Maddy summarySF 2244 amends Iowa's education savings account program to establish clearer rules for qualified nonpublic schools and increase transparency. It requires these schools to meet accreditation standards, adhere to teacher licensing rules, and report student admissions/denials confidentially. The bill also mandates third-party administrators to submit detailed annual reports on fund spending (including educational materials and services) and undergo annual audits. School districts must notify families of approved students and report enrollment data, while contracts with vendors must include competitive bidding and limit fees to 3% of funds. These changes directly affect families using savings accounts, participating nonpublic schools, and third-party program administrators.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySF 2243 modifies Iowa's audit and transparency rules for state government. It clarifies that the auditor of state may access confidential agency information (like health records or tax data) but must maintain confidentiality and cannot access individual tax returns or disease reports identifying specific people. The bill requires audit reports to be public unless they contain protected information (like personal health data), and replaces previous dispute resolution rules between agencies with a new arbitration process requiring a 3-member board appointed by the involved agencies. It also repeals outdated provisions about when audits begin and removes a 60-day deadline for arbitration decisions. The changes primarily affect state agencies, the auditor's office, and the public's access to government financial information.
Maddy summarySF 2245 requires Iowa governmental subdivisions (like cities, counties, school districts, and hospitals) to cooperate with the state auditor when suspected embezzlement, theft, or major financial irregularities involving public funds are reported. It mandates that the subdivision reimburse the state auditor for investigation costs, but only up to the amount of misused public funds as determined by the auditor. The bill establishes a clear process where the auditor decides whether to conduct further investigations after initial notification. This directly affects local government entities handling public funds by creating a defined reimbursement mechanism for financial misconduct probes.
Maddy summarySF 2272 requires Iowa employers with 50+ full-time employees to display a veterans' benefits poster in the workplace. The poster, created by the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing in coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs, must include key resources like mental health services, education/training programs, tax benefits, driver’s license assistance, unemployment insurance eligibility, and legal services. Employers must display the poster prominently where employees can easily see it. This bill directly affects businesses meeting the 50-employee threshold and aims to make veterans' support resources more accessible.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a separate billing class for large energy use facilities in Iowa that consume 20 megawatts or more (primarily industrial facilities under NAICS code 518210). It requires utilities to establish distinct rates for these facilities that directly assign their service costs and prevent shifting those costs to other customers. The utilities commission must review proposed rates to ensure they don’t unfairly increase costs for other customers or undermine grid reliability. The rules apply only to facilities built or expanded on or after January 1, 2027.
Maddy summarySF 2239 establishes Iowa's first state-run paid family and medical leave insurance program. It requires private employers with 10+ employees and all public employers to provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family reasons (like bonding with a newborn or caring for a sick family member) and up to 12 weeks for medical reasons (an employee's own serious health condition). To qualify, employees must have worked 1,250 hours over the past 12 months for their employer. The program, administered by the Iowa Department of Workforce Development, allows a combined maximum of 16 weeks of paid leave for both family and medical needs within any 12-month period.
Maddy summarySJR 2009 proposes a constitutional amendment in Iowa that prohibits corporations from making financial contributions or participating in election campaigns, ballot measures, or political committee activities. It specifically exempts corporations formed to create, sell, or operate election equipment. The amendment would require voter approval after legislative referral, as it seeks to amend the state constitution. This change directly affects all Iowa corporations engaging in political spending, excluding only election technology businesses. The bill does not alter existing laws governing corporate activities beyond political participation.
Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill (SF 2225) sets new rules for landlords in rental properties, manufactured home communities, and mobile home parks. It limits when landlords can evict tenants (requiring serious violations or business reasons), mandates 180 days' written notice for rent increases, and caps late fees based on rent amount (e.g., $12/day max for rents under $700/month). Landlords must justify rent hikes above inflation with specific costs like repairs, property taxes, or utility expenses. The changes apply to new evictions and rent increases starting upon the bill's effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires firearm owners in Iowa to report lost or stolen firearms to local law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery. It directly affects individuals who own firearms and experience loss or theft. Violating this requirement is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $50 fine. The law creates a specific reporting obligation and penalty for non-compliance, without altering broader firearm regulations.
Maddy summarySF 2047 requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cap out-of-pocket costs for covered insulin prescriptions at $25 per prescription for a 31-day supply. This applies to four specific insulin types: rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. The law affects insured individuals with diabetes who use covered insulin drugs under qualifying health plans, effective January 1, 2027. It does not apply to certain specialized coverage like Medicare supplements or short-term medical plans.