Sen. Jason Schultz

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Iowa's gun laws in three key areas. It allows concealed firearms in locked vehicles within publicly accessible parking lots (like those at government buildings) when unoccupied, with exceptions for National Guard facilities. It explicitly prohibits rules that would ban firearms in vehicles transporting foster children. Additionally, it creates "weapons free zones" around schools and public parks, imposing double fines for firearm offenses within these areas (excluding designated hunting zones). The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Iowa's urban renewal tax rules to ensure that property taxes collected for emergency medical services are not used to pay off municipal debt or fund low-income housing projects. Under the new provisions, these specific emergency medical service taxes must be collected from all taxable property within the district without being diverted to special funds for urban renewal. The changes apply to property taxes due in fiscal years starting on or after July 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySF 2268 creates an Iowa-Ireland trade commission to strengthen economic ties between Iowa and Ireland. The commission, composed of eight members including state legislators with Irish trade expertise, private sector representatives, and industry leaders, will promote business exchanges, recommend joint policy actions, and encourage mutual investment in infrastructure. It must meet quarterly, submit annual reports to the governor and legislature, and operate with funding from the state general fund (reimbursing members only for travel expenses). The bill directly affects Iowa businesses and organizations engaged in trade with Ireland, aiming to facilitate concrete economic collaboration.

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 (SF 2257) removes specific ineligibility criteria for firearm permits and transfers in Iowa. It eliminates provisions that previously barred individuals from obtaining permits if they were "addicted to alcohol" or had documented actions within two years suggesting potential unlawful weapon use. The bill also modifies transfer rules by changing "possess" to "carry" in language restricting firearm transfers to ineligible individuals. These changes affect people previously disqualified under those specific criteria, such as those with certain substance abuse histories or documented behavioral concerns. The bill does not create new restrictions but revises existing eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryIowa's SF 2068 requires businesses operating massage therapy locations (excluding mobile services, standalone devices, healthcare facilities, student clinics, and sole practitioners) to obtain a license starting July 1, 2027. Businesses must apply for a license with the board, pay fees, undergo sanitary inspections, and maintain records of therapists and clients for three years. The bill allows the board to deny or revoke licenses for unlicensed therapists, disqualifying criminal histories (like human trafficking or sexual abuse), or fraudulent applications. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per day for ongoing non-compliance.

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 summaryThe provided context does not include the full bill text for SF 106. Based solely on its title, "A bill for an act relating to the conveyance of firearms in or on certain vehicles," this legislation modifies the rules for transporting firearms within or on specific types of vehicles. Without the bill's content, the precise changes to how firearms can be carried or the specific vehicles and individuals affected cannot be detailed. The bill is slated to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "sex" in Iowa law as a person's biological sex observed or clinically verified at birth, based on reproductive systems, and specifies that "gender" is a synonym for "sex" rather than "gender identity." It requires birth certificates to designate sex based on this definition at birth and eliminates the ability to change a person's sex designation on their birth certificate. The bill clarifies that state