Sen. Matt Blake

Maddy summarySF 2260 gives Iowa counties authority to regulate the location and expansion of large livestock facilities (those with 1,000+ animal units, like 2,500 pigs). Counties must adopt siting ordinances to approve or deny construction/expansion of such facilities, requiring county board approval before work begins. The bill also allows counties to set stricter separation distances from homes or water sources than state law requires and mandates a state permit before county approval. This directly affects counties, livestock operators, and nearby residents by shifting regulatory control from state agencies to local governments for major facilities.

Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill (SF 2225) sets new rules for landlords in rental properties, manufactured home communities, and mobile home parks. It limits when landlords can evict tenants (requiring serious violations or business reasons), mandates 180 days' written notice for rent increases, and caps late fees based on rent amount (e.g., $12/day max for rents under $700/month). Landlords must justify rent hikes above inflation with specific costs like repairs, property taxes, or utility expenses. The changes apply to new evictions and rent increases starting upon the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires firearm owners in Iowa to report lost or stolen firearms to local law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery. It directly affects individuals who own firearms and experience loss or theft. Violating this requirement is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $50 fine. The law creates a specific reporting obligation and penalty for non-compliance, without altering broader firearm regulations.

Maddy summarySF 2047 requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cap out-of-pocket costs for covered insulin prescriptions at $25 per prescription for a 31-day supply. This applies to four specific insulin types: rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. The law affects insured individuals with diabetes who use covered insulin drugs under qualifying health plans, effective January 1, 2027. It does not apply to certain specialized coverage like Medicare supplements or short-term medical plans.

Maddy summarySJR 2005 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring Iowa to guarantee all youths a comprehensive public education meeting or exceeding national standards through public schools and qualified educators. It mandates instruction in core subjects including reading, math, science, history, social studies, arts, and human development, as determined by the legislature or education agencies. The resolution, currently referred to a committee after introduction on January 21, 2026, must next be published for three months and referred to the next general assembly before potentially going to voters for ratification. This is a procedural step toward amending Iowa's constitution, not an immediate law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover annual low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening for specific at-risk individuals. It defines "at-risk" as people aged 40+ who smoke, have a family history of lung cancer, or have regular exposure to certain carcinogens like asbestos or radon. Private insurance must cover these screenings without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays), effective January 1, 2027, for most health plans. Medicaid coverage is contingent on securing a federal waiver, after which it must also cover these screenings. The bill excludes certain specialized insurance types, such as accident-only or dental coverage, from these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Iowa's Constitution recognizing reproductive freedom as a fundamental right. It would protect services including contraception, abortion, prenatal care, and miscarriage management, stating the state cannot interfere with these private decisions unless a "compelling state interest" is met using the "least restrictive means." The amendment allows state regulation of abortion after fetal viability but prohibits banning abortions medically necessary to protect a patient's life or health. This would apply to all Iowa residents seeking reproductive care and requires voter approval after legislative passage.

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 summaryThis Iowa bill requires employers to prove wage deductions are lawful and mandates written notices about pay schedules, wage calculation methods, and changes affecting pay. It demands detailed pay statements showing hours worked, sales, miles, or other metrics for each pay period. Employers face penalties including liquidated damages for intentional nonpayment of wages, and the law prohibits retaliation against employees who file wage complaints. The bill directly affects Iowa employers and employees by strengthening wage transparency and enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes increasing Iowa's state minimum hourly wage to $15.00 starting July 1, 2026, for most workers, with a lower rate of $14.10 for employees in their first 90 days of employment. It requires annual wage adjustments beginning July 1, 2027, tied directly to the federal Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) from the previous year. The bill ensures wages can only increase, never decrease, and applies to all covered workers in Iowa. This affects low-wage employees and employers across the state, with the first major increase set for 2026.