Veterans

signed · Iowa · House Jun 2, 2026

HF 2199: A bill for an act relating to level II law enforcement academy training programs.

HF 2199 sets new requirements for Iowa's Level II law enforcement academy training programs. Applicants must provide proof of a two- or four-year police science or criminal justice degree from an accredited school approved by the academy, or qualify under exemptions for military veterans or federal officers. The bill also requires individuals who complete the training to secure employment with a law enforcement agency within 18 months to receive certification. It specifically applies to those seeking certification through a short course of study program.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts military veterans from degree requirement for law enforcement academy, supporting veteran employment pathways90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · House Apr 30, 2026

HF 2491: A bill for an act providing for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities.

HF 2491 waives all tuition and mandatory fees at Iowa's regents universities for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, veterans must apply for admission and have exhausted all other federal or state financial aid options, such as Pell Grants or VA education benefits. The waiver is prorated each semester to cover only the difference between other aid received and the actual tuition and fees charged. This policy directly affects eligible veterans seeking higher education at Iowa's public universities, ensuring they face no out-of-pocket costs for tuition and mandatory fees after other aid is applied.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill waives tuition/fees for veterans with disabilities at regents universities, expanding higher education access and providing direct financial support through a targeted funding mechanism.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransWaives tuition/fees for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities, expanding educational benefits after exhausting other aid options.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

passed · Iowa · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SF 152: A bill for an act relating to state driver’s license requirements for certain persons with a military driver’s license.

SF 152 allows the Department of Transportation (DOT) to waive the driving skills test and certain physical exams for eligible military personnel applying for a state driver's license. This applies to individuals currently on active duty or those separated from service within the past year. To qualify for the waiver, applicants must certify they've held only a military license for two years, maintained a clear driving record, and have recent military experience operating motor vehicles. They would still need to pass an eyesight screening, a highway sign recognition test, and a written test on state traffic laws, and would be exempt from driver education requirements.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransWaives driving skills tests/exams for veterans transitioning to civilian licenses, easing access to state driver's privileges as a practical service benefit.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

Track

signed · Iowa · House May 27, 2025

HF 901: A bill for an act relating to the law enforcement academy, including military veterans with active duty military police experience and former federal law enforcement officers.

HF 901 modifies law enforcement academy requirements to allow military veterans with active duty military police experience and former federal law enforcement officers to count their prior experience toward academy completion. This directly affects eligible veterans and former federal officers seeking to become state law enforcement officers. The bill's key provision replaces standard academy training hours with credit for qualifying military or federal law enforcement service. It became law after the Governor signed it on May 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allows military veterans with police experience to count it toward law enforcement academy requirements, directly supporting veteran employment in state law enforcement by recognizing prior service.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · House May 6, 2025

HF 885: A bill for an act relating to deer and wild turkey hunting licenses for disabled veterans.

This bill creates a new provision allowing resident disabled veterans to use their deer hunting license and tag during any established deer hunting season. The only requirement is that the hunting method for the chosen season (e.g., bow, firearm) must align with the method authorized by their license. This expands hunting season flexibility for veterans who have a service-connected disability, as verified by the department of veterans affairs. Such hunters must be able to display proof of their resident and disability status if requested by a peace officer, with penalties for non-compliance mirroring existing wildlife laws.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands hunting license flexibility for disabled veterans, strengthening their benefits and recognizing their service.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · House May 2, 2025

HF 118: A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program.

This bill modifies the Iowa National Guard service scholarship program, which helps eligible Iowa National Guard members pay for college tuition. It establishes that scholarship awards cannot exceed the difference between a student's tuition and any financial aid they receive under specific federal military programs (10 U.S.C. §2007). Additionally, the bill removes a provision that previously prohibited scholarship eligibility or award determinations from being based on a National Guard member's unit, drill location, or whether they are in the Army or Air National Guard.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands access to higher education scholarships for National Guard members, removing restrictions and clarifying funding rules to support educational attainment.75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill modifies scholarship program to help National Guard members pay for college tuition, expanding educational benefits for veterans.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Iowa · House Mar 28, 2025

HF 250: A bill for an act relating to county commissions of veteran affairs.

This bill updates requirements for county commissions of veteran affairs and their executive directors or administrators in Iowa. It mandates that these directors or administrators obtain specific training and certification directed by the commandant of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs within one year of employment, or face removal from office. They must also acquire a personal identification verification card to access veteran benefits systems and complete continuing education only from state-approved entities. Additionally, the bill changes the reporting period for veteran service hours from a calendar year to a fiscal year and removes a previous requirement for training from a national association.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill strengthens county veteran affairs by mandating training and certification for administrators, improving service delivery and system access for veterans.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans