HF 130 creates a state scenic byways enhancement fund to support Iowa's scenic byways through voluntary $1 or more donations during vehicle registration renewal. County treasurers must request these contributions at registration, retaining up to 5% for local county funds while sending the rest to the state fund. The fund finances byway maintenance, development, litter prevention, and enhancement, with unspent funds rolling over annually. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.
SF 545 requires battery producers (like manufacturers and brand owners) to implement approved recycling programs by 2028, targeting portable and medium-format batteries used in consumer products (excluding medical devices, car batteries, and certain electronics). It mandates that batteries sold in Iowa be labeled with the producer’s name and prohibits sales of covered batteries without an approved plan. The bill establishes collection sites for public drop-off, sets recycling efficiency targets, and defines key terms like "covered battery" (e.g., excluding lead-acid car batteries and medical devices). This law directly affects battery producers, retailers, and recycling organizations operating in Iowa, with full compliance required by 2029 for labeling.
HF 581 creates a state fund to support Iowa's scenic byways, managed by the Department of Transportation. It requires county treasurers or the vehicle registration department to ask vehicle owners to make a voluntary $1 or more contribution during registration renewal, with up to 5% of collected county funds allowed to stay in the county general fund. The fund will finance byway maintenance, development, litter prevention, and enhancements. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.
HF 531 increases the maximum gross weight limit for trucks transporting fluid milk products under annual permits from 96,000 pounds to 130,000 pounds when traveling on primary roads and city road extensions. This change directly affects dairy transport companies that rely on annual permits for milk delivery routes. The bill does not alter the existing 20,000-pound-per-axle weight limit but allows larger total vehicle weights. The new limit applies to all permits issued on or after the law's effective date, including existing permits still active at that time.
This bill establishes a "scenic byways enhancement fund" in the state treasury, managed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The fund's purpose is to support, develop, maintain, and enhance the state's scenic byways, including litter prevention efforts. To finance the fund, county treasurers and the DOT will request voluntary contributions of one dollar or more from individuals applying for vehicle registration renewal. Funds collected will not revert at the end of a fiscal year and any interest earned will be credited back to the fund. This act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
This bill modifies Iowa's subacute mental health care regulations. It requires facilities to create a resident's initial treatment plan within 24 hours of admission (replacing a prior 10-day limit), and sets strict timelines for insurance approval: 48 hours for urgent requests, 5 days for standard non-urgent requests, and 10 days for complex cases. It directs health and licensing departments to eliminate rules hindering facility expansion or access, and to ease staffing requirements for subacute facilities compared to state mental health institutes. The changes apply immediately upon enactment.
HF 2359 clarifies that city ordinances can require property owners adjacent to public streets (abutting property owners) to maintain the area between their property line and the curb line, such as sidewalks. It adds that these owners can be held liable for damages if they fail to use "reasonable care" in maintaining this public space, as required by local ordinance. The bill specifically excludes requiring property owners to remove diseased trees or dead wood on publicly owned property or right-of-way. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.
SF 2297 amends Iowa's public employees' retirement system (IPERS) to improve member communication and payment options. It allows IPERS to share a member's legal name and city of last known address with the state treasurer to help locate missing members or beneficiaries. The bill changes the annual requirement for benefit statements to quarterly updates of contributions and accrued credits, and adds a reloadable payment card as a no-fee option for retirees, alongside existing electronic and paper payment methods. These changes take effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill (HF 2657) is incorrectly titled as relating to fishing/hunting licenses, but its actual content concerns tax information privacy. It amends sections of Iowa law (specifically 422.20, 422.72, and 483A.1A) to clarify that tax returns and related information cannot be disclosed without specific legal authorization. The bill adds a new provision requiring the Department of Revenue to verify tax filing status (for the prior year) when confirming residency for license applicants, but only providing the minimal necessary confirmation to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It does not change fishing/hunting license requirements or residency criteria; it only governs how tax status information is shared between agencies. The bill is currently in the introduction stage (2026-02-20).
SF 2366 streamlines certification for medication aides in Iowa. It requires the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) to create a free online registry where individuals can submit proof of passing DIAL-approved medication aide exams. The bill allows medication aides certified in other states to become certified in Iowa without retaking exams or meeting additional requirements like prior Iowa employment. It also rescinds outdated administrative rules about medication aide training and certification, directing DIAL to adopt new rules ensuring consistent standards for aides working in nursing facilities, residential care facilities, and specialized care settings.
SF 2138 limits alcohol industry ties for Iowa's alcoholic beverage commission members (capping at two with direct or indirect interests, except as institutional investors) and prohibits commission members, the revenue director, and department employees from having ownership interests in alcohol businesses they regulate. It bans using official positions to influence political views or favor candidates, and forbids employees from licensing, permitting, or enforcing rules for businesses they have financial ties to. Violations carry disciplinary action up to termination. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.
This resolution (HR 103) asks Congress to support granting an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or similar recognition to U.S. troops who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992. It specifically cites their presence as a deterrent to regional aggression, their exposure to hostile fire (including one Purple Heart recipient), and their role in military training and civil support. The resolution does not create new benefits but urges Congress to endorse efforts to formally recognize these veterans. It directly affects veterans of that specific Honduras deployment period.
