SF 2052 requires Iowa's Department of Transportation to issue driver's licenses and nonoperator ID cards that do not meet federal REAL ID standards upon applicant request. It prohibits the collection or storage of biometric data (like facial scans or fingerprints), digital ID formats, and copies of identity documents (such as birth certificates or utility bills) for these noncompliant cards. The bill mandates that applicants be informed they can choose a noncompliant option and requires physical license cards instead of digital versions. This directly affects Iowa residents who opt for state-issued IDs that won't satisfy federal requirements for airport security or federal buildings.
HF 2048 requires companies processing personal data for 5,000+ Iowa residents annually to obtain clear consent before using data, disclose how data will be used (including for automated decisions), and limit collection to what’s necessary. It grants Iowa residents the right to access, correct, delete their data, and revoke consent at any time. Companies must implement security measures to protect data and face civil penalties of up to $7,500 per violation for breaches or noncompliance. The bill applies to commercial data processing but exempts law enforcement, de-identified data, and public information.
Iowa's HSB 610 requires all public and accredited nonpublic high schools to include one semester of computer science as a graduation requirement for students graduating in the 2030-2031 school year and beyond. The bill mandates that computer science courses must cover fundamental concepts of evolving technologies and artificial intelligence - including how AI works, its societal impact, and ethical considerations - starting in the 2022-2023 school year for a half-unit requirement. The state must publish a list of approved computer science courses by June 2027 and create a plan to expand teacher capacity, especially for small schools (under 500 students in grades 9-12). This directly affects Iowa high school students, educators, and school districts implementing new graduation standards.
HF 2124 requires Iowa's Department of Education to create and oversee a single statewide electronic data system for all public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and area education agencies. The system must standardize data reporting, protect student/staff privacy, allow seamless transfer of student records between schools, and work with existing school software. It also mandates the Department modernize its own electronic systems by July 2027, including a new portal for schools to validate data, check enrollments, and access real-time reporting tools. This bill directly affects all Iowa schools and the Department of Education by centralizing data management and improving system interoperability.
This bill requires video streaming services (excluding broadcast TV, cable providers, and ad-free platforms) operating in Iowa to ensure commercials have audio volume no louder than the accompanying video content, effective July 1, 2026. It aligns enforcement with federal rules under the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act. The Iowa Utilities Commission can enforce compliance through civil actions, seeking penalties of up to $500 per daily violation, and allows services to demonstrate compliance via documented adherence or industry guidelines. The bill explicitly states it does not create a private right for consumers to sue.
SF 2093 modifies Iowa's emergency powers during disaster and public health crises. It requires governors to issue written declarations detailing affected areas and justifications, limiting initial emergencies to 30 days (extendable by 60 days by the governor), with legislative oversight allowing 60-day extensions via concurrent resolution. The bill explicitly prohibits emergency measures that infringe constitutional rights, restrict religious interactions in healthcare, use surveillance tech without consent, deploy drones/AI for enforcement, or limit licensed health professionals' practice. These provisions directly affect governors, the legislature, and public health authorities during declared emergencies.
SF 2129 clarifies disclosure rules for psychological test data in Iowa. It defines "test data" as raw scores, client responses, and psychologist notes (from the APA code), and "test materials" as actual test questions or manuals. The bill allows individuals to request their test data be shared with a designated licensed psychologist, but prohibits disclosing the original test materials unless redacted from the data. This directly affects patients undergoing psychological testing and licensed psychologists who may receive such records. The law does not change current restrictions on disclosing test materials themselves.
This bill requires political campaign materials containing synthetic media - such as deepfakes or AI-generated videos/audio that falsely depict people - to include a clear disclosure: "THIS CONTENT GENERATED USING SYNTHETIC MEDIA." It applies to all campaign ads (websites, social media, print, TV, etc.) and holds the publisher directly responsible for the disclosure, not the creator. Violating this rule is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,560 fine. The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board must create implementing rules, and the disclosure does not limit other legal remedies for misuse.
HF 2047 (the "Iowa Junk Fee Prevention Act") requires lodging, ticketing, and food delivery platforms to clearly display the total price - including all fees - before a consumer completes a purchase. It prohibits businesses from hiding or increasing fees during checkout, ensuring consumers see the full cost upfront. The law directly affects platforms like hotel booking sites, event ticket sellers, and food delivery apps, protecting Iowa consumers from surprise charges. Key provisions mandate transparent pricing in advertisements and at the point of sale, with enforcement through civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.
HSB 598 allows driverless-capable vehicles to operate on Iowa public roads without a human driver present, provided they meet safety conditions like achieving a "minimal risk condition" during malfunctions, complying with traffic laws, and being certified by the manufacturer. It specifically prohibits driverless operation for vehicles transporting hazardous materials, requiring a human driver in those cases. The bill establishes that the vehicle owner is liable for injuries, property damage, or traffic violations occurring when the automated system is engaged. Modifications to the automated driving system without the manufacturer's consent also create liability, unless the owner directed the change.
