HJR 2011 proposes a constitutional amendment in Iowa to protect public retirement benefits. It would declare that membership in state or local government retirement systems creates an enforceable contract, making accrued retirement benefits (those earned by employees) legally protected from future reductions or changes. This amendment, if approved by voters, would build on existing constitutional language about contracts to specifically shield retirement benefits. The bill does not alter current benefits but prevents future legislative action that could diminish them. The resolution must first pass the legislature and be ratified by Iowa voters.
This bill (SF 2175) makes broad changes to Iowa's education system, primarily affecting charter schools, nonpublic schools, and public school districts. It modifies charter school funding formulas to include additional state cost components, adds charter school employees to the state retirement system, and allows students in charter or nonpublic schools to participate in public school sports under specific conditions (e.g., no prior participation by their school and payment of fees). The bill also designates charter schools as local education agencies for federal funding access and authorizes the Iowa Finance Authority to issue bonds for charter and nonpublic school facilities. These changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2026.
SF 272 requires public employers in Iowa to provide cancer screening exams for full-time firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical services (EMS) providers within three years of hire and every three years thereafter. The state will reimburse political subdivisions up to $1,250 per employee per three-year period for these screenings, with no out-of-pocket costs for eligible workers. The bill also expands the definition of "cancer" in retirement systems to include all cancer diagnoses, ensuring broader eligibility for accidental disability and death benefits under the Public Safety Peace Officers' Retirement System (PORS) and Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System (411 System). It appropriates $1 million from the state general fund for FY 2025-2026 to cover these reimbursement costs.
This bill requires public employers in Iowa to provide free cancer screening exams every three years to full-time firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical services providers, starting July 2025. Political subdivisions (like cities or counties) can be reimbursed up to $1,250 per employee per three-year period for these screenings, funded by a $1 million state appropriation for fiscal year 2025-2026. The bill also expands the definition of "cancer" in retirement systems (including the Public Safety Officers' Retirement System and Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System) to include all cancer diagnoses, thereby broadening eligibility for disability and death benefits. It ensures political subdivisions must comply with these requirements without exemption due to funding concerns.
HSB 341 is a legislative bill that allocates funding for the administration and regulation of various Iowa state government departments and offices for the fiscal year 2025-2026. It provides appropriations for salaries, operations, and full-time equivalent positions for entities like the Department of Administrative Services, Auditor of State, and the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The bill also establishes a separate workers' compensation fund for state employees and sets an administrative charge for state employee health insurance plans. Additionally, it specifies how the Auditor of State should allocate its funds for audit work, including federally required audits and investigations.
SSB 1239 proposes to eliminate Iowa's individual income tax and alternate income tax, affecting all individual taxpayers. It establishes a "taxpayer relief trust fund" and an "income tax elimination fund," along with an "income tax elimination board" to oversee this process. The bill mandates the transfer of state funds, including an initial $2.6 billion, into the taxpayer relief trust fund. These funds, to be administered by the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS), are intended to generate investment returns to support the future elimination of the individual income tax.
SF 658 is a state budget bill that allocates funds for the administration and regulation of various state government departments and offices. For the budget year starting July 1, 2025, it provides money for salaries, operational costs, and sets staffing levels for entities such as the Department of Administrative Services, the Auditor of State, and the Governor's office. The bill also includes specific provisions, such as maintaining a workers' compensation fund for state employees and setting an administrative charge for state employee health insurance plans.
HSB 343 is a legislative bill that makes appropriations for the administration and regulation of various state government departments and offices for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. It allocates funds from the general fund to entities such as the Department of Administrative Services, Auditor of State, and the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The bill specifies funding amounts for salaries, support, maintenance, and outlines the number of full-time equivalent positions for these agencies. It also includes provisions for specific funds, like utility costs and workers' compensation, to remain available for expenditure in succeeding fiscal years.
HF 1044 is an appropriations bill that provides funding for multiple Iowa state agencies and offices, including the Department of Administrative Services, Auditor of State, Ethics Board, governor's offices, and the Department of Revenue. It allocates budget authority for the operation and regulation of these state entities, covering their administrative needs and existing functions. The bill directly affects the agencies listed by authorizing their use of state funds for day-to-day operations and regulatory activities. It does not create new policies or programs but ensures continued funding for current state government functions. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law by the governor on June 11, 2025.
