Iowa Bills

SF 512 clarifies who can change the deadlines for bringing civil lawsuits in Iowa. The bill amends Code section 614.1 to specify that only the General Assembly has the power to alter the time limits for various civil actions. This directly affects individuals and entities involved in lawsuits related to injuries, contracts, fraud, malpractice, and other specified claims, ensuring legislative control over these statutes of limitations.

This bill exempts high-ethanol gasoline, specifically blends containing more than 85 percent ethanol, from the state excise tax when purchased directly from a terminal or refinery for use in agricultural equipment. To qualify for this tax exemption, buyers must obtain and present a specific certificate to the supplier, who is required to keep these records for at least three years. The law also holds the purchaser personally responsible for paying the tax if they use the fuel for any purpose other than agricultural production. Ultimately, the legislation removes the cost of the excise tax for farmers buying high-ethanol fuel directly from the source for their machinery.

This bill creates sales and use tax exemptions and refunds for tangible personal property, digital products, and services used to build, maintain, or restart nuclear electric generation facilities in Iowa. The tax relief applies to items directly used for construction, repair, or restarting operations after decommissioning, provided the facility begins commercial operation within twelve and a half years of receiving its license or pouring initial concrete. If a facility fails to start operations within this timeframe, it must repay all previously claimed tax exemptions and refunds. Additionally, the law defines specific equipment and systems eligible for these benefits, including nuclear components, electrical infrastructure, cybersecurity tools, and energy storage systems, while repealing the provision on July 1, 2051.

SF 2304 allows Iowa water and wastewater utilities (specifically investor-owned, regulated utilities) to recover costs for certain infrastructure improvements through a new "system enhancement charge" on customer bills. Utilities must first get approval from the Iowa Utilities Commission for a detailed multiyear plan, including engineering reports, cost estimates, and proof that projects meet environmental or safety requirements (like replacing aging pipes or complying with federal regulations). The commission must approve the plan if it covers eligible improvements (e.g., resilience upgrades, new systems for health/safety, or regulatory compliance) and sets fair rates, but cannot block the plan over individual projects that don’t meet criteria. This applies only to projects not already included in the utility’s existing rate base.

This bill requires Iowa school districts and charter schools to adopt specific discipline policies for students causing violent or nonviolent disruptions (like threats, assaults, or property damage). Key provisions mandate policies that include behavior correction strategies, require parental consent before mental health counseling, align with federal disability laws, and establish escalating discipline levels. It also creates oversight committees to review student returns to classrooms after removal and gives teachers authority to temporarily remove disruptive students (with 30-minute supervision for nonviolent cases). The policies directly affect schools, students, and parents through new discipline procedures and consent requirements.

SF 2429 modifies Iowa's rules for annual permits allowing heavy vehicles to transport fluid milk products. It increases the maximum gross weight limit from 96,000 to 136,000 pounds for permitted vehicles on roads, while keeping the 20,000-pound-per-axle limit unchanged. The bill expands permit authority beyond the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to include local authorities, and requires the DOT to establish rules for axle configurations. This change affects milk transport companies and local governments, taking effect January 1, 2027.

HF 2678 allows business owners to remove unauthorized personal information (like addresses or email) from Iowa business filings using a sworn affidavit. It creates two key processes: (1) individuals can submit a notarized affidavit to have their misused information removed from a business's records, and (2) the Secretary of State can send written questions (interrogatories) to businesses suspected of fraud if credible evidence exists, requiring a response within 21 days. If a business fails to respond or admits violations, it may face administrative dissolution. This bill directly affects businesses filing with Iowa's Secretary of State and individuals whose personal data was improperly included in filings.

This bill changes Iowa's vehicle registration rules for nonresident owners. It allows nonresidents who own real property in Iowa and use vehicles primarily on that property to apply for registration using their out-of-state driver's license number instead of providing the primary user's personal details (like name, address, and Iowa ID). Applicants must still submit reasonable proof of property ownership, and the Iowa Department of Transportation will establish rules for acceptable proof. This applies only to vehicles registered in Iowa that are used mainly at the nonresident's Iowa property.

This bill allows Iowa public and nonpublic high schools to offer an elective junior firefighter program for 11th and 12th graders. Schools must coordinate with fire departments and the fire service training bureau to ensure students receive training for firefighter I certification, including meeting specific program requirements like teaching life skills and fostering community relationships. Students must submit a liability waiver (signed by a parent/guardian if a minor) to participate. If a student passes certification exams before turning 18, they cannot receive official firefighter I certification until their 18th birthday.

HF 2231 establishes Iowa's "Seal of Civics Excellence" program administered by the Department of Education. It recognizes high school students who demonstrate civics proficiency through knowledge of American government and participation in community activities. Schools may voluntarily participate, and the Department will determine requirements, create a seal (like a sticker for transcripts or a certificate), and require it to be affixed to diplomas. The program is voluntary for schools, with the Department potentially charging a small fee for printing.

HF 864 requires commercial internet platforms (referred to as "covered platforms") that regularly host obscene material as part of their business to verify users' ages before allowing access. It defines "covered platforms" based on factors like the proportion of obscene content, user traffic to that content, and revenue generated from it. Platforms must use methods like government ID or financial documents for age verification, prohibit retaining identifying information after verification, and may use privacy-preserving techniques like zero-knowledge proofs. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, enforced by the Iowa Attorney General. The bill explicitly excludes liability for regular users and providers like ISPs merely offering connectivity.

This bill requires Iowa public schools and athletic organizations to accept cash (legal tender) as a payment option for entry fees to school sports events. It mandates that organizations must accept cash as a condition of registering with the state education department. The law does not prohibit other payment methods like credit cards or digital payments, only ensures cash is accepted. It directly affects schools and athletic groups managing competition entries, not students or families.