Rep. Elinor Levin

Maddy summaryHF 2223 creates a new residential property tax rebate program for Iowa homeowners, funded from the taxpayer relief fund, applicable to property taxes due in fiscal years 2026-2027. It modifies existing homestead tax credit rules to expand eligibility for elderly and disabled residents (ages 65+ with income under 250% of federal poverty level) and adds a new credit calculation method for homes where property value didn’t increase due to improvements. The bill also adjusts how homestead credits are calculated, covering up to $14,550 of a home’s value, and sets the effective date for most changes as July 1, 2027. These provisions directly affect Iowa homeowners, particularly seniors and low-income residents, by providing potential tax relief through modified credits and a new rebate.

Maddy summaryHF 2476 allows Iowans with nonapparent disabilities - such as autism spectrum disorder, mental disabilities, or developmental disabilities - to request a special mark on their driver’s license or nonoperator ID card. The mark would feature a butterfly design approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation or another method the department deems sufficient to indicate the disability. Individuals must apply when renewing or initially obtaining the license/ID and may need to provide medical proof. The department will note this status in its electronic database for law enforcement access and create educational materials about the option.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases taxes on cigarettes, tobacco products, and vapor products in Iowa. It imposes new wholesale tax rates of 22% and 28% on these products (with exceptions for little cigars and snuff), and similar retail rates based on the product cost. These changes directly affect retailers who sell these products and consumers who purchase them. The tax structure replaces previous rates and requires electronic payment reporting for compliance.

Maddy summaryHF 2708 modifies Iowa's penalties for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) that unintentionally causes injury. It creates a new aggravated misdemeanor charge for OWI causing injury that does not meet the legal definition of "serious injury" (e.g., minor harm not requiring surgery or severe disfigurement). A first offense carries up to two years in jail and fines of $855-$8,540, while a second or subsequent offense becomes a class D felony punishable by up to five years in jail and fines of $1,025-$10,245. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of OWI causing non-serious injury, adjusting penalties to better align with the severity of the harm caused.

Maddy summaryHF 2663 appropriates $2 million to fund a University of Iowa study on the underlying causes of cancer rates in Iowa, and $3 million to the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants supporting clinical cancer research and improving access to cancer research trials for Iowa residents. The funds would cover research costs at the university and allow the health department to provide grants to public or private organizations running cancer research programs. This is a funding measure for research infrastructure, not a direct healthcare service or treatment program.

Maddy summaryHF 2665 requires new single-family and two-family residential construction (after adoption) to include passive radon mitigation systems in the building code. It creates a tax credit of up to $1,000 for homeowners and renters to cover the cost of installing radon mitigation systems, applying retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2025. For rental properties, tenants can test for radon (with results ≥4 picocuries per liter triggering landlord action), and landlords must install mitigation systems within 90 days or face lease termination with rent refunds. The bill also appropriates $100,000 for free radon test kits available to homeowners and renters through the state health department.

Maddy summaryHF 2612 requires public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to adopt policies granting students in grades 6-12 at least one excused absence per school year for participating in specific civic or political events. The policy mandates students provide at least 24 hours' notice to school administrators before the event. Eligible events include voting, serving as a poll worker, attending government meetings, political rallies, forums, or town halls. Crucially, absences for these events will not count toward chronic absenteeism metrics or affect truancy enforcement. This bill directly affects school boards and students in grades 6-12 across Iowa's public and accredited nonpublic school systems.

Maddy summaryHF 2632 lowers the vote threshold for school district bond approvals from 60% to a simple majority (over 50%). This change applies specifically to school districts, while counties, cities, and other local governments must still secure 60% approval for bond measures. The bill amends Iowa Code sections 75.1 and 296.6 to reflect this distinction. All bond elections must still occur on the date specified in section 39.2, subsection 4, paragraph "d".

Maddy summaryHF 2455 repeals Iowa's existing law that prohibited abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected through medical testing. This bill removes the legal restriction on physicians performing abortions following the detection of a fetal heartbeat. The repeal would directly affect medical providers and patients seeking abortion care in Iowa by eliminating this specific prohibition.

Maddy summaryHF 2453 allows Iowa school districts to use existing general fund flexibility accounts for costs to expand preschool programs for four-year-olds. This directly affects school districts by expanding the permitted uses of funds they already manage under state law. The bill amends Section 298A.2, subsection 2, paragraph c, subparagraph (1) to specifically include "start-up costs and costs to expand" approved local preschool programs. The key change is redirecting current flexibility funds toward preschool expansion without creating new state funding.