Legislation Signed by Governor Culver
February 2008 |
March 2008 | April 2008 | May 2008 | Archived 2007 Legislation
FEBRUARY
Signed February 4
SF 2054 - SF 2054 extends the deadline for counties to file a final report on mental health expenditures. The current deadline is December 1. These reports are used to make determinations how state funds are disbursed to counties. SF 2054 extends the deadline for this year to March 15, 2008. It appears one county (Clayton) did not file on time and this bill would allow them to file so that they may receive state assistance. SF 2054 takes effect upon enactment and applies retroactively to December 1, 2007.
Signed February 12
HF 2140 - This bill sets the fiscal year 2010 school foundation allowable growth rate at 4%. This increases the school district cost per pupil by $222 to $5768.00. State aid to public education will total approximately $2.3 billion dollars in fiscal year 2010, which is an increase of over $110 million dollars over fiscal year 2009.
Signed February 14
HF 2065 -This legislation allows a government employee who takes a leave of absence for military service to take one day of leave for each workday. In addition, this bill requires that an employee returning from military service to be given a position of like seniority, status and pay if not returned to the employee’s original position. Current law only requires restoration to a similar position and not restoration of the same position or one with like seniority.
Signed February 20
SF 572 – This bill extends state tax benefits for use of soy-based transformer fluid by electric utilities and including effective and applicability date provisions. The bill takes effect upon enactment.
Signed February 28
SF 2059 – SF 2059 is an act relating to the administration of the Department of Cultural Affairs.
HF 2233 – HF 2233 is an act relating to providing sales, use, and property tax exemptions for certain web search portal businesses.
MARCH
Signed March 5
HF 2137 – HF 2137 makes changes to the membership of the Board of Education Examiners.
HF 2151 – House File 2251 repeals the sunset date included in the law for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact adopted in the 2005 Session. The Compact was established to allow Advance Practice Registered Nurse to be licensed in other states and allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to be able to practice in the states in the compact.
HF 2167 – House File 2167 updates the list of controlled drugs by adding several new drugs or derivations of previous drugs to the controlled drug list. These changes conform with the scheduling actions of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.
SF 2101 – SF 2101 transfers administration of the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program to the Department of Education.
Signed March 11
HF 2359 – House File 2359 directs the Iowa Lottery to create four new instant scratch and pull tab lottery games each year. The revenue generated from these new games will be used to support our veterans and their families through the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund.
Signed March 13
HF 2366 – House File 2366, which allows municipalities to issue bonds to purchase communication equipment for Iowa’s peace officers and emergency management officials.
Signed March 25
HF 2165 – House File 2165 amends the "Iowa Business Corporation Act" which governs for-profit corporations and is based on the model Act promulgated by the American bar association. The bill's provisions reflect the language of the model Act.
HF 2166 -- House File 2166 would authorize the use of qualified pharmacy technicians to check the work of other pharmacy technicians pursuant to rules adopted by the Board of Pharmacy. Authorized programs would be limited to pharmacy dispensing activities for patients in an institutional setting. Pharmacy technicians must attain and maintain national certification.
HF 2194: House File 2194 is a Code cleanup bill. Iowa passed a state minimum wage higher than the national minimum during the 1989 session, the language referred to several exemptions from the national minimum wage in the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act. Congress repealed these exemptions in November 1989 so that Iowa’s language now refers to federal exemptions which no longer exist. IWD changed Iowa's minimum wage criteria to be consistent with the revised national criteria through the rulemaking process and therefore, this bill does not make any change in current practice in Iowa, but rather makes federal minimum wage exemptions consistent with Iowa code.
HF 2213 – House File 2213 was proposed by the Department of Transportation and contains technical provisions relating to the regulation of motor vehicles by the Department.
HF 2309 – House File 2309 makes changes to the child support recovery statute to comply with federal requirements. These changes include provisions that only child support that becomes due while the family is receiving Family Investment Program benefits is assignable to the state; specifies information provided to consumer reporting agencies; requires the provision of cellular phone numbers to the child support recovery unit and makes other changes related to implementation and collection of medical support.
