Sen. Carrie Koelker

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2113) removes a prohibition on calendar raffles conducted by licensed qualified organizations in Iowa. Currently, Iowa law (Code 99B.24) bans calendar raffles - single-entry raffles where winners are selected over multiple dates - but this bill would delete that ban. The key change amends Code 99B.24 to eliminate the specific prohibition listed in subsection 1, paragraph d. This would directly affect organizations that currently operate calendar raffles under charitable or social gambling permits.

Maddy summarySF 2252 modifies Iowa's Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program to allow tax incentives for building a National Football League (NFL) stadium. The bill expands the existing program - which currently targets businesses in advanced manufacturing, biosciences, or R&D - to include NFL franchises constructing a professional sports stadium. Key provisions define "sports stadium" as a facility for NFL games and specify that incentives (like sales tax refunds and investment tax credits) would apply to the stadium project, subject to the program’s $1 billion investment threshold. This bill would directly affect NFL teams seeking to build a stadium in Iowa, but it does not change other MEGA program requirements or eligibility rules.

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 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.

Maddy summarySF 45, known as the "Iowa Land Redevelopment Trust Act," allows cities, counties, and townships to create independent land redevelopment trusts. These trusts are designed to acquire and manage dilapidated, abandoned, blighted, and tax-delinquent properties. The bill aims to help communities return these properties to productive use, with the goal of revitalizing areas, providing affordable housing, and attracting new industry. Each trust would be governed by a board of directors.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Iowa Major Events and Tourism Program and Fund to provide financial assistance to Iowa nonprofit organizations. These organizations support large tourism-oriented events, such as athletic contests, conventions, music, and art festivals, that generate significant economic impact. The program offers grants to help cover costs associated with bidding for, planning, and conducting these events. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate the event's economic impact and provide matching funds, with an initial appropriation of $15 million from the sports wagering receipts fund.

Maddy summarySF 22 regulates how drivers can use electronic devices while operating a vehicle. It specifically addresses the use of these devices in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. The bill establishes penalties for any violations of these new rules. These provisions and penalties are set to become effective on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 409 prohibits recording or redistributing electronic board of parole interview proceedings in Iowa. It directly affects parole boards, the Department of Corrections, and individuals participating in parole interviews, requiring the Department to make inmates available for interviews and banning any recording or online sharing of electronic interviews. Violating this prohibition is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $430-$2,560 fine. The bill does not alter interview scheduling or in-person interview rules, focusing solely on electronic interview recording and distribution.