeps eligible households receiving assistance until federal funds are restored, with HHS developing implementing rules. The bill directly affects Iowa SNAP recipients and prevents benefit disruptions during federal funding gaps.