Sen. Jeff Reichman

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 93) sets specific qualifications for members of Iowa county veteran affairs commissions and their executive directors. It requires all commission members to be veterans meeting one of three criteria: (1) a veteran as defined in Iowa law, (2) an active Iowa National Guard/reserve member with a unit recommendation, or (3) a former Guard/reserve member with an honorable discharge (DD214 or letter). The executive director must also meet these same veteran qualifications, except for those hired before July 1, 1989. The bill directly affects county-level veteran affairs leadership positions across Iowa.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Zion Mennonite Church in Donnellson, Iowa, for its 175th anniversary by formally recognizing its historical significance in the state. The bill acknowledges the church's role in Mennonite history, including its founding in 1851, establishment of the first Mennonite school west of the Mississippi River, and contribution to the formation of the General Conference Mennonite Church. It also notes the church's long-standing partnership with the Donnellson Presbyterian Church and its current mission of worship, faith education, and community service. The resolution serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than implementing any new laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySF 2273 regulates Iowa's rate-regulated public utilities by setting rules for rate filings, automatic adjustments, virtual power plants, and long-term energy planning. It requires utilities to file a comprehensive rate review by July 1, 2027 (and every three years after), limits frequent rate change requests to once per year unless approved earlier, and bans automatic rate adjustments for electric utilities to recover transmission costs. The bill defines virtual power plants (customer-owned energy systems managed centrally) as non-public utilities requiring commission approval, mandating they benefit customers in their service area. Additionally, it requires electric utilities to submit integrated resource plans every three years, detailing energy needs, cost analyses, and infrastructure upgrades for 5- and 20-year horizons, with public access to planning data.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities in Iowa with fewer than 10,000 residents to opt out of the statewide municipal fire and police retirement system. Current firefighters and police officers hired before a city's opt-out decision remain in the system, while new hires after the opt-out join the Iowa public employees' retirement system instead. The change applies only to cities under 10,000 population and does not affect existing members' benefits. It modifies retirement system participation rules without altering current members' coverage.

Maddy summarySF 2182 defines "queen of hearts" as a specific regulated game of chance for licensed organizations in Iowa. The bill clarifies that participants enter raffles to select cards from a standard deck, with winners receiving cash prizes if they pick the designated winning card, and allows cash prizes for non-winning selections too. It sets a $10,000 cap on cash prizes, permits the game to operate on a "build-up" basis (unlike most other gambling), and requires participants to be present to win certain raffles. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties including fines up to $2,560.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the YMCA's 175th anniversary and expresses the Iowa Senate's appreciation for its community service. It highlights the YMCA's historical contributions, including founding programs like basketball and Father's Day, and its ongoing work serving over 250,000 Iowans annually through youth development, health initiatives, and social services. The resolution does not create new programs or change laws - it is a ceremonial expression of support for the YMCA's mission.

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.

Maddy summarySF 105 imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals convicted of felonies (or adjudicated delinquent for felony-level conduct) who possess, receive, transport, or control a firearm or offensive weapon. For a first offense, it mandates a minimum two-year prison term for a class D felony; second offenses require a minimum four years; third offenses become class C felonies with a seven-year minimum; and fourth or subsequent offenses require a ten-year minimum. The bill requires courts to sentence offenders to these minimum terms without the option to defer sentencing or suspend the prison time. This directly affects convicted felons who handle firearms or weapons, increasing penalties for repeat offenses.

Maddy summarySF 45, known as the "Iowa Land Redevelopment Trust Act," allows cities, counties, and townships to create independent land redevelopment trusts. These trusts are designed to acquire and manage dilapidated, abandoned, blighted, and tax-delinquent properties. The bill aims to help communities return these properties to productive use, with the goal of revitalizing areas, providing affordable housing, and attracting new industry. Each trust would be governed by a board of directors.

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.