Sen. Kevin Alons

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 requires app stores and developers to implement specific protections for minors (under 18) using mobile apps. App stores must verify a user’s age category (child, younger teen, older teen, or adult) during account creation, and for minors, they must link the account to a parent account and obtain verifiable parental consent before any app download, purchase, or in-app transaction. The law also mandates that app stores notify parents of significant app changes (like new in-app purchases or privacy updates) and secure parental consent renewal. These requirements apply to all app stores operating in Iowa, directly affecting app providers, developers, and minor users.

Maddy summarySF 2129 clarifies disclosure rules for psychological test data in Iowa. It defines "test data" as raw scores, client responses, and psychologist notes (from the APA code), and "test materials" as actual test questions or manuals. The bill allows individuals to request their test data be shared with a designated licensed psychologist, but prohibits disclosing the original test materials unless redacted from the data. This directly affects patients undergoing psychological testing and licensed psychologists who may receive such records. The law does not change current restrictions on disclosing test materials themselves.

Maddy summaryThis Iowa bill makes gold and silver coins (defined as "specie") legal tender for transactions within the state, meaning residents can use them to pay for goods or services. Businesses are not required to accept specie, but the bill mandates the state treasurer to establish secure storage facilities ("bullion depositories") for gold/silver and authorize electronic payment systems to process transactions using "transactional gold and silver" (fractional amounts held in depositories). It exempts all specie transactions from state taxes, requires full insurance for deposits, and prohibits using these systems for surveillance or social credit scoring. The treasurer must report annually on depository operations and the economic impact of the policy.

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 137 modifies the training requirements for individuals applying to a short course law enforcement program who are sponsored by an agency but are not yet certified officers. Currently, these applicants must show proof of completing a two-year or four-year police science or criminal justice program from an accredited educational institution located in Iowa. This bill removes the requirement that the educational institution must be located within Iowa. Applicants would still need to have completed such a program from an accredited institution approved by the academy, regardless of its state location.

Maddy summarySF 180 establishes an individual's right to refuse certain medical services for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions. This right applies to medical services declared a federal countermeasure or given emergency use authorization by the FDA. The bill prohibits businesses, employers, healthcare providers, and government entities from denying employment or services, segregating, penalizing, or discriminating against individuals who refuse such services. Individuals negatively affected by a violation can bring a civil action for injunctive relief, declaratory judgment, and damages, including attorney fees.

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 summaryThis bill, SF 21, allows surviving spouses of emergency services members (including firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, EMTs, and volunteers) killed in the line of duty to request a waiver of property taxes and special assessments on their homestead. To qualify, the spouse must file a sworn petition with their county board of supervisors, providing proof the death resulted from a duty-related injury and certification from the member’s agency. The waiver applies to current and potentially future tax years if approved, excluding taxes for which taxing authorities object within 30 days. It does not apply if the death resulted from self-harm, intoxication, gross negligence, or the spouse’s actions contributing to the death, and takes effect immediately with retroactive application to 2025 assessment years.

Maddy summarySF 48 requires hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and pregnancy resource centers in Iowa to report specific serious medical incidents to the state Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing within 15 working days. Facilities must report events like wrong-site surgery, medication errors, patient disappearances, falls, device failures, or serious injuries from contaminated products. The law specifies 15 distinct incident types that qualify as "serious reportable events," excluding certain situations like emergencies requiring immediate action. Reports must not include identifying details about patients, staff, or healthcare professionals. Failure to report could result in penalties established under the bill.