Sen. Cherielynn Westrich

Maddy summarySF 112 would establish a new Iowa transactional currency backed by physical gold and silver stored in a state-approved depository. Individuals or other states could purchase the currency by paying for the equivalent amount of gold or silver (with fees), with each unit representing a specific fractional troy ounce of metal. Holders could redeem the currency for U.S. dollars (by selling the metal) or for physical gold/silver (by receiving the metal from the depository), and the treasurer of state would set security and fraud prevention rules. The bill directly affects currency buyers, the treasurer’s office, and approved depositories, but does not change existing state or federal currency laws.

Maddy summarySF 136 establishes new safety rules and requirements for hazardous liquid pipeline projects in Iowa. It allows counties to set stricter setback and safety standards than state or federal law, requires pipeline companies to disclose safety studies when applying for permits, and mandates they negotiate voluntary easements with landowners before seeking eminent domain rights (especially for liquefied CO2 pipelines). The bill also updates compensation rules for landowners, ensuring payment for crop damage and soil erosion caused by pipeline construction. Additionally, it requires pipeline companies to obtain all necessary local and state permits before construction and sets specific safety conditions for liquefied CO2 pipelines, including minimum burial depth.

Maddy summarySF 92 amends Iowa law to require landowner consent before utilities can use eminent domain to condemn agricultural land for constructing hazardous liquid pipelines carrying liquefied carbon dioxide. The bill explicitly excludes such pipelines from being classified as a "public use" or "public purpose" for condemnation purposes, reversing a current exception that allowed utilities to bypass consent for similar projects. This directly affects Iowa agricultural landowners, who must now approve pipeline construction on their property. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies to condemnation cases filed after that date.

Maddy summarySF 67 modifies time limits for filing civil lawsuits involving sexual abuse (especially for minor victims), minors, and people with mental illness. It allows lawsuits by minor victims of sexual abuse to be filed at any time, while keeping a 5-year limit for adult victims. The bill also creates a 3-year window (ending July 2031) to revive expired cases involving these groups, including sexual abuse, mental health conditions, or childhood injuries. This does not change time limits for most other civil cases.

Maddy summarySF 95 amends Iowa's eminent domain laws to raise the evidence standard for pipeline projects. It requires agencies seeking to condemn agricultural land for hazardous liquid pipelines (under Chapter 479B) to prove "public use" by "clear and convincing evidence" instead of the lower "preponderance of evidence" standard. This directly affects pipeline companies and landowners in agricultural areas, making it harder to acquire farmland for such projects without owner consent. The bill also clarifies that agricultural land cannot be condemned for "private development" without the owner's agreement. It takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies to condemnation cases filed after that date.

Maddy summarySF 74 repeals a specific Iowa law (Section 479B.15) that previously allowed pipeline companies to enter private land for surveys related to hazardous liquid pipeline projects by providing landowners with 10 days' written notice. This bill removes the requirement for pipeline companies to notify landowners before conducting surveys on their property. It directly affects landowners whose property might be surveyed for pipeline projects and pipeline companies seeking survey access. The repeal takes immediate effect upon enactment, eliminating this specific access provision.