Sen. Lynn Evans

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2043) allows Iowa school districts to transfer unexpended and unobligated teacher salary supplement funds - calculated under section 257.10(9) - into their general fund flexibility accounts, provided all original funding requirements are met. It expands eligible funding sources for these accounts by explicitly including teacher salary supplements. The bill also removes the requirement for school boards to hold public hearings before approving expenditures from flexibility accounts, though it retains board resolution and reporting obligations. This change affects school districts managing these accounts, streamlining how leftover state funds can be reallocated.

Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill (SF 81) clarifies and expands who can seek child support from a father after paternity is established. It allows the child’s mother, third parties who provided support to the mother, or child welfare authorities (if a child might become a public charge) to file claims. Key changes include enabling enforcement against a father’s estate after death and specifying that paternity established through court, genetic testing, or written acknowledgment creates enforceable support obligations. The bill also adds procedural details, such as requiring court approval for post-birth trials and allowing testimony from deceased mothers via deposition. It directly affects children, mothers, fathers, and third parties who have provided financial support.

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 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 (SF 57) requires Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reimburse counties $50 per day for holding or confining a sexually violent predator (SVP) in a county jail after the SVP commits a public offense while under a civil commitment order. It applies when an SVP is temporarily held pending criminal charges or sentenced to county jail confinement. HHS must pay these reimbursements using funds designated for SVP treatment at the Cherokee mental health facility or funds transferred under Code section 218.6. The bill directly affects county jails and HHS, changing how costs for SVP confinement are covered during criminal proceedings.

Maddy summarySF 48 requires hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and pregnancy resource centers in Iowa to report specific serious medical incidents to the state Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing within 15 working days. Facilities must report events like wrong-site surgery, medication errors, patient disappearances, falls, device failures, or serious injuries from contaminated products. The law specifies 15 distinct incident types that qualify as "serious reportable events," excluding certain situations like emergencies requiring immediate action. Reports must not include identifying details about patients, staff, or healthcare professionals. Failure to report could result in penalties established under the bill.

Maddy summarySF 294 requires Iowa courts to generally order temporary joint physical care of children during divorce proceedings, unless a rebuttable presumption exists against it. The bill mandates that courts provide a minimum visitation schedule for noncustodial parents and must explain in writing if joint care is deemed inappropriate, citing specific factors from existing law. This directly affects parents and courts handling custody disputes in Iowa divorce cases. The policy change aims to encourage consistent parenting time during unresolved custody cases. The bill does not alter final custody decisions but sets a default for temporary arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Iowa school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to immediately place certain employees on administrative leave under two specific circumstances: (1) if the employee has a pending child abuse case before the Board of Educational Examiners with a probable cause finding, or (2) if the employee was involved in a criminal or civil negligence case (where a court found negligence) and the school is investigating. Employees must remain on leave until the investigation or Board case concludes. The law applies directly to school employees facing these specific legal or disciplinary situations, not to all staff. It does not change existing negligence standards but mandates a specific procedural step for schools.