Rep. Helena Hayes

Maddy summaryHF 731 establishes standards for mold removal in indoor environments across Iowa. It requires mold remediation companies to register with the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing and prove their direct supervisor holds third-party certification (from groups like IICRC or NORMI). The bill mandates compliance with ANSI/IICRC S520 standards for all mold removal work and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to run a public awareness campaign about mold risks and removal. Additionally, the health department must submit annual reports to the legislature on new mold-related health research and changes in training standards. This directly affects mold removal companies, their supervisors, and public health communications.

Maddy summaryHF 666 defines "elective abortion" as any act intending to terminate a pregnancy with knowledge it will likely cause the death of an unborn child, excluding emergency contraception, in vitro fertilization, and certain medical treatments like miscarriage care. It creates civil penalties for abortion providers, "abortion funds" that help pay for abortions, and anyone who "aids or abets" abortions, including civil lawsuits under federal RICO laws for abortion pill distribution. The bill explicitly excludes emergency contraception (like Plan B), medical treatments for ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage care from its restrictions. It applies to individuals and entities facilitating abortions, with penalties enforced through civil actions rather than criminal prosecution.

Maddy summaryHF 558 prohibits public libraries in Iowa counties and cities from purchasing or providing materials depicting "sex acts" (as defined in Iowa law) or hard-core pornography to minors. It requires librarians to avoid knowingly providing such material to minors and creates a process where parents/guardians can file complaints after 30 days of ongoing violations, leading to civil lawsuits against the library district or city. If successful, courts must award damages ($10,000 for obscene material, $20,000 for hard-core pornography), attorney fees, and impose daily fines ($5,000 base + $500/day) that fund the state general fund. The bill directly affects public library staff and governing bodies (county boards, city councils) responsible for library operations.

Maddy summaryHF 274 repeals Iowa Code section 728.7, which currently protects public libraries and accredited schools from obscenity laws when using educational materials or allowing minors to attend art exhibitions. This bill removes a legal exemption that previously shielded these institutions from prosecution under Iowa's obscenity statutes (Chapter 728) for displaying or providing materials deemed inappropriate for minors. The change would mean libraries and schools could potentially face obscenity charges for materials previously covered under this exemption. The bill directly affects public libraries, schools, and educational programs in Iowa that serve minors.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 3) is a symbolic statement by Iowa's House of Representatives affirming the state's support for Israel. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals or entities; instead, it expresses solidarity through shared values, condemns antisemitism and terrorism, and encourages cultural and economic collaboration between Iowa and Israel. The resolution highlights Iowa's partnership with Israel's Western Galilee region, economic ties in agriculture and technology, and support for Israel's sovereignty following the October 7 attacks. It was adopted unanimously (76-10) on February 13, 2025, with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryHF 280 prohibits the governor from closing, mandating, or regulating places of worship during disasters or public health emergencies, including under emergency proclamations. It directly affects religious congregations using buildings designated as active places of worship. The bill defines "place of worship" as a building where an active congregation gathers for worship. This law would prevent executive actions restricting religious gatherings during declared emergencies. The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee after being introduced on February 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 80 prohibits Iowa school districts and charter schools from disciplining employees, contractors, or students for using legal names, names listed on school registration records, or for not using specific personal pronouns in official communications like emails or forms. It specifically bans disciplinary actions such as termination, suspension, or fines for these reasons. The bill allows affected employees to seek civil remedies, including reinstatement, back pay (up to three times annual wages), and attorney fees, if terminated in violation. This policy directly affects school staff, students, and contractors interacting within official school communications.