This bill (SF 2342) removes a requirement in Iowa law that the state must be named as the beneficiary of insurance policies public officers use instead of bonds. Currently, such policies must benefit the state and allow the state to pursue claims on behalf of injured parties. The bill amends Code section 64.3(4) to eliminate this specific provision, giving public officers more flexibility in structuring their insurance coverage. It directly affects public officers who opt for insurance policies rather than traditional bonds to cover potential liabilities.
This Iowa bill creates a standardized process for resolving certain family law disputes through private arbitration instead of court. It applies to issues like child custody and support agreements when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration in writing. Key rules require arbitrators to be trained attorneys with domestic violence expertise, prohibit arbitration for divorce or adoption cases, and limit arbitrators from making decisions about state-involved child support. The law ensures arbitration agreements are legally binding unless specific conditions (like court approval for post-dispute agreements) are met.
This bill requires Iowa retail fuel dealers to file annual reports detailing total gasoline and diesel sales for each determination period ending before their tax year closes. Retail dealers who miss this filing deadline lose eligibility for tax credits promoting E-85 gasoline (section 422.11O), biodiesel blends (section 422.11P), and E-15 plus gasoline (section 422.11Y). Failure to file timely also triggers a $100 civil penalty per occurrence, with penalties deposited into the state general fund. The reporting requirement ensures accurate calculation of excise taxes on specific fuel blends like E-15 and B-20 biodiesel.
SF 2454 creates new protections for vulnerable adults by requiring life insurance companies and qualified staff to delay certain disbursements (like policy withdrawals) if they suspect financial exploitation. It establishes a 15-day initial delay period for disbursements, extendable to 55 days total after internal reviews, and mandates written notification to authorized parties and the state commissioner. The bill defines "eligible adults" (vulnerable individuals) and "financial exploitation," while allowing notifications to designated "permissible third parties" (like family members) without liability for good-faith disclosures. It also provides legal immunity to insurers or staff who act reasonably to prevent exploitation, without requiring prior notification to third parties.
SF 2206 prevents Iowa state agencies from including specific contract terms that could harm the state or violate public policy when purchasing goods or services. It voids 19 prohibited provisions (e.g., requiring the state to cover vendors' legal costs, using foreign law, hiding pricing details, or imposing binding arbitration outside Iowa courts) and mandates that all contracts follow Iowa law and be litigated in Iowa courts. Agencies may request limited waivers for necessary contracts if they prove harm would occur without specific terms, but waivers must be narrowly tailored. The bill applies to contracts entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2026.
HF 2307 creates a "provisional coaching authorization" for the Board of Educational Examiners to issue to individuals seeking coaching roles without full credentials. It requires applicants to complete background checks, CPR/defibrillator training, youth sports concussion training, and child abuse reporter training. The provisional license expires after 180 days or the end of the sport season, whichever comes first, and allows conversion to a full authorization by completing specific training, coursework, or providing prior coaching experience. This bill directly affects prospective coaches in Iowa schools and adjusts hiring priority, placing those with provisional authorizations below fully credentialed coaches in school hiring decisions.
This bill amends Iowa's administrative procedure act to change how courts interpret laws in cases involving state agencies. It requires courts to interpret statutes and agency rules "de novo" (from scratch) instead of deferring to an agency's interpretation. The bill also mandates that when courts face uncertainty, they must favor interpretations that limit agency authority. This directly affects courts, agencies, and individuals or entities challenging agency decisions under Iowa law.
SF 2408 (Iowa) updates rules for motor vehicle dealers, primarily affecting those selling vehicles remotely. The bill clarifies that dealers are deemed to have title rights to vehicles if their controlling entity holds the title, requires dealers to store all records (electronically or physically) at their business or a controlled entity's U.S. location, and mandates electronic records be provided to Iowa's DOT within 24 hours of a request. For remote sales, dealers must disclose vehicle location, title format, and delivery dates to buyers, provide electronic title proof upon DOT request, and use approved electronic signatures for odometer disclosures. The bill also specifies remote sales are not subject to door-to-door sales regulations (Chapter 555A) and aligns with federal electronic signature standards.
HF 2277 creates a framework for voluntary arbitration in specific family law disputes in Iowa, directly affecting individuals involved in custody, visitation, or support issues who choose this alternative to court. The bill requires written, signed agreements specifying the dispute and arbitrator, mandates arbitrators be qualified attorneys or retired judges with specialized training, and allows courts to compel or halt arbitration. It explicitly excludes divorce, termination of parental rights, adoptions, child dependency determinations, and certain child support cases from arbitration. The law aims to provide a faster, less adversarial process for eligible disputes while maintaining court oversight for enforcement and validity.
HF 2299 requires retail fuel dealers in Iowa to timely file reports of total gasoline and diesel gallonage sold during a specific period. This reporting is directly tied to eligibility for three tax credits: E-85 gasoline promotion (section 422.11O), biodiesel blended fuel (section 422.11P), and E-15 plus gasoline promotion (section 422.11Y). Retailers who fail to file the required report by their tax year end lose access to these credits for that year and all future years until the report is submitted. The bill also imposes a $100 civil penalty per missed filing, with penalties deposited into the state general fund. The reports are used to calculate excise taxes on higher-blend fuels like E-15 and B-20 biodiesel.
HF 2388 requires Iowa government entities to make specific employment separation details public for employees, contractors, and appointees. It mandates disclosure of the last work date, termination reasons (including alleged misconduct or contract breaches), and any excess compensation beyond regular pay. These details must be released as public records without needing court approval or custodian permission. The bill applies to all state government bodies handling such separations.
HF 2298 requires pet shops, breeders, kennels, and shelters to obtain state licenses to operate. These businesses must maintain records and cannot purchase dogs or cats from unlicensed facilities. The state will inspect facilities based on risk levels, with licenses subject to suspension for violations. This directly affects all commercial animal businesses in Iowa that handle nonagricultural animals.
