Rep. Bobby Kaufmann

Maddy summaryHF 2413 modifies Iowa's rulemaking process by defining "major rules" and adding new review requirements. A "major rule" is defined as one costing at least $200,000 annually, significantly affecting competition/employment, or amending federal Clean Air Act plans. State agencies must now provide detailed regulatory analyses for major rules, including cost-benefit comparisons, and the Legislative Services Agency must conduct a separate review of these rules before they take effect. This directly affects state agencies creating regulations and indirectly affects businesses and citizens subject to those rules. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in the rulemaking process for significant regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes Representative Jennifer Konfrst as the 2026 winner of the Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award. The bill acknowledges her dedication to public service, particularly in advancing equality, health, and education for Iowans. It expresses gratitude from the House of Representatives to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association for creating the award and congratulates Representative Konfrst on receiving the honor. The measure is a ceremonial recognition without any changes to laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 106) urges Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act, which would change current rules affecting medically retired veterans. It directly impacts approximately 50,000 service members who retired before completing 20 years of service due to medical conditions and have a disability rating below 50% - they currently lose $1 of retirement pay for every $1 of disability pay received. The resolution does not change the law itself but calls for Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act, which would eliminate this offset and allow these veterans to receive full retirement pay and VA disability benefits. It is a symbolic action, not a policy change, referencing the case of Major Richard Star, an Iraq/Afghanistan veteran who died of burn pit-related lung cancer.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Staff Sergeants William Nathaniel Howard and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Iowa National Guard members killed in action during a December 13, 2025, enemy attack in Palmyra, Syria. It recognizes their service, sacrifice, and posthumous promotions to staff sergeant, while also acknowledging three wounded Iowa National Guard soldiers from the same incident. The resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' respect for their lives and sacrifice, and directs copies to be sent to their families as a gesture of recognition. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy or funding changes, solely intended to honor the fallen service members and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Iowa's historical resource research centers in Des Moines and Iowa City to be maintained as publicly accessible, adequately staffed facilities within those cities. It amends existing law to specify that the Department of Administrative Services must operate these centers in buildings located in Des Moines and Iowa City, with sufficient staffing and public access. The bill directly affects the Department of Administrative Services, which manages these centers. It does not create new funding or alter historical research content, but mandates operational requirements for two existing facilities. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the State Government committee.

Maddy summaryHF 617 modifies rules for public improvements related to housing and residential development in certain urban renewal areas within cities. The bill increases the minimum required assistance for low and moderate income family housing in these projects from 10% to 20% of the original project cost. It also extends the period for dividing tax revenues (tax increment financing) for these specific projects from 10 to 20 fiscal years. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "low and moderate income family housing" for these projects to include workforce housing, and updates the general definition of "low or moderate income families" within the relevant code chapter. These changes apply to projects approved on or after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes and commends the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary. It highlights NCSL's role as a bipartisan organization supporting state legislatures through research, idea-sharing, and fostering cooperation. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses congressional appreciation and directs the House Chief Clerk to send a copy to NCSL.

Maddy summaryHF 277 removes birth centers from the definition of "institutional health facility" in Iowa law. This change eliminates the requirement for birth centers to obtain a Certificate of Need (CON) from the state before expanding services, relocating, or adding new offerings. The bill updates definitions in sections 10A.711, 135.131, and 135P.1 of the Iowa Code to clarify that birth centers are separate from hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. As a result, birth center providers would no longer face the CON approval process for operational changes. The bill directly affects birth center operators and their ability to expand services without state review.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a simple resolution recognizing Representative Kenan Judge (R-Waukee, IA) as the 2025 recipient of the Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award, presented annually by the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' gratitude to the award association and congratulates Judge for his service to Iowa constituents. The resolution does not create any new laws or policies - it solely honors Judge's recognition as an award winner who exemplifies public service aligned with Herbert Hoover's humanitarian legacy. The House adopted this resolution unanimously on March 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 127 requires Iowa counties with populations of 125,000+ (based on the latest census) or those containing a state university campus to use "Plan Three" for electing county supervisors. This means these counties must adopt a specific representation map for supervisor elections, with new maps due by October 2025 for the 2026 general election. For supervisor vacancies, the bill mandates special elections in larger counties (125k+ population or university campuses) but allows appointments in smaller counties instead. The bill directly affects county governance structures in qualifying counties, altering both election planning and vacancy procedures.