Maddy summarySF 237 directs Iowa's Department of Education, with the Department of Health and Human Services, to form a working group to study how school-provided technology (like laptops, learning management systems, and classroom presentations) affects students' cognitive function and academic performance. The working group must examine research on these impacts and develop recommendations to mitigate potential negative effects on students' attention, social development, and learning ability. The group is required to submit a report with findings and best practices to the legislature by December 31, 2025. This bill specifically affects students, schools, and educators by initiating a study on technology use in classrooms, not by changing current technology policies.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySF 182 requires Iowa courts to consider a child's current educational setting during custody disputes. It creates a rebuttable presumption that children should remain in their existing school (public, private, or homeschool) unless parents prove it harms the child's best interests. Custody orders must now specify each parent's rights regarding school access, records, and educational decisions, while exempting homeschooling families from requiring physical school-day access. The bill applies to all custody cases involving disagreements over education and mandates that schools receive copies of these orders.
Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill (SF 249) creates a legal right for people or property within 25 miles of a carbon dioxide pipeline or facility release to seek compensation from the pipeline or facility owner. It establishes strict liability, meaning owners must pay for all damages - both past and future - without needing to prove fault. Victims must file claims within one year of the release, and any court judgment against the owner gets priority over other debts or liens. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Iowa Carbon Dioxide Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate response and long-term recovery for communities affected by CO2 pipeline incidents, such as leaks or ruptures. It imposes a tax on CO2 pipeline operators and facilities to fund the relief efforts, requiring a minimum $10 billion balance in the fund before pipelines can operate in Iowa. The fund will cover emergency cleanup, victim compensation, rebuilding, and environmental restoration. Two oversight boards - the Oversight Board (managing fund integrity) and Victim Assistance Board (distributing aid) - will administer the fund and ensure resources reach affected individuals and communities.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 117) protects pharmacists and licensed healthcare practitioners (like doctors, nurses, and dentists) from employer or licensing board restrictions that interfere with their professional judgment when prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications. It prohibits boards or employers from creating rules that deter professionals from using treatments they deem appropriate based on their expertise and scope of practice. Any such restriction - whether in contracts, handbooks, or policies - is declared unenforceable and cannot lead to disciplinary action. The bill ensures professionals using medication decisions within their scope and best judgment cannot face license discipline for those choices.
Maddy summarySF 226 establishes a new process for reviewing eminent domain actions in Iowa. It allows property owners whose land is at risk of being taken under eminent domain (or applicants before the Iowa Utilities Commission) to petition Polk County district court for a declaratory review before the commission makes a final decision. The court can only declare legal rights and status under eminent domain law, not change outcomes, and the bill permits a new review in a different county after 18 months or if circumstances change, requiring a fresh court evaluation. Additionally, it mandates a $10 filing fee (deposited into the state general fund) and eliminates bond requirements for appeals or enforcement of related court orders.
Maddy summarySF 224 requires all Iowa Utilities Commission members to be present during live testimony at public utility, pipeline, or electric transmission line hearings. If any member is absent during testimony, the hearing must pause until all members return. For informational meetings about pipeline permits or utility projects, at least one commission member must be present, and the meeting must pause if they become unavailable until a member returns. The bill applies to hearings and meetings related to pipeline permits, electric transmission lines, and utility regulations, ensuring consistent commission presence without requiring formal meeting records.
Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill prohibits the state's National Guard (Army, Air, and Civil Air Patrol) from being deployed into active combat or hazardous foreign service unless the U.S. Congress has officially declared war for specific purposes: repelling invasion, suppressing insurrection, or enforcing federal law. It does not restrict the governor's authority to deploy troops for domestic emergencies or civil support. The bill aligns state military actions with the U.S. Constitution's requirement that Congress, not the executive, holds the power to declare war. The legislation was introduced in February 2025 and referred to the Veterans Affairs committee.
Maddy summarySF 225 prohibits the Iowa Utilities Commission from renewing permits for pipelines transporting liquefied carbon dioxide and sets a maximum 25-year operational limit for such pipelines. The bill directly affects pipeline companies seeking to operate CO2 pipelines in Iowa and the commission responsible for issuing permits. It amends existing law to explicitly ban permit renewals and ensure no CO2 pipeline operates beyond 25 years, reinforcing a current 25-year limit already in place for all pipeline permits. The legislation does not change the existing 25-year cap but specifically prevents renewal for CO2 pipelines.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Iowa's public colleges and universities to provide reasonable accommodations for students who are pregnant or have recently given birth, such as rescheduling assignments, extending exam and degree deadlines by up to 12 months, and allowing leave of absence without academic penalty. It prohibits institutions from forcing students to withdraw or restricting their participation in classes solely due to pregnancy. Schools must create written policies on pregnancy accommodations, post these protections online, and assign a staff member to support affected students. The state Attorney General will handle complaints and forward verified cases to the federal Office for Civil Rights for review.