SF 249 – Senate File 249 provides clarifying changes for eligibility in the Medicaid, IowaCare or hawk-i program by explaining that a premium payment for Medicaid, IowaCare or hawk-i does not automatically confer eligibility for the respective program on an individual. The bill also requires persons eligible for Medicaid to assign their rights for payment from a third party to DHS.
Signed March 26
HF 2417 – House File 2417 is a bill to exempt federal economic stimulus allocations from individual state income tax.
Signed March 28
SF 2292 – SF 2292 extends the length of time a person has to submit a complaint of a discriminatory or unfair practice to the Civil Rights Commission from 180 to 300 days.
APRIL
Signed April 1
SF 2347 – Senate File 2347 provides $4.6 million to create a statewide system of optical scan voting machines across the state.
Signed April 2
SF 2317: Senate File 2317 relates to statutory corrections which may adjust language to reflect current practices, insert earlier omissions, delete redundancies and inaccuracies, delete temporary language, resolve inconsistencies and conflicts, update ongoing provisions, or remove ambiguities. The bill also includes effective and retroactive applicability date provisions.
SF 2320 – Senate File 2320 relates to non-substantive code corrections and including effective and retroactive applicability date provisions.
SF 2154 – Senate File 2154 changes the definition of an inclined or vertical wheelchair lift that currently reads "a lift used as part of an accessible route" at a public building, so it would now read a lift used to transport a wheelchair. The bill changes several other sections of the Code chapter on elevators to make them more clear and specific.
SF 2199 – Senate File 2199 amends Code language to allow appeal of a denial of dental insurance coverage based on medical necessity.
Signed April 3
HF 2400 – HF 2400 is an Act relating to water quality by establishing a water resources coordinating council, authorizing a marketing campaign, directing assistance to local communities for monitoring and measurement, providing for a wastewater and storm water infrastructure assessment, and creating a regional assessment program and a community-based improvement program.
SF 261 – SF 261 is an Act requiring certain private sewage disposal system-related inspections to be conducted when certain property is sold or transferred and including an effective date provision.
Signed April 8
HF 2119 – House File 2119 relates to fingerprints of a child by a governmental unit. The bill specifies that fingerprint cards and the written authorization shall be given to the parent and will not become a governmental record unless the parent makes such a request or except as otherwise authorized by Code.
HF 2195 – House File 2195 enables a county to qualify under the distress criteria for enterprise zones if excluding prison population places the county in the top 25 counties for population loss, so long as the county meets the other required criteria.
HF 2196 – House File 2196 requires the Department of Transportation to review its methods for collection of payments remitted at customer service sites operated by the Department and consider offering customers an electronic payment option.
HF 2364 – House File 2364 authorizes a school district with a financing agreement from the Iowa Energy Bank, for implementing energy conservation measures, to use revenue from the physical plant and equipment levy to guarantee payments.
HF 2407 – This bill relates to the $60 annual registration fee for certain motor vehicles equipped for persons with disabilities or used by persons with wheelchairs.
HF 2423 – House File 2423 makes changes to the timing and manner that counties can apply for and receive assistance from risk pool under the County Mental/Mental Retardation Property Tax Relief Fund.
HF 2452 – HF 2452 establishes definitions for "replica vehicle" and "street rod" for purposes of vehicle registration. The bill is effective July 1, 2009.
HF 2551 – House File 2551 provides requirements for a nonresident engaged in the aerial application of pesticides.
HF 2553 – House File 2553 raises per diem compensation for directors of the Iowa Soybean Association Board to $100.
HF 2554 – House File 2554 makes changes to monetary thresholds for actions by governing boards of drainage districts.
HF 2609 – House File 2609 provides for the release of monitoring evaluation information for elder group homes, assisted living facilities and adult day services programs at the close of the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) internal review or approximately 40 days from the date of inspection.
HF 2626 – House File 2626 relates to the appointment or election of state judicial nominating commission members.
HF 2642 – House File 2642 addresses the problem of tax deed marketability by providing that a tax deed is not subject to invalidation if notice was not served on a person entitled to service.
SF 2198 – Senate File 2198 relates to the membership of the Brushy Creek Recreation Area Trails Advisory Board.
