Sen. Mike Bousselot

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that would permanently set the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. It directly affects the federal judiciary by seeking to prevent future changes to the court's size. The bill argues that fixing the number of justices is necessary to maintain the court's independence and public trust. If passed, it would require a formal amendment process to ensure the Supreme Court remains composed of exactly nine judges.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2209) reduces the number of days Iowa legislators receive per diem pay for session expenses. It shortens the per diem period from 110 to 55 days for the first regular legislative session and from 100 to 50 days for the second session. Most state legislators (excluding leadership roles like Senate President or House Speaker) are affected, with Polk County members receiving 75% of the standard per diem rate. The bill also maintains a $300 monthly allowance for district expenses and travel reimbursement rules.

Maddy summarySJR 2008 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Iowa General Assembly supporting the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education and the transfer of education authority to state and local governments. It argues that federal education regulations have caused inefficiency and stagnant student reading scores despite high spending, and that states are better positioned to address local educational needs. The resolution urges the U.S. Congress to cooperate with efforts to dissolve the Department of Education, citing the Tenth Amendment as the constitutional basis for state control. This resolution does not change federal policy but formally expresses Iowa's position on education governance.

Maddy summarySF 2252 modifies Iowa's Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program to allow tax incentives for building a National Football League (NFL) stadium. The bill expands the existing program - which currently targets businesses in advanced manufacturing, biosciences, or R&D - to include NFL franchises constructing a professional sports stadium. Key provisions define "sports stadium" as a facility for NFL games and specify that incentives (like sales tax refunds and investment tax credits) would apply to the stadium project, subject to the program’s $1 billion investment threshold. This bill would directly affect NFL teams seeking to build a stadium in Iowa, but it does not change other MEGA program requirements or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the YMCA's 175th anniversary and expresses the Iowa Senate's appreciation for its community service. It highlights the YMCA's historical contributions, including founding programs like basketball and Father's Day, and its ongoing work serving over 250,000 Iowans annually through youth development, health initiatives, and social services. The resolution does not create new programs or change laws - it is a ceremonial expression of support for the YMCA's mission.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Iowa National Guard members killed in action during a December 2025 attack in Syria. It recognizes their military service, posthumous promotions, and sacrifices, while also acknowledging three wounded Iowa Guard soldiers from the same incident. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the families of the two fallen soldiers as a formal tribute. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy or legal effect but serves to memorialize their service.

Maddy summarySF 354 authorizes the state of Iowa to negotiate purchasing nine specific Minnesota counties (Rock, Nobles, Jackson, Martin, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston) from Minnesota. The bill requires Iowa to appoint negotiators, but any agreement would need approval from Iowa’s legislature and governor, Minnesota’s legislature, the U.S. Congress, a constitutional amendment in Iowa, and funds for the purchase. This is a procedural step to initiate negotiations, not a final transfer of land. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment but would require multiple legislative and constitutional steps before any land could be transferred.

Maddy summarySF 363 requires eligible Iowa health and wellness plan members (a Medicaid program) to participate in 20+ hours weekly of community engagement activities like work, volunteering, or job training, unless they qualify for an exemption. Exemptions include individuals under 19, over 64, pregnant, caring for young children, medically unfit, or receiving unemployment benefits. The bill mandates the state health department to seek a federal waiver to implement this requirement and set an implementation deadline of July 1, 2025. It directly affects Medicaid members who do not meet specific exemption criteria.

Maddy summarySF 431 modifies Iowa's rules for handling retention funds in public construction projects. It requires public entities to release retention funds (held back from contractor payments) under two conditions: (1) if a contractor provides a bond double the claim amount within 20 days, or (2) if a claimant fails to sue within 30 days of a contractor's written demand. The bill also allows contractors to substitute retention funds with a 5% bond, triggering immediate release of held funds. Interest accrues on delayed payments at rates tied to state interest rules, and courts may award attorney fees for successful claims. This directly affects contractors, public entities, and claimants in public construction contracts.

Maddy summarySF 361 establishes Iowa's Armed Forces Reserve Component Scholarship Program, administered by the College Student Aid Commission. It provides tuition coverage (up to 100% of resident fees based on financial need) for Iowa-resident military reservists (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force) enrolled full-time at eligible institutions like community colleges or state universities. To qualify, students must complete required initial active duty training, maintain satisfactory academic progress toward an associate degree or high-demand certificate, and apply for other financial aid. The program includes provisions for active duty orders (extending scholarship use to five years) and requires repayment if students discontinue enrollment without active duty orders.