Sen. Dennis Guth

Maddy summarySF 128 requires medical examiners investigating infant deaths (ages 0-3) to include specific immunization details on their investigation reports. The bill mandates that reports request the date and type of the decedent’s last immunization, including all types if multiple vaccines were administered at once. This change applies only to medical examiner forms used in these specific death investigations. The bill does not alter vaccination requirements or affect families directly, but adds a standard data point for medical examiners to collect during their investigations.

Maddy summarySF 22 regulates how drivers can use electronic devices while operating a vehicle. It specifically addresses the use of these devices in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. The bill establishes penalties for any violations of these new rules. These provisions and penalties are set to become effective on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Iowa public school districts to offer elective high school courses (grades 9-12) focused on biblical texts, including the Old Testament, New Testament, or both. School boards must approve such courses after a school improvement committee recommends them by majority vote. Courses must teach biblical content to help students understand culture and society, while strictly following religious neutrality rules - no endorsement of any faith, and students may use alternative Bible translations. The bill also permits displays of religious materials in class if educationally appropriate, without requiring students to engage with texts conflicting with their family's beliefs.

Maddy summarySF 482 requires Iowa's Attorney General to provide legal representation in contempt-of-court proceedings to recover criminal restitution payments when a public employee is killed during work. It directly affects families of public employees (like police officers or teachers) whose deaths resulted from criminal acts while on duty. The key provision adds a specific duty for the Attorney General to pursue these restitution cases through contempt proceedings, rather than creating new financial obligations. This bill focuses on ensuring existing court-ordered restitution is collected for victims' families. (Note: This is a procedural bill affecting enforcement, not new policy.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 320) creates a new capital murder offense in Iowa for intentionally killing a peace officer while the officer is on duty. It establishes the death penalty as the mandatory punishment for this specific crime, directly affecting individuals charged with such murders and requiring specialized legal representation for indigent defendants in these cases. Key provisions include mandating qualified attorneys for capital murder cases, creating a new process to assess an inmate's sanity before execution, and requiring automatic Supreme Court review of all death sentences to ensure they are legally imposed and not excessive. The bill also amends existing laws to clarify the circumstances that qualify as capital murder, including killings of officers "under any circumstances" with knowledge of their status.

Maddy summarySF 335 prohibits public schools, community colleges, and state universities from including sexual orientation or gender identity instruction in curricula and restricts diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. It allows parents or school employees to file lawsuits against school districts to stop alleged violations, with the school district facing a $50,000 civil penalty per violation if sued successfully. The bill also requires school administrators to report known violations of these restrictions to the district. These provisions apply to all public K-12 schools, community colleges, and state universities governed by the Iowa Board of Regents.

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 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 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.