Sen. Dave Rowley

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 summarySF 269 modifies Iowa's property tax and lien rules. It changes when buildings or improvements become taxable liens (applying different rules for residential vs. non-residential structures under $20,000 or over $20,000). The bill also clarifies how property tax credits and rent reimbursements are processed for eligible claimants, including payment deadlines. Additionally, it defines "valueless homes" in rural areas and streamlines removal procedures for abandoned mobile homes, requiring notice to county treasurers after removal and presuming disposal costs as the home's value. These changes directly affect property owners, mobile home residents in rural areas, and local governments handling tax collections.

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 summaryThis bill requires third-party litigation financiers to register with Iowa's Secretary of State, disclosing ownership details and operational information. It defines "litigation financing" as third-party funding for civil lawsuits or claims (excluding standard lawyer contingency fees) and mandates registration for all such entities operating in Iowa. The law aims to increase transparency by making registration data publicly accessible and requires financiers to update filings when information changes. It directly affects litigation financiers, consumers using such financing, and legal representatives handling cases involving third-party funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 320) creates a new capital murder offense in Iowa for intentionally killing a peace officer while the officer is on duty. It establishes the death penalty as the mandatory punishment for this specific crime, directly affecting individuals charged with such murders and requiring specialized legal representation for indigent defendants in these cases. Key provisions include mandating qualified attorneys for capital murder cases, creating a new process to assess an inmate's sanity before execution, and requiring automatic Supreme Court review of all death sentences to ensure they are legally imposed and not excessive. The bill also amends existing laws to clarify the circumstances that qualify as capital murder, including killings of officers "under any circumstances" with knowledge of their status.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Iowa's process for replacing lost or destroyed vehicle title certificates. It increases the application fee to $30 and sets a new amount ($18) that county treasurers may retain from each fee for the county general fund (previously $12). The bill clarifies terminology across state law and applies retroactively to replacement applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025. It directly affects vehicle owners, lienholders, and county treasurers handling title replacements.

Maddy summarySF 335 prohibits public schools, community colleges, and state universities from including sexual orientation or gender identity instruction in curricula and restricts diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. It allows parents or school employees to file lawsuits against school districts to stop alleged violations, with the school district facing a $50,000 civil penalty per violation if sued successfully. The bill also requires school administrators to report known violations of these restrictions to the district. These provisions apply to all public K-12 schools, community colleges, and state universities governed by the Iowa Board of Regents.

Maddy summarySF 341 prohibits counties and cities with populations over 75,000 from regulating short-term rental properties. Specifically, it bans these jurisdictions from imposing permit requirements, license fees, or other restrictions on short-term rentals, and classifies such properties as residential for zoning purposes. The bill applies only to larger jurisdictions (populations >75,000), leaving smaller counties and cities unaffected. This directly affects property owners and operators in qualifying cities and counties by limiting local government oversight of short-term rentals. The bill does not create new regulations but restricts existing local authority over this housing type.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises Iowa's default speed limit for all roads without specific signage from 55 mph to 60 mph. It directly affects drivers on all public roads where no lower speed limit is posted, such as rural highways or general roadways. The key provision allows transportation agencies to use temporary DOT-approved stickers on existing signs during updates, rather than replacing signs immediately. Existing lower speed limits for school zones (25 mph), business districts (20 mph), and other designated areas remain unchanged. The bill does not alter traffic violation penalties or minimum speed limits set by local authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Iowa Carbon Dioxide Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate response and long-term recovery for communities affected by CO2 pipeline incidents, such as leaks or ruptures. It imposes a tax on CO2 pipeline operators and facilities to fund the relief efforts, requiring a minimum $10 billion balance in the fund before pipelines can operate in Iowa. The fund will cover emergency cleanup, victim compensation, rebuilding, and environmental restoration. Two oversight boards - the Oversight Board (managing fund integrity) and Victim Assistance Board (distributing aid) - will administer the fund and ensure resources reach affected individuals and communities.