Rep. Helena Hayes

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Iowa public school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from offering any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction about gender theory or sexual orientation to students in grades seven through twelve. It extends an existing ban that previously applied only to kindergarten through sixth grade to cover all middle and high school students. The law requires schools to remove such content from their human growth and development curriculum, which must instead focus on age-appropriate, research-based topics like health, safety, and disease prevention as outlined in other sections of the law. This is a direct policy change affecting school curricula in 7th-12th grades across participating schools.

Maddy summaryHF 2195 requires Iowa county election commissioners to label every ballot cast in primary and general elections with the specific method used to vote. The label must distinguish between in-person voting on election day, in-person voting before election day, and mail voting - separating standard mail ballots from those cast by military personnel or overseas citizens under federal law. This policy change aims to provide transparency about voting methods by mandating standardized ballot labeling across all counties. The state election commissioner will develop implementing rules under Chapter 17A of Iowa law. The bill is currently in the introduction stage, having been referred to the State Government committee on January 29, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2164 requires voters registering to vote on election day or casting an in-person absentee ballot to cast a provisional ballot instead of a regular ballot if their eligibility cannot be verified immediately. The absentee and special voters precinct board must later verify the voter's eligibility - specifically checking if they have a felony conviction without restored voting rights - before counting the ballot. This changes current law, which allowed some voters to cast regular ballots if electronic verification was possible at the polling place. The bill directly affects voters registering or voting in person on election day who cannot prove eligibility through electronic means.

Maddy summaryHF 2166 requires Iowa's state commissioner of elections to create a record of all voter registration data for every voter who cast a ballot in each election, organized by county, within 60 days after the election. This record must be retained for eight years and made available electronically at no cost to the public upon request (with physical storage options for very large files). The bill directly affects voters whose data is included in the record and the public seeking access to election-related voter registration information. It establishes a new procedural requirement for preserving and providing access to historical voter registration data.

Maddy summaryHF 2165 modifies Iowa's absentee voting process to standardize ballot handling and return procedures. It requires absentee ballots to be mailed in a specific envelope system (including affidavit, delivery, and return envelopes with matching serial numbers) and sets a strict deadline: ballots must be received by the county commissioner's office by 5:00 p.m. the day before election day, either via mail (postmarked by that date) or delivered in person. This directly affects Iowa voters who request absentee ballots, changing how they must package, sign, and return their ballots. The bill clarifies verification steps and adds a secrecy envelope requirement if ballots cannot be folded to hide votes.

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 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 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 summaryHF 81 defines "obscene material involving a minor" as visual depictions meeting specific criteria (depicting minors in prohibited sexual acts, appealing to prurient interest, being patently offensive, and lacking serious value). It prohibits producing, distributing, receiving, or possessing such material, with first offenses classified as aggravated misdemeanors (up to 2 years jail, $8,540 fine) and repeat offenses as class D felonies (up to 5 years jail, $10,245 fine), requiring sex offender registration. The bill exempts law enforcement activities, educational materials in schools/libraries, and does not require the depicted minor to exist. The bill was withdrawn on March 31, 2025, after committee approval.

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.