SF 2124 expands Iowa's disabled veteran homestead tax credit to include more veterans with lower disability ratings, phased in over time. It allows eligible veterans (with permanent service-connected disability ratings of 70%+ starting July 2027, 40%+ starting July 2028, and 10%+ starting July 2029) to claim a credit equal to the greater of the standard homestead credit or a percentage of their property tax matching their disability rating. The credit applies to property taxes due for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2027, and retroactively covers claims filed since January 1, 2026. This bill directly affects disabled veterans and National Guard members meeting specific service and disability criteria who previously did not qualify under the existing 100% disability threshold.
This bill repeals Iowa Code section 37A.1, which previously made it a misdemeanor to sell, trade, or transfer veterans commemorative property on personal property without authorization from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It also removes a requirement that the department must authorize such transactions. The law change eliminates both the penalty for unauthorized transfers and the need for departmental approval. This directly affects veterans or property owners who possess veterans commemorative items (like plaques or monuments), allowing them to sell or transfer these items without seeking government permission.
This bill creates a lifetime ginseng harvesting permit for Iowa disabled veterans. It allows eligible veterans - defined as honorably discharged veterans with any service-connected disability rating (0% or higher) - to pay a one-time $7 fee for a permit valid for life, replacing annual permits. The permit authorizes ginseng harvesting under existing season, quantity, and reporting rules set by the Department of Natural Resources. All fees collected will fund the state fish and game protection program.
HF 2132 would require Iowa's public universities (regents institutions) to waive all tuition and mandatory fees 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, have exhausted all other federal or state financial aid (like Pell Grants or VA education benefits), and not receive other assistance covering their tuition costs. The bill mandates that institutions prorate the waiver to cover only the gap between other aid received and the full tuition/fees amount. This policy directly affects eligible veterans seeking higher education at Iowa's public universities.
This bill establishes a statewide "Veterans Services Excellence Fund" to support county veterans service offices. It requires county staff to obtain federal certifications and access credentials within 12 months of hire, mandates use of a new electronic claim system for all VA benefit applications, and sets performance-based funding allocations. The fund receives $990,000 annually from the state general fund plus $300,000 from lottery funds, with money distributed to counties for training, accreditation, and maintaining the electronic system. Counties must report on fund usage and face reimbursement if they fail to meet VA application standards. The bill directly affects county veterans service offices and their staff in Iowa.
This bill creates a specific design for military-themed special vehicle registration plates in Iowa. It allows current holders of qualifying military-related plates (such as Purple Heart, Gold Star, or veteran plates) to request a new navy-blue top, red bottom, and white center with a black plate number and a gray bald eagle emblem at no extra cost. Existing eligible plates can be exchanged for this new design without additional fees. The change applies only to certain military-focused plates, matching the current "Flying Our Colors" plate style.
This resolution honors Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Iowa National Guard members killed in action during a December 2025 attack in Syria. It recognizes their military service, posthumous promotions, and sacrifices, while also acknowledging three wounded Iowa Guard soldiers from the same incident. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the families of the two fallen soldiers as a formal tribute. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy or legal effect but serves to memorialize their service.
This bill creates a fee waiver for military service-related business filings in Iowa. It allows veterans, active-duty service members, or their interest holders to file specific business documents (like formation papers or amendments) for free when acting on behalf of qualifying entities - including limited partnerships, LLCs, corporations, or nonprofits. The waiver applies only to designated documents listed in the bill (e.g., certificates of organization, foreign registration statements) and takes effect January 1, 2027. The Secretary of State will administer the process through adopted rules.
This bill updates Iowa's registration system for off-highway vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and vessels. It requires owners to register these vehicles with new fees (such as $25 for personalized plates) and establishes special plate options for veterans, firefighters, and others. Key provisions include mandatory registration, annual fee requirements, and specific rules for plate transfers and special designations. The law directly affects all Iowa residents who operate ATVs, snowmobiles, or vessels on public lands or waterways.
HF 2017 creates a new Iowa tax credit equal to 100% of the federal work opportunity tax credit (from IRS Section 51) for individual and corporate income taxes. It applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and affects Iowa employers who hire individuals facing barriers to employment, as defined by the federal program. The credit reduces tax liability but is non-refundable; any unused portion can be carried forward to offset taxes in the following year. The bill includes retroactive application starting January 1, 2026.
