Rep. Dan Gosa

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 2452 establishes a state-run data security program within Iowa's Department of Education, allowing school districts to opt in for enhanced protection of student and district data. The department must select data security vendors through a request for proposals process, and participating school districts must commit for an entire school year without mid-year withdrawal. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to fund this program, with money in the dedicated fund rolling over annually instead of reverting to the general fund. This program directly affects school districts choosing to participate and aims to standardize data security practices across Iowa's educational institutions.

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 2400 requires Iowa's Department of Administrative Services to create and maintain an online contractor performance assessment system for public improvement projects. The system will grade architects, engineers, and contractors based on three specific metrics: whether work was completed on time, if costs stayed within budget, and the history of change orders. Governmental entities will use this publicly accessible system to evaluate if potential bidders are "responsible" for future public contracts. This bill directly affects contractors working on state-funded projects by establishing a standardized way to assess their performance.

Maddy summaryHF 564 allows Iowa government entities to reject the lowest qualified bid for public construction projects based on a bidder's experience, employee count, or financial ability - not just price - and requires them to explain the rejection in writing. It also sets a $150 million cost threshold for using "guaranteed maximum price" contracts (replacing standard bidding for large projects) and mandates that construction managers' proposals include full cost breakdowns without contingency fees. Contractors rejected under these rules can legally challenge the decision in court if they believe it was arbitrary, fraudulent, or in bad faith. The bill directly affects public contractors, government agencies, and construction managers handling projects over $150 million.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 requires Iowa's Department of Administrative Services to contract with qualified contractors to assess mechanical insulation (insulation around pipes, boilers, and HVAC systems) in all state-owned public buildings within 10 years. The assessment must identify energy-saving opportunities, health risks, and necessary repairs, with findings posted online within 30 days. If repairs could cut carbon emissions and energy use by over 30%, the department must implement them within 12 months; immediate action is required for health or safety issues. The law expires on July 1, 2037.

Maddy summaryHF 2382 establishes a state grant program within Iowa's Department of Education to help school districts cover costs for hiring or keeping school resource officers (SROs), as defined by federal law. School districts must contribute a 1:1 match (e.g., $1 for every $1 granted) and may receive up to $12,000 per SRO per grant. The program is funded by a $480,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026-2027, with grants awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds must supplement, not replace, existing district funding for similar SRO costs.

Maddy summaryHF 2371 requires anyone selling scrap metal in Iowa to obtain a permit from their county sheriff, pay a $5 fee, and provide ID at the time of sale. Scrap metal dealers must collect and retain seller information (name, address, ID) for the first transaction and keep all records confidential for two years. The law exempts small sales ($50 or less), dealer-to-dealer transactions, and sales from established businesses to their own employees. Violations carry civil penalties: $100 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offenses within two years.

Maddy summaryHF 2364 requires Iowa legislators' salaries to be suspended if the state fails to enact specific budget funding levels (state percent of growth and categorical state percent of growth) within 30 days of the governor's budget transmission. This applies directly to Iowa legislators during the regular legislative session. If the required budget provisions aren't passed by the deadline, salaries are suspended starting on day 31 and remain suspended until the funding levels are enacted. Any withheld salary is forfeited and not paid retroactively upon later enactment of the budget provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 2373 proposes a state-run retirement savings program for Iowa workers. It requires employers with five or more employees to automatically enroll eligible workers (aged 18+ working 120+ days annually) in a trust managed by the Iowa Treasurer, with a default contribution rate set by the Treasurer. Participants can opt out, adjust contribution levels, or choose from low-risk investment options, including a target date fund as the default. Employers must provide annual enrollment periods and educational materials about the program. The bill is currently in committee and aims to expand retirement savings access for Iowa workers through employer-based enrollment.