HF 2254 prohibits the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) from including noncompete clauses in employment contracts with physicians. It requires the University of Iowa Board of Regents to create a policy banning these restrictions, which prevent doctors from practicing in specific areas or for set times after leaving UIHC. The rule applies to all new, extended, or renewed contracts starting when the bill takes effect. This directly affects physicians employed by UIHC, removing geographic and time-based practice restrictions upon contract termination. The bill defines "physician" as someone licensed under Iowa law and takes effect immediately upon enactment.
SF 378 increases Iowa's default speed limit for all vehicular traffic from 55 mph to 60 mph on roads without specific posted limits. This affects all drivers traveling on most state highways and roads where no special speed zones (like school districts at 25 mph or interstates at 70 mph) apply. The bill also allows transportation agencies to temporarily use approved stickers on existing signs when updating speed limits, rather than replacing signs immediately. It does not change existing speed limits for specific areas (like school zones) or penalties for speeding violations.
Senate File 639 establishes a new specialty business court in Iowa, managed by the Supreme Court, to resolve complex commercial and business litigation expeditiously. This court will have concurrent jurisdiction with district courts over specific types of cases, such as those involving intellectual property licensing, internal business entity disputes, breach of contract between businesses, and trade secrets, generally requiring alleged damages of $500,000 or more or seeking injunctive relief. The bill outlines the appointment of dedicated judges, procedures for case filing and transfer, and appellate processes for the new court.
HF 1023 modifies the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) for members in protection occupations, such as law enforcement and firefighters. The bill increases the employee contribution rate from 40% to 50% and decreases the employer contribution rate from 60% to 50% of the required contribution, effective July 1, 2025. For those retiring on or after July 1, 2025, it enhances the calculation of monthly retirement benefits for service beyond 22 years and allows retirement at age 50 with 22 years of service. Additionally, it establishes an annual 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for these members' monthly retirement allowances, replacing eligibility for other retirement dividends.
SF 654 updates wildlife regulations, impacting hunters, property owners, and fur dealers. It requires deer hunting tree stands on public land to display a department-issued identification number, with a $30 fine for non-compliance, and protects stand owners from liability for others' use. The bill permits property owners or drainage districts to alter beaver dams to protect their property without prior permission. Additionally, it allows traps and snares to be labeled with a department ID number and caps annual fur dealer license fees at $50 for both residents and nonresidents.
HF 1028 modifies state financial management by changing rules for interdepartmental fund transfers and altering provisions for the technology reinvestment fund. It grants the legislative council new authority to review and disapprove specific interdepartmental transfers between state agencies. The bill redefines the technology reinvestment fund to focus on state information technology projects that enhance infrastructure and improve government services, establishing criteria for prioritizing these projects. It also appropriates $17.5 million annually to this fund, starting July 1, 2025.
SF 629 creates new expedited filing options for businesses submitting documents to Iowa's Secretary of State, adding two faster service tiers: a $200 fee for one-hour processing and $125 for same-day service (in addition to existing $50 for two-day and $15 for five-day options). It directly affects businesses filing documents like LLCs, corporations, and cooperatives under Iowa law. The bill requires the Secretary of State to provide written confirmation of expedited filings and deposit all collected fees into the Business Administration Fund. These fees are added to standard filing costs, with no change to core document requirements or processing timelines for standard filings.
HF 992 increases the fee for duplicate or proof of interstate fuel tax permits from 50 cents to $1.00 per document. This affects commercial vehicles operating across state lines that use fuel purchased outside Iowa, requiring them to carry proof of tax payment for Iowa fuel taxes. The bill modifies existing law that mandates these vehicles to possess such proof while operating in Iowa. The change directly impacts businesses and drivers managing interstate fuel use compliance, without altering the underlying tax requirements or penalties for non-compliance.
HF 990 establishes a licensing process for medical cannabidiol (CBD) dispensaries in Iowa. The bill requires the state department to issue requests for proposals and license up to five dispensaries (with potential for up to ten) by April 1, 2018, and renew licenses by December 1 each year. It directly affects businesses seeking to operate medical CBD dispensaries by setting caps on the number of licenses and defining the application timeline. The key provision is the structured annual licensing system to regulate the distribution of medical CBD products within the state.
This bill establishes new licensing requirements for crematory operators in Iowa, mandating they complete a nationally recognized cremation training course. It also requires funeral directors applying for a crematory operator license to submit a standard application, streamlining their path to operate cremation facilities. The bill expands disciplinary actions for both funeral directors and crematory operators, including penalties for misrepresenting services, violating regulations, or allowing unlicensed operation. Additionally, it prohibits paying or accepting commissions to secure funeral or cremation business, classifying such actions as a simple misdemeanor. These changes aim to standardize oversight and protect consumers within the funeral and cremation industry.
SF 473 (Iowa) prevents state departments from requiring foster care providers or adoptive parents to affirm policies conflicting with their religious or moral beliefs about sexual orientation or gender identity. It prohibits disqualifying individuals from foster care or adoption based solely on such beliefs, including their intent to raise children consistent with those beliefs. The bill allows departments to still consider the religious or moral beliefs of both the child and the provider when determining the best placement for the child. This applies directly to individuals seeking or currently providing foster care or adoption services in Iowa, and it creates legal remedies for violations.
SF 469 establishes an "emeritus license" for physicians and surgeons, including osteopathic physicians, in Iowa. This license is available to individuals aged 60 or older who are primarily engaged in supervising and training resident physicians. Holders of an emeritus license can maintain their full scope of practice and are exempt from continuing education requirements. The license is valid for three years, renewable once, and carries half the application and renewal fees of a standard license, with initial licenses not issued before January 1, 2026.
