Rep. Cindy Golding

Maddy summaryHF 237 sets clear conditions under which the Iowa Utilities Commission can impose sanctions on people or groups (intervenors) participating in contested cases. The bill prohibits the commission from threatening or imposing sanctions unless it determines an intervenor was knowingly dishonest or violated a criminal law AND caused actual, quantifiable injury exceeding $500 to the commission. This directly affects intervenors in utility commission proceedings by requiring specific, documented misconduct and harm before penalties can be applied. The bill does not change utility regulations but modifies the commission's sanction process to require stricter proof.

Maddy summaryHF 491 modifies Iowa's eminent domain laws for pipeline projects. It requires pipeline companies seeking to use eminent domain to first qualify as "common carriers" (transporting goods for unaffiliated shippers who retain ownership, not selling to the pipeline company). For hazardous liquid pipelines, the government must now prove "public use" with "clear and convincing evidence" instead of the lower standard. This directly affects pipeline companies seeking infrastructure rights and landowners whose property could be taken for pipeline projects. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 436 exempts purchases of child restraint systems (like car seats) from Iowa's sales and use tax, reducing costs for parents buying them. It also requires insurance companies to include the value of these systems in auto insurance settlements when a vehicle suffers partial or total damage. The bill defines "child restraint system" as federally compliant seats meeting safety standards (per 49 C.F.R. §571.213) and applies to auto losses occurring on or after July 1, 2025. This directly affects families purchasing child seats and insurers handling auto damage claims.

Maddy summaryHF 480 amends Iowa's water permit process by removing the existing legal definition of "beneficial use" and requiring the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to evaluate each water permit application individually. The bill mandates that the DNR grant permits for water diversion, storage, or withdrawal if the use aligns with conservation principles, without categorizing uses (e.g., agricultural vs. municipal). It sets strict deadlines: 90 days to decide new permits and 30 days for renewals, while requiring all permits to include routine conservation practices and emergency measures. This directly affects water users (like farmers, municipalities, and industries) applying for permits to divert or store water in Iowa.

Maddy summaryHF 88 modifies Iowa's education laws to clarify requirements for private instruction, world language teaching, and tuition tax credits. It requires parents of privately instructed children to submit detailed course outlines, immunization records, and blood lead test results by September 1 each year. The bill defines "independent private instruction" as non-accredited programs with ≤4 unrelated students, no tuition, and religious focus, while ensuring diplomas from such programs are treated equally to public school diplomas. It also prohibits altering grammatical gender in world language instruction (e.g., Spanish/French) and provides a 25.5% tax credit for tuition paid for kindergarten through grade 12. These changes apply immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 238 prohibits the Iowa Utilities Commission from renewing permits for pipelines transporting liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2). It sets a strict 25-year maximum operational limit for all CO2 pipelines, meaning they cannot operate beyond this period even if initially permitted for less time. This bill specifically targets CO2 pipelines, reinforcing a 25-year cap that already applies to other pipelines under current law but explicitly prevents renewal for CO2-specific projects. The bill directly affects CO2 pipeline operators and the commission responsible for issuing and reviewing permits.

Maddy summaryHF 241 requires all Iowa Utilities Commission members to be present during live testimony at hearings related to public utilities, pipelines, or electric transmission lines. If any member is unavailable during such a hearing, the meeting must pause until all members return. The bill also mandates that at least one commission member attend all informational meetings about pipeline permits, electric transmission lines, or hazardous liquid pipelines, pausing the meeting if no member is present. This applies to meetings held by pipeline companies or the commission itself, directly affecting commission operations and how companies conduct required public meetings.

Maddy summaryHF 242 creates a new court review process for property owners and applicants involved in Iowa Utilities Commission eminent domain cases. It allows individuals whose property is subject to eminent domain to petition Polk County district court for a declaratory judgment about legal rights and status before the commission makes a final decision, with a $10 filing fee paid to the court clerk (deposited into the state general fund). The bill prohibits bond requirements for appeals or injunctions related to these reviews and sets conditions for new actions after 18 months or changed circumstances, requiring a different county and judge to review the case anew without relying on prior decisions.

Maddy summaryHF 612 regulates kratom sales in Iowa by requiring sellers (processors, retailers, and food service establishments) to register annually with the Department of Health and Human Services. It mandates lab testing for safety, limits 7-hydroxymitragynine content to under 2%, bans child-attractive packaging, and prohibits dangerous additives like synthetic drugs. All kratom products must carry specific labels warning against use by those under 21, pregnant/breastfeeding individuals, and including FDA disclaimers. The bill also requires clear labeling of ingredients, serving sizes, and safety instructions for consumers.

Maddy summaryHF 664 allows nursing home residents or their representatives (such as family members or legal guardians) to use electronic monitoring devices (like cameras) in their rooms, with strict consent requirements. Residents must provide written consent or have their representative consent if they lack capacity, and roommates in shared rooms must also consent in writing. If a roommate objects, the facility must try to move one resident to an available shared room (with the resident paying a private room rate if they choose a private space). The bill requires facilities to document consent and allows residents to withdraw consent or adjust monitoring conditions at any time.