Rep. Jeff Shipley

Maddy summaryHF 2395 bans the addition of hydrofluorosilicic acid and other fluoride-based additives to both public and private drinking water systems in Iowa. It requires county health boards to set private water standards that prevent fluoride levels exceeding natural background amounts, and directs the environmental protection commission to establish public water standards with the same limit. The bill updates drinking water rules to ensure they align with federal standards while prohibiting artificial fluoride addition. This directly affects all public water utilities and private well owners subject to county health regulations. The policy change specifically eliminates the use of fluoride additives in water treatment, setting maximum allowable levels at naturally occurring background concentrations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Iowa's state treasurer to allocate 20% of general fund public money into investments in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and 10% into equity investments in companies producing those precious metals, oil, or natural gas. It directly affects how the state manages its general fund assets, mandating specific percentages for these investments. The key mechanism is the mandatory reallocation of state funds toward these commodity-related assets, replacing current investment practices. This policy change shifts state investment strategy toward tangible commodities and resource-sector businesses. The bill is currently in committee after its February 11, 2026 introduction.

Maddy summaryHF 2110 requires Iowa's Department of Transportation to issue driver's licenses and nonoperator ID cards that do not comply with federal REAL ID standards upon applicant request. The bill prohibits the department from collecting or storing biometric data (like fingerprints or facial scans), retaining supporting documents (such as birth certificates or utility bills), or sharing applicant information in federal databases. It mandates that applicants be informed about the option to obtain a noncompliant license and ensures that noncompliant IDs remain valid for state driving and identification purposes. This directly affects Iowa residents who choose not to obtain REAL ID-compliant identification.

Maddy summaryHF 2236 modifies Iowa's tuition grants program to expand eligibility for students at accredited private colleges and universities. It revises definitions to include "accredited private institutions" in key sections, ensuring these schools qualify for state financial aid programs like the Iowa Tuition Grant and teacher shortage loan programs. The bill also requires institutions to post required textbook lists online 14 days before each term and creates a new teacher shortage forgivable loan program for students in designated teacher shortage areas. These changes directly affect students attending private colleges, public institutions, and community colleges participating in Iowa's state aid programs.

Maddy summaryHF 2239 requires Iowa political parties to hold congressional district conventions to elect delegates (who must be eligible voters and residents), adopt district platforms for state committee consideration, and establish district central committees starting in 2027. These committees, composed of county central committee chairs, must elect officers for two-year terms, create bylaws filed with the state election office, and prohibit proxies at conventions. The bill also mandates that conventions transact other business as required by law or party rules. This procedural legislation changes how parties organize at the district level for internal governance and platform development.

Maddy summaryHF 2238 is a study bill requiring the Iowa Department of Administrative Services to examine the cost and feasibility of the state acquiring certain public utilities or their assets. It targets electric and natural gas utilities regulated under Iowa law that serve over 200,000 customers in Iowa and are headquartered outside the state. The study must assess acquisition costs, feasibility, and how to reorganize assets to maximize benefits for customers within the utility’s current service area. The department must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 15, 2026. This bill does not authorize acquisition but mandates a review process.

Maddy summaryHF 2175 makes it a class C felony to buy or sell a person, punishable by up to 10 years in prison or fines up to $13,660. The law specifically exempts surrogate mother arrangements where the surrogate receives no money or other value for agreeing to carry a child and give up all parental rights to the intended parents. This bill directly affects individuals involved in commercial surrogacy arrangements and anyone attempting to buy or sell people, while clarifying that non-monetary surrogacy agreements remain legal. The key provision prohibits financial transactions involving people but explicitly allows surrogacy without payment to the surrogate.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Staff Sergeants William Nathaniel Howard and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Iowa National Guard members killed in action during a December 13, 2025, enemy attack in Palmyra, Syria. It recognizes their service, sacrifice, and posthumous promotions to staff sergeant, while also acknowledging three wounded Iowa National Guard soldiers from the same incident. The resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' respect for their lives and sacrifice, and directs copies to be sent to their families as a gesture of recognition. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy or funding changes, solely intended to honor the fallen service members and their families.

Maddy summaryHF 565 establishes a partial property tax exemption for certain residential properties. This exemption applies to homes purchased from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by owners who qualify for the homestead tax credit. To be eligible, the sale must be made to provide housing in an area declared a major disaster or disaster emergency. The exemption lasts for four assessment years, starting at 80% of the property's actual value in the first year and decreasing by 20% each subsequent year.

Maddy summaryHF 966 proposes to exempt the sale of dietary supplements from the state sales tax. Currently, dietary supplements are subject to sales tax, similar to candy or soft drinks. This bill would amend existing law to remove dietary supplements from the list of items subject to sales tax. This change would reduce the cost for consumers purchasing products like vitamins and minerals, as the exemption also extends to the use tax.