Sen. Mike Zimmer

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum unemployment benefits for workers laid off when their employer closes permanently. It raises the cap from 26 to 39 times the individual's weekly benefit amount during a benefit year. This change directly affects workers who lose jobs due to an employer going out of business at their workplace. The policy adjusts the benefit calculation to provide greater financial support in these specific circumstances.

Maddy summarySF 264 creates a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Iowa to address high prescription drug costs. The board, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, will review drug pricing and may recommend upper payment limits for prescription drugs affecting all Iowans, especially patients with illnesses, opioid crisis communities, and healthcare providers. Key provisions require the board to hold public meetings, accept public input, and enforce strict conflict-of-interest rules (e.g., members cannot receive over $5,000 annually from drug manufacturers). The bill establishes this mechanism to review drug costs but does not yet implement price controls.

Maddy summarySF 263 amends Iowa's public employee collective bargaining laws. It requires negotiations on pay, hours, safety, and other terms (but excludes retirement systems) and mandates written member consent for union dues deductions. The bill imposes a 12-month ban on union representation after decertification due to legal violations like contempt of court. These changes affect public school teachers, city workers, and other state/local government employees covered by union contracts.