Sen. Janet Petersen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Iowa's Medicaid program to cover doula care as part of maternity services for eligible recipients. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish rules for doula certification, enrollment as providers, and fair reimbursement rates that support a livable income for doulas. The policy aims to improve birth outcomes, reduce stillbirths and infant deaths, and lower maternal mortality by expanding access to continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and childbirth. The bill applies specifically to Medicaid-covered maternity care under both fee-for-service and managed care models.

Maddy summarySF 122 modifies Iowa's state child care assistance program to automatically make children eligible if at least one parent is under 18 years old. This change overrides other standard eligibility requirements and prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from applying waiting lists to these children. The bill directly affects minors who are parents and their children, ensuring immediate access to child care assistance without additional screening. It creates a specific eligibility pathway for this group within the existing program framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an exemption that previously allowed psychologists working for state institutions, agencies, or research facilities to be excluded from Iowa's standard psychology regulations. It requires these psychologists to comply with the same licensing and practice rules as other psychologists under Chapter 154B of the Iowa Code. The change directly affects psychologists employed by state entities, bringing their practice under the same regulatory framework as private-sector psychologists. The bill does not alter existing requirements for psychologists in private practice.

Maddy summarySF 99 prohibits tanning facilities in Iowa from allowing anyone under 18 years old to use tanning devices. This directly affects minors under 18 and the tanning facilities that serve them. The bill establishes enforcement by the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, allowing for civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation or court-ordered injunctions to stop violations. The law aims to regulate tanning facility operations through this age restriction and penalty structure.

Maddy summarySF 133 requires free period products (tampons and pads) to be available in restrooms at no cost for specific state facilities. It applies to state buildings (excluding governor's office, legislature, and courts), health care institutions under the Department of Health and Human Services, the Iowa School for the Deaf, public and nonpublic schools, and correctional facilities. Schools will receive state reimbursement for costs, and all covered entities must provide products appropriate to health needs in designated locations. The bill defines "period products" as tampons and pads for menstrual cycle use. This policy change directly affects students, staff, patients, residents, and the public in these facilities.

Maddy summarySF 147 strengthens wage payment protections for Iowa employees by requiring employers to prove deductions are lawful and obtain written employee authorization for them. It mandates clear written notices about pay schedules, wage calculation methods, and changes affecting pay, plus detailed pay statements showing hours worked, sales, or miles earned. Employers face penalties for non-payment, including liquidated damages and attorney fees, while prohibiting retaliation against employees who file complaints or cooperate in investigations. The bill directly affects all Iowa employers and their workers by clarifying wage transparency and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summarySF 144 creates a legal framework for Iowa municipalities (cities, counties, or townships) to establish "land redevelopment trusts." These trusts would help communities address blighted, abandoned, or dilapidated properties by providing a structured tool to rehabilitate them. The bill outlines how trusts are formed (via municipal ordinance or resolution), their governance (with a non-paid board), and their purpose: to return non-productive properties to productive use, support affordable housing, and revitalize neighborhoods. It does not mandate specific actions but enables local governments to create these trusts as needed to tackle property deterioration issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Iowa school districts receive state funding for approved preschool programs. It increases the enrollment figure used for funding from 50% to 100% of actual eligible student enrollment on October 1 (the "base year"), directly affecting school districts participating in the preschool program. For districts new to the program, it also modifies the initial year funding calculation to use 60% of enrollment multiplied by the state cost per pupil. The changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 91 updates how Iowa school districts calculate student enrollment for funding purposes. It sets specific dates (October 1 and March 1) for determining enrollment counts, including additional students served through special education and supplementary weighting programs. School districts must report these calculated enrollment figures to the Department of Education by set deadlines each year. These changes directly affect school districts and the state's funding formula for public education.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits courts from issuing subpoenas or search warrants to obtain menstrual health data. It directly affects individuals whose menstrual health data - defined as any information created or received by an entity about a person's menstrual health, status, or predictions - might otherwise be sought in legal proceedings. The key provision amends Iowa law to explicitly ban subpoenas for such data under Section 622.63 and prohibits search warrants for digital menstrual health data under Section 808.2. These changes prevent law enforcement or courts from accessing this sensitive personal information through legal process. The bill focuses solely on restricting data collection methods, not on broader health policies.