This bill establishes how Iowa's opioid settlement fund will be managed and used to address the opioid crisis, impacting state agencies, healthcare providers, and Iowans needing treatment. It mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General (AG) annually propose appropriations, with 75% of available funds going to HHS and 25% to the AG, and requires regular reports on disbursements. For fiscal year 2024-2025, the bill appropriates $12 million to HHS for grants to specific nonprofit organizations to expand a nature-based recovery campus, and an additional $30 million to HHS for general opioid crisis abatement efforts. These funds aim to support treatment, prevention, and recovery services for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
HF 580 authorizes private logging companies to selectively harvest mature timber on public lands (including state parks) under strict environmental and safety conditions, with revenue funding park maintenance and forest management. Companies must submit proposals detailing environmental impact assessments, reforestation plans, and justification for harvesting (e.g., improving forest health or removing hazardous trees), which the Department of Natural Resources must review and approve. Proceeds from harvesting in state parks go to a dedicated park maintenance account, while other public land harvesting funds flow to a natural resources account, both requiring annual public reporting on harvests and spending. The bill mandates sustainable practices, including native tree regeneration and long-term forest management plans, to balance revenue generation with ecological protection.
HSB 321 updates the regulation and taxation of tobacco products, primarily focusing on heated tobacco products. The bill redefines "cigarette" to include heated tobacco products for various regulatory purposes and establishes a specific definition for these products. It imposes a tax of 3.40 cents on each consumable unit of a heated tobacco product, distinct from the standard cigarette tax. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "vapor product" and excludes heated tobacco products from the existing 22% wholesale tax on other tobacco products.
This bill establishes a scholarship program to help Iowa residents with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities (age 18+) cover tuition and fees for approved postsecondary education programs. The program, administered by the College Student Aid Commission with input from vocational rehabilitation services, provides up to $5,000 per student, prioritizing Iowa residents. It creates a dedicated scholarship fund in the state treasury, with unspent funds rolling over annually instead of reverting to the general fund. The bill requires the Commission to set application criteria and adopt rules for the program’s operation.
SF 438 establishes a state-funded 988 emergency service fund to support suicide and crisis lifeline services in Iowa. It allocates $3 million annually from the state general fund starting in fiscal year 2025-2026 to the fund, controlled by the Department of Health and Human Services. The fund will provide financial support to organizations operating the 988 service if federal funding for these services is interrupted, delayed, or reduced. This directly affects crisis hotline providers who rely on the 988 system (accessible by dialing 9-8-8 or texting) to maintain uninterrupted emergency mental health support.
This bill requires Iowa cities and counties to provide full-time employment benefits - including health insurance, pensions, and retirement plans - to public safety employees (police, firefighters, emergency medical staff) and volunteers (reserve officers, volunteer firefighters, emergency medical providers) who work at least 32 hours per week. It overrides previous rules that might have excluded these workers from benefits based on part-time status. The state will cover all costs through a new fund created in the state treasury, with cities/counties submitting cost documentation for validation. The policy applies starting July 1, 2025, for all affected cities and counties.
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HF 909 establishes a Veterans Service Organization Grant Program under the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This program provides matching funds to eligible veterans service organizations, as defined by federal regulations, to help them employ staff who assist veterans with claims. The bill creates a dedicated grant fund within the state treasury and appropriates $250,000 for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, for deposit into this fund. Organizations must demonstrate they will provide matching funds for each staff position to receive a grant.
HSB 331 establishes an opioid settlement fund and an opioid reserve account to manage money received from national opioid litigation settlements. The bill appropriates specific amounts from this fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for fiscal years 2025-2028. These funds are distributed to administrative services organizations (ASOs) to facilitate crisis response, early intervention, treatment, and recovery services for opioid addiction within behavioral health districts. An evaluation panel reviews proposals from ASOs, prioritizing evidence-based practices, and the bill also allocates funds for statewide prevention initiatives and increasing service capacity. Additionally, HHS is required to submit annual reports to the general assembly on fund disbursements and program evaluations.
This bill establishes the National Guard Service Professional Qualification Scholarship Program for Iowa National Guard members. It provides scholarships covering full tuition costs at approved community colleges or universities for non-degree professional certifications (like certificates or skills-based credentials), excluding associate or higher degrees. To qualify, members must be Iowa residents, maintain active duty status, complete required training, enroll in an adjutant general-approved program, and submit required documentation. Funds unused in one fiscal year carry over to the next, and the Adjutant General determines eligibility and certifies payments to educational institutions.
SF 85 creates a state health equity program and fund to reimburse providers for menstrual and post-menstrual health services not covered by insurance. It directly affects uninsured patients and qualifying healthcare providers who treat conditions like endometriosis, menopause, fibroids, and incontinence. The program requires reimbursement within 10 days of billing (if the patient is uninsured or the service isn’t covered), caps administrative costs at 4% of funds, and uses state revenue previously spent on genitourinary agents for public employees. The fund is replenished annually and operates as the "payor of last resort" for eligible covered services meeting medical standards.
