Rep. Tom Gerhold

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes and commends the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary. It highlights NCSL's role as a bipartisan organization supporting state legislatures through research, idea-sharing, and fostering cooperation. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses congressional appreciation and directs the House Chief Clerk to send a copy to NCSL.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 17) is a ceremonial measure recognizing Iowa's agricultural community during National Agriculture Week (March 16-22, 2025) and Iowa Agriculture Week (March 24-31, 2025). It commemorates the contributions of Iowa farm families, farm employees, and agricultural leaders without creating new laws or altering policies. The resolution has no direct effect on individuals or businesses, as it serves solely to honor the sector’s role in the state’s economy and culture. It is a symbolic gesture with no binding requirements or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHF 240 requires pipeline applicants in Iowa to provide proof of sufficient insurance or surety before a hazardous liquid pipeline permit is granted. This insurance must cover damages from pipeline discharges (both negligent and intentional), property damage from construction or leaks, and increased insurance costs or inability to obtain insurance for nearby residents. Pipeline companies must either purchase insurance for affected residents or reimburse them for higher premiums caused by the pipeline's presence. The bill was recommended for passage by committees but was withdrawn on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 14) calls on the President and Congress to support the Adoptee Citizenship Act, which would grant U.S. citizenship to children legally adopted from abroad who were 18 or older when the 2000 Child Citizenship Act took effect. It directly affects adoptees who were excluded from automatic citizenship under the 2000 law, despite being raised in the U.S. by American citizens. The resolution urges action to prevent deportation and address barriers these individuals face, such as difficulties obtaining passports, banking services, or education benefits. It does not create new law but advocates for congressional support of the pending Adoptee Citizenship Act.

Maddy summaryHF 239 restructures Iowa's Office of the Consumer Advocate within the Department of Justice, establishing it as a separate division. The bill specifies that the attorney general appoints the consumer advocate (subject to Senate confirmation), sets their salary, and requires regular reports to a committee of state officials (secretary of agriculture, auditor, treasurer). It clarifies that the office's expenses and salaries are funded separately from the utilities commission, with costs for services covered by the commerce revolving fund. The bill also defines how the office may charge expenses for its services in utility proceedings, ensuring fiscal separation between the two entities.

Maddy summaryHF 920 appropriates $1 million from Iowa's general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the Double Up Food Bucks program. The program provides matching funds for SNAP recipients to purchase fresh produce at participating farmers markets and grocery stores across Iowa. Starting January 1, 2026, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing program participation, locations, and redemption rates. The funding does not expire at year-end but remains available for the program's continued operation.

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 summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 7) urges the U.S. President and Congress to support efforts granting citizenship to internationally adopted children who were over 18 when the 2000 Child Citizenship Act took effect. It specifically targets adoptees born abroad who were excluded from automatic citizenship under that law, despite being raised in the U.S. by American citizens. The resolution calls for passage of the Adoptee Citizenship Act, which would provide citizenship to these individuals, removing barriers they face in accessing banking, voting, education, and other services. It does not create new law but expresses Iowa's support for federal action to resolve this citizenship gap.

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 813 limits how much Iowa nursing facilities can increase daily private pay rates for residents. It prohibits rate hikes exceeding the annual Consumer Price Index change, prevents increases within 12 months of the last change, and restricts more than one increase per year. Facilities failing to comply lose eligibility for license renewal. The bill requires nursing facilities to annually report their private pay rates to the state department in a non-identifying format, effective for rates set or renewed after the law takes effect.