HF 2161 regulates the use of automatic license plate readers (APRs) by requiring local governments to first adopt an ordinance authorizing their use. It prohibits accessing captured license plate images or data more than 24 hours after capture without a warrant or subpoena, except for specific cases like stolen vehicles, Amber Alerts (child abductions), or human trafficking investigations. The bill bans using APRs for facial recognition and prohibits placing readers near religious sites, while requiring access logs and banning sharing data with non-governmental third parties. These rules apply to local authorities, law enforcement, and any entity operating APRs in Iowa, with violations punishable as misdemeanors.
HF 2036 protects foster parents' residential address privacy by prohibiting agencies from sharing a foster parent's full address with a biological parent unless the foster parent provides written consent. The bill defines key terms like "foster parent" and "foster child," and explicitly states that documents containing unredacted addresses cannot be given to biological parents without consent. This directly affects foster parents (who control address disclosure), biological parents (who may request addresses only with consent), and child welfare agencies (which must comply with the confidentiality rule). The law aims to prevent unauthorized access to foster parents' homes while allowing voluntary disclosure when foster parents agree.
Tags
Privacy
This bill (HSB 612) prohibits Iowa law enforcement from using drones for routine traffic enforcement, except when assisting in pursuits of drivers evading police under Iowa Code section 321.279. It allows officers to operate drones during such pursuits to cite traffic violations committed while fleeing. The bill also restricts drone evidence in court: footage is inadmissible unless obtained from public airspace, visible to the public, or gathered legally under state/federal law. These provisions directly affect law enforcement practices and court proceedings involving drone-collected evidence.
This bill requires political campaigns in Iowa to prominently disclose when campaign materials (like ads, social media posts, or videos) use synthetic media - digitally altered images, audio, or video that falsely mimic a real person. It mandates the clear label "THIS CONTENT GENERATED USING SYNTHETIC MEDIA" on all such materials, with the campaign creator responsible for the disclosure. Violating this law is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,560 fine. The Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board must create rules to enforce this requirement.
This bill establishes a temporary pilot program allowing voters with disabilities that prevent hand-marking of ballots to independently mark absentee ballots by mail using assistive technology like nonvisual or low-vision tools. It requires the Secretary of State to create rules enabling these voters to request absentee ballots by mail and to report annually to the legislature on the pilot's progress. The program must test feasibility across enough counties if not implemented statewide, and expires on July 1, 2029. The bill directly affects voters with specific disabilities who cannot mark ballots by hand, aiming to improve accessible absentee voting.
Tags
Elections
This bill requires both assessors and recorders (not just assessors) to redact the name of an address confidentiality program participant from electronic public documents on internet sites when requested. It applies directly to participants in Iowa's address confidentiality program, such as victims of domestic violence or threats who need to protect their home addresses. The key mechanism mandates that these officials implement a process to handle redaction requests without charging any fee. The bill updates existing law by expanding the responsible parties beyond assessors to include recorders and removing references to "assessor's staff" for the redaction requirement.
This bill establishes a Technology Reinvestment Fund to finance state IT projects. It allocates $17.5 million annually from the general fund starting fiscal year 2026, plus $18.27 million from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund for 2025-2026, specifically for technology infrastructure upgrades, new systems, and projects improving public services. The Department of Management must prioritize projects based on strategic alignment, ROI, rural access benefits, and sustainability, then submit a prioritized list to the governor for budget recommendations. All funded projects require annual reporting to the legislature detailing progress, costs, and outcomes.
HSB 334 is an appropriations bill that allocates funds from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund and Technology Reinvestment Fund for various state projects and initiatives. It provides funding for maintenance at state facilities like the State Historical Building and Terrace Hill, as well as building repairs for the Department for the Blind and facility renovations for the Department of Corrections. The bill also directs significant funding towards the Water Quality Initiative for demonstration projects and education, and the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Fund for related programs. These appropriations aim to support infrastructure improvements, environmental conservation efforts, and economic development projects across the state.
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.
HF 985 modifies how the Iowa Secretary of State collects fees for services. It allows the Secretary to set additional fees (capped at $2 million annually starting July 2025) for services like document copies, with all such fees deposited into the Business Services Modernization Fund. This fund must be used to modernize the Secretary’s technology and business operations by June 30, 2026. The bill also updates expedited filing surcharges (e.g., $250 for 1-hour service) and specifies that these fees go to the Business Administration Fund for administering business entity regulations. It directly affects businesses filing documents with the Secretary’s office and the office itself, as it changes fee structures and fund usage.
