Sen. Mike Klimesh

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Iowa's top legislative leaders - senate majority and minority leaders, and house speaker and minority leader - to formally join court cases challenging agency decisions under Iowa's administrative law. Other lawmakers may also join these leaders' intervention motions. It expands who can legally participate in judicial review proceedings without changing agency rules or creating new regulations. The bill specifically modifies standing rules for legislative members in existing court challenges to agency actions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution instructs the Senate to pause its review of specific government appointments. It applies to any positions submitted by the Governor or other authorities on or after April 15, 2026, that have not yet been confirmed by that date. The key mechanism is a formal deferral of action, meaning the Senate will not vote on these confirmations until further notice. This measure directly affects the confirmation process for those specific roles but does not change the underlying laws or the qualifications required for the positions.

Maddy summarySF 2085 regulates "event-driven contracts" - financial bets on specific events like sports outcomes or elections traded on digital markets. It requires these markets to obtain a $10 million initial permit and pay $100,000 annually to operate in Iowa. A 20% tax is imposed on the market's "adjusted revenues" (total fees minus payouts, weighted by Iowa trader participation), with tax revenue deposited into the state general fund. The bill also adjusts Iowa income tax rules to treat these contracts differently from federal tax treatment, excluding them from certain federal tax calculations. It explicitly excludes existing systems like horse racing wagering (Chapter 99D), fantasy sports (Chapter 99E), and sports betting (Chapter 99F).

Maddy summarySF 27 requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to include new information in its electronic database, which is used by the DOT and law enforcement. This database will now indicate whether a driver was required by the department or a court to complete remedial driver improvement actions, such as an education course, following an arrest, citation, conviction, or accident. It will also show if the driver successfully completed these actions. The bill further mandates that court clerks notify the DOT within ten days of a court order for such action and again within ten days of confirmation that the action was completed.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution confirms Bernardo Granwehr's appointment as Ombudsman for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2026, as required by Chapter 2C of the law. It follows the constitutional process where the Legislative Council appoints the Ombudsman, subject to approval by both chambers of the legislature. The resolution formally approves his appointment without creating new policy or affecting any specific group.

Maddy summarySF 376 establishes minimum distance requirements (setbacks) for renewable energy facilities like wind turbines, solar arrays, and battery storage systems in Iowa. It requires wind facilities to be placed at least three times the tower height from occupied homes or community buildings, and 1.1 times the tower height from non-participating property or infrastructure. The bill also sets maximum noise limits (47 decibels) at homes, requires repair of damaged drainage from construction, and mandates compliance with national safety and fire codes. These rules apply to all new wind facilities proposed after January 1, 2025, and affect developers seeking local approval for renewable projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for state departments and agencies to submit proposed legislation to the Legislative Services Agency from 45 to 60 days before each legislative session begins. It directly affects all state departments, agencies, and the governor's office (which must submit by Friday before the session, except during the governor's first year). The key change is simply adjusting the submission timeline to provide more lead time for review, without altering the content or requirements of proposed bills. The bill is procedural and does not create new policies or impact public programs.

Maddy summarySF 2069 imposes a tax on pipeline companies transporting liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2) through or within Iowa. It charges $2.50 per metric ton for general transport and $1.00 per metric ton when CO2 is used for enhanced oil recovery (an oil extraction technique). Pipeline companies must file annual returns by March 31 detailing transported volumes and EOR usage, with revenues deposited into the taxpayer relief fund. The bill includes penalties for late filings or inaccurate returns, administered by the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for pipeline companies seeking land rights (easements) for hazardous liquid pipelines in Iowa. It requires companies to hold public informational meetings before negotiating with landowners and creates a "voluntary easement corridor" within five miles of the proposed route. Landowners can opt out of negotiations by notifying the company, and pipeline companies must first secure voluntary easements before requesting government power (eminent domain) to acquire land. The law aims to balance pipeline development with protecting landowners' property rights by making eminent domain use conditional on exhausting voluntary negotiation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 62) clarifies the role of railway special agents employed by railroads in Iowa. It requires these agents - appointed by the Public Safety Commissioner but not paid by the state - to cooperate with city, county, and state police when investigating crimes or train crashes involving Iowa residents or property. The bill defines "railroad corporation" to align with an existing state code (section 327D.2). It does not create new funding or penalties but sets a standard for collaboration between railroad security personnel and local law enforcement.