Sen. Cherielynn Westrich

Maddy summarySF 347 prohibits public libraries in Iowa counties and cities from purchasing or providing materials depicting sex acts (as defined in Iowa law) to minors. It requires librarians to avoid knowingly sharing obscene material or hard-core pornography with minors, and allows parents/guardians to file complaints after 30 days of continued violations. If a court rules in favor of the complainant, the library entity faces civil penalties of at least $5,000 plus $500 per day, plus $10,000-$20,000 in damages to the parent, with fines paid to the state general fund. The bill applies to all public library districts and city libraries, creating a civil enforcement path for alleged violations.

Maddy summarySF 334 creates a "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act" in Iowa, allowing individuals or organizations sued over speech, assembly, or association on public issues to file a special motion to dismiss the case quickly. If filed within 60 days of being sued, the motion triggers an automatic stay of all other court proceedings while the case is reviewed. The court must dismiss the lawsuit if the plaintiff cannot prove they have a valid legal claim, and the moving party may recover attorney fees if successful. The law specifically excludes government officials acting in their official capacity, commercial speech about goods/services, and cases involving imminent public safety threats.

Maddy summarySJR 6 is a constitutional amendment proposing to repeal Iowa’s natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund (which funded parks, trails, and conservation) and replace it with a new property tax relief trust fund. The amendment would dedicate a portion of increased sales and use tax revenue (capped at 0.375% of taxable sales) to lower school district property tax levies uniformly across the state. This fund would replace revenue previously generated from the foundation property tax levy, directly reducing property taxes for homeowners and businesses that fund public schools. As a constitutional amendment, it requires voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summarySF 254 requires municipalities and fire departments in Iowa to purchase only firefighting equipment (including protective clothing, helmets, gloves, and footwear) that has a permanent label indicating whether it contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Starting July 1, 2026, this labeling requirement applies to all new equipment purchases. The bill directly affects local fire departments and municipal governments by mandating transparency about PFAS content in gear used by firefighters. This policy change aims to provide clear information about PFAS presence without specifying health impacts or outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill (SF 249) creates a legal right for people or property within 25 miles of a carbon dioxide pipeline or facility release to seek compensation from the pipeline or facility owner. It establishes strict liability, meaning owners must pay for all damages - both past and future - without needing to prove fault. Victims must file claims within one year of the release, and any court judgment against the owner gets priority over other debts or liens. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Iowa Carbon Dioxide Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate response and long-term recovery for communities affected by CO2 pipeline incidents, such as leaks or ruptures. It imposes a tax on CO2 pipeline operators and facilities to fund the relief efforts, requiring a minimum $10 billion balance in the fund before pipelines can operate in Iowa. The fund will cover emergency cleanup, victim compensation, rebuilding, and environmental restoration. Two oversight boards - the Oversight Board (managing fund integrity) and Victim Assistance Board (distributing aid) - will administer the fund and ensure resources reach affected individuals and communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires voter identification cards, driver's licenses, and state ID cards (applied for, issued, or renewed after the bill's effective date) to explicitly indicate whether the holder is a U.S. citizen. It also mandates that voters presenting identification lacking a citizenship indicator must provide additional proof of citizenship. The law amends existing statutes to add citizenship status to these documents and to establish procedures for verifying citizenship when needed during voting. These changes apply to all new applications and renewals of the specified identification documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 120) amends Iowa law to require parental consent for minors seeking vaccinations against sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Currently, minors can consent to STI-related medical care (prevention, diagnosis, treatment) without parental involvement; this bill creates an exception specifically for STI vaccinations, mandating parental consent for that service. It directly affects minors under 18 seeking STI vaccines and their parents or legal guardians. The key provision changes Section 139A.35 of the Iowa Code to exclude vaccinations from the existing minor-consent exception for STI care. The bill is currently in committee review.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 117) protects pharmacists and licensed healthcare practitioners (like doctors, nurses, and dentists) from employer or licensing board restrictions that interfere with their professional judgment when prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications. It prohibits boards or employers from creating rules that deter professionals from using treatments they deem appropriate based on their expertise and scope of practice. Any such restriction - whether in contracts, handbooks, or policies - is declared unenforceable and cannot lead to disciplinary action. The bill ensures professionals using medication decisions within their scope and best judgment cannot face license discipline for those choices.

Maddy summarySF 226 establishes a new process for reviewing eminent domain actions in Iowa. It allows property owners whose land is at risk of being taken under eminent domain (or applicants before the Iowa Utilities Commission) to petition Polk County district court for a declaratory review before the commission makes a final decision. The court can only declare legal rights and status under eminent domain law, not change outcomes, and the bill permits a new review in a different county after 18 months or if circumstances change, requiring a fresh court evaluation. Additionally, it mandates a $10 filing fee (deposited into the state general fund) and eliminates bond requirements for appeals or enforcement of related court orders.