Sen. Charlie McClintock

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 145) changes Iowa Lottery confidentiality rules for large prize winners. It allows winners of $1 million or more to choose to keep their name, address, and personally identifiable information confidential when claiming their prize, provided they opt for this anonymity at the time of claim and choose a lump sum payment (not installments). The bill specifies that anonymity does not apply to winners who select installment payments, or to releases of just a winner's city/county, or to disclosures required by law (like to the Department of Health and Human Services). These changes apply to prize claims starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits activities like cloud seeding and weather modification that deliberately release substances into the atmosphere, affecting anyone conducting such practices in Iowa. It defines "polluting atmospheric activity" broadly to include chemical dispersal, electromagnetic emissions, and other deliberate environmental alterations. Violators face a class D felony charge (up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,245), with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The Department of Public Safety enforces the ban through immediate cease-and-desist orders carrying court-like authority and can refer federal programs to the Iowa Air National Guard if needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 32) changes how Iowa prosecutes possession or purchase of visual depictions involving minors in prohibited sexual acts. It requires that multiple images of the *same* minor be treated as separate offenses (previously counted as one), directly affecting individuals convicted of such possession. Key provisions clarify that each depiction of the same minor constitutes a distinct violation under Code section 728.12(3), increasing potential charges for repeat offenses. Penalties include class D felony (up to 5 years, $10,245 fine) for first offenses and class C felony (up to 10 years, $13,660 fine) for subsequent offenses, with mandatory sex offender registration.

Maddy summarySF 112 would establish a new Iowa transactional currency backed by physical gold and silver stored in a state-approved depository. Individuals or other states could purchase the currency by paying for the equivalent amount of gold or silver (with fees), with each unit representing a specific fractional troy ounce of metal. Holders could redeem the currency for U.S. dollars (by selling the metal) or for physical gold/silver (by receiving the metal from the depository), and the treasurer of state would set security and fraud prevention rules. The bill directly affects currency buyers, the treasurer’s office, and approved depositories, but does not change existing state or federal currency laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 28) allows cities or counties in Iowa to cancel a tax sale of property containing an abandoned building and refund the purchase money to the tax sale certificate holder (the buyer at the tax auction). If a city or county provides a verified statement confirming the property has an abandoned building (as defined in existing law) and files a petition with the county treasurer, the sale must be canceled. The county treasurer must then refund the full purchase price plus 2% monthly interest (calculated from the purchase date) on the amount paid, including any additional taxes owed. This applies specifically to properties sold at tax sales before redemption or issuance of a tax deed.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows eligible law enforcement officers retiring after July 1, 2025, to receive a cash payment for unused sick leave, capped at $2,000. The payment equals the value of accrued sick leave hours multiplied by the officer's hourly rate at retirement. Officers can also use remaining sick leave value to pay their share of group health insurance premiums, continuing until the balance is exhausted, they qualify for Medicare, or they die. It excludes officers covered by collective bargaining agreements that already address sick leave credit.

Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill (SF 29) changes property tax benefits for specific groups. It replaces the existing homestead exemption for homeowners aged 65+ with a credit equal to $6,500 in actual property taxes paid, available to those with household incomes under 250% of the federal poverty level. It also increases military veterans' property tax exemption to a credit equivalent to $4,000 (based on actual tax rates), applying to honorably discharged veterans. Both changes take effect retroactively for assessment years beginning January 1, 2025. The bill directly affects elderly homeowners and veterans who meet income or service criteria.

Maddy summarySF 30 designates nonsupervisory Iowa Department of Corrections employees with ongoing direct inmate contact as "public safety employees" for collective bargaining under state law. It requires the department to establish mandatory de-escalation training, uniform safety protocols at correctional facilities, and paid leave policies (5-30 days for trauma exposure, up to 90 days for hostages). The bill also changes health insurance rules so the state must cover continuation costs for surviving spouses and children of affected employees, rather than requiring them to pay. Additionally, it prohibits the department from offering contract employees better pay or benefits than comparable state employees performing similar work.