Sen. Dave Sires

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the 150th anniversary of the University of Northern Iowa, which was established in 1876. The bill directs the Senate to commend the university for its historical contributions to education and community service across Iowa. It also calls for a copy of the resolution to be presented to university leadership as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summarySJR 2008 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Iowa General Assembly supporting the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education and the transfer of education authority to state and local governments. It argues that federal education regulations have caused inefficiency and stagnant student reading scores despite high spending, and that states are better positioned to address local educational needs. The resolution urges the U.S. Congress to cooperate with efforts to dissolve the Department of Education, citing the Tenth Amendment as the constitutional basis for state control. This resolution does not change federal policy but formally expresses Iowa's position on education governance.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment in Iowa that would prohibit corporations from making financial contributions or participating in election activities (like supporting candidates or ballot measures). It directly affects all Iowa corporations, barring them from engaging in political spending or advocacy related to elections. The amendment includes an exception for corporations specifically formed to create, sell, or operate election equipment. If approved by voters, this change would require a constitutional amendment, not a regular law, and would take effect after ratification.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the YMCA's 175th anniversary and expresses the Iowa Senate's appreciation for its community service. It highlights the YMCA's historical contributions, including founding programs like basketball and Father's Day, and its ongoing work serving over 250,000 Iowans annually through youth development, health initiatives, and social services. The resolution does not create new programs or change laws - it is a ceremonial expression of support for the YMCA's mission.

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 410 requires Iowa school district boards to provide a reasonable time for public comment at all regular and special meetings, directly affecting school board members and the public seeking to speak. The bill mandates that boards allow any interested member of the public to speak during this period without requiring them to be pre-registered on the meeting agenda. Boards may impose a uniform time limit per speaker if needed due to high attendance, but must apply it equally to all speakers. The law aims to streamline public participation by eliminating pre-meeting registration requirements for comment periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Iowa individual income taxpayers to deduct expenses paid to licensed nursing facilities (under Chapter 135C) for health-related care and services, provided those costs weren't already deducted for federal tax purposes. It directly affects Iowans paying for nursing care who file state income tax returns. The deduction applies to expenses incurred for health services, not general living costs at the facility. The law includes retroactive application, making it effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 404 creates the Iowa Tourism Advertising Fund in the state treasury, funded by 0.25% of the state hotel and motel tax (which is 5% of lodging sales). The fund provides grants to eligible applicants - including cities, counties, nonprofits, and businesses - to promote Iowa tourism through advertising in Iowa, other states, or internationally. Applications are submitted to the economic development authority, with final funding decisions made by the authority's board. The bill also specifies that fund earnings stay in the fund and administrative costs cannot exceed 5% of the annual fund balance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Iowa's treasurer to invest up to 5% of specific state funds (general fund, cash reserve fund, economic emergency fund) in precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) and certain digital assets meeting strict criteria. Digital assets must have a $750 billion+ market capitalization, stablecoins must have regulatory approval, and all must be held via secure custody solutions or qualified custodians. The bill also requires taxes paid in qualifying digital assets to be converted to cash and transferred to the general fund, while restricting investments to low-risk options. It directly affects how Iowa manages state finances and protects public funds from high-risk digital asset volatility.