Sen. Cindy Winckler

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a separate billing class for large energy use facilities in Iowa that consume 20 megawatts or more (primarily industrial facilities under NAICS code 518210). It requires utilities to establish distinct rates for these facilities that directly assign their service costs and prevent shifting those costs to other customers. The utilities commission must review proposed rates to ensure they don’t unfairly increase costs for other customers or undermine grid reliability. The rules apply only to facilities built or expanded on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySF 2239 establishes Iowa's first state-run paid family and medical leave insurance program. It requires private employers with 10+ employees and all public employers to provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family reasons (like bonding with a newborn or caring for a sick family member) and up to 12 weeks for medical reasons (an employee's own serious health condition). To qualify, employees must have worked 1,250 hours over the past 12 months for their employer. The program, administered by the Iowa Department of Workforce Development, allows a combined maximum of 16 weeks of paid leave for both family and medical needs within any 12-month period.

Maddy summarySJR 2009 proposes a constitutional amendment in Iowa that prohibits corporations from making financial contributions or participating in election campaigns, ballot measures, or political committee activities. It specifically exempts corporations formed to create, sell, or operate election equipment. The amendment would require voter approval after legislative referral, as it seeks to amend the state constitution. This change directly affects all Iowa corporations engaging in political spending, excluding only election technology businesses. The bill does not alter existing laws governing corporate activities beyond political participation.

Maddy summarySF 2260 gives Iowa counties authority to regulate the location and expansion of large livestock facilities (those with 1,000+ animal units, like 2,500 pigs). Counties must adopt siting ordinances to approve or deny construction/expansion of such facilities, requiring county board approval before work begins. The bill also allows counties to set stricter separation distances from homes or water sources than state law requires and mandates a state permit before county approval. This directly affects counties, livestock operators, and nearby residents by shifting regulatory control from state agencies to local governments for major facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new applicants for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers in Iowa to complete firearm safety training, expanding a current requirement that previously applied only to applicants for permits to carry weapons. It specifies that training is not needed for permit renewals issued after July 1, 2026, or for certain renewal scenarios. The bill also adds penalties: transferring a pistol or revolver to someone who hasn’t completed the required training becomes a class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $1,025-$10,245. These changes align with federal requirements for pistol purchases and aim to standardize safety training across permit types.

Maddy summarySF 2047 requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cap out-of-pocket costs for covered insulin prescriptions at $25 per prescription for a 31-day supply. This applies to four specific insulin types: rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. The law affects insured individuals with diabetes who use covered insulin drugs under qualifying health plans, effective January 1, 2027. It does not apply to certain specialized coverage like Medicare supplements or short-term medical plans.

Maddy summarySJR 2005 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring Iowa to guarantee all youths a comprehensive public education meeting or exceeding national standards through public schools and qualified educators. It mandates instruction in core subjects including reading, math, science, history, social studies, arts, and human development, as determined by the legislature or education agencies. The resolution, currently referred to a committee after introduction on January 21, 2026, must next be published for three months and referred to the next general assembly before potentially going to voters for ratification. This is a procedural step toward amending Iowa's constitution, not an immediate law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover annual low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening for specific at-risk individuals. It defines "at-risk" as people aged 40+ who smoke, have a family history of lung cancer, or have regular exposure to certain carcinogens like asbestos or radon. Private insurance must cover these screenings without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays), effective January 1, 2027, for most health plans. Medicaid coverage is contingent on securing a federal waiver, after which it must also cover these screenings. The bill excludes certain specialized insurance types, such as accident-only or dental coverage, from these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Iowa's Constitution recognizing reproductive freedom as a fundamental right. It would protect services including contraception, abortion, prenatal care, and miscarriage management, stating the state cannot interfere with these private decisions unless a "compelling state interest" is met using the "least restrictive means." The amendment allows state regulation of abortion after fetal viability but prohibits banning abortions medically necessary to protect a patient's life or health. This would apply to all Iowa residents seeking reproductive care and requires voter approval after legislative passage.

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.