SF 2230 – Senate File 2230 authorizes the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) to issue special non-resident turkey and any sex deer license to non-residents with a severe disability or a terminal illness.
SF 2328 – Senate File 2328 deals with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deer Depredation Program and establishes a deer study advisory committee.
Signed April 11
SF 473 – Senate File 473 allows a competent adult to execute a written instrument designating a person to have sole responsibility and discretion concerning the final disposition of that adult's remains, including coordinating provisions, and providing applicability dates.
SF 505 – Senate File 505 relates to the civil liability for damages relating to the use of an automated external defibrillator in sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.
SF 2089 – Senate File 2089 allows a voter to submit an application for an absentee ballot on a non-standard form if the form contains all of the information required by law.
SF 2108 – Senate File 2108 authorizes the Governor to proclaim the first Monday in April as Gift to Iowa’s Future Recognition Day.
SF 2117 – Senate File 2117 relates to coverage of closing protection letters in real estate transactions and providing an effective date.
SF 2157 – Senate File 2157 relates to amusement ride safety inspection fees and special inspectors authorized by the division of labor services in the department of workforce development and providing an effective date.
SF 2176 – Senate File 2176 authorizes the Department of Cultural Affairs to assist local organizations to establish Culture History and Art Teams (CHAT), requires the department to establish digital archive of state government records, and creates a Civil War Sesquicentennial Advisory Committee.
SF 2177 – Senate File 2177 is an Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) bill addressing changes in health related activities and regulation. The bill proposes changes and deletions to a number of Code sections.
SF 2179 – Senate File 2179 makes several modifications, additions, and deletions to provisions relating to the regulation of professions registered or licensed under the purview of the Professional Licensing and Regulation Bureau of the Banking Division of the Department of Commerce.
SF 2214 – Senate File 2214 deals with modification of child custody order under circumstances in which a parent is serving active duty in the military service of the United States.
SF 2217 – This bill clarifies various processes dealing with the appointment of counsel in criminal and juvenile cases.
SF 2248 – This bill modifies provisions relating to the application for a certificate of franchise authority applicable to the provision of cable or video services by an existing provider.
SF 2277 – Senate File 2277 is a bill that establishes procedures to secure credit information, and place a hold on an individual’s consumer report.
SF 2289 – Senate File 2289 updates provisions of the War Orphans’ Education Assistance program. Children of deceased veterans may receive assistance for higher education costs.
SF 2301 – This bill makes specified revisions and modifications to uniform finance procedures applicable to bonds issued by the state.
SF 2316 – Senate File 2316 is a bill creating the Iowa Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) and including an applicability provision.
SF 2333 – Senate File 2333 makes changes in the regulation of the trade, sale or transfer of veterans commemorative property.
SF 2335 – Senate File 2335 has to do with the rights of a victim of an alleged sexual assault and notification of these rights by a peace officer.
SF 2380 – Senate File 2380 establishes a low head dam public hazard program to be administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
HF 247 – House File 247 relates to volunteer fire departments whether township or city, if not financed through city government, shall be considered a political subdivision of the state.
HF 2164 – House File 2164 relates to voluntary diversity or court-ordered school desegregation plans under the state's open enrollment law.
HF 2328 – House File 2328 rewrites statutes to move the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) program to the Department of Human Rights (DHR) from the Department of Human Services (DHS).
HF 2372 – House File 2372 updates references in the Iowa Code changing the previous Food Stamp Benefits Program to the Food Assistance Program. It also delineates that the current reimbursement to vendors for this program is limited to this program and does not extend to other programs of the Department of Human Services which may be or are in the process of making payments electronically.
HF 2383 – House File 2383 makes nonsubstantive corrections to certain provisions relating to insurance and making repeals.
HF 2385 – House File 2385 adds the Iowa Finance Authority to the list of allowable investments by the Treasurer’s Office.
HF 2410 – House File 2410 relates to requirements pertaining to applicants for alarm system contractor and installer certification and also clarifies exemptions from licensure for certain individuals.
HF 2411 – House File 2411 provides to changes in the electrician licensure requirements for specified licensure classifications.
HF 2564 – House File 2564 revises the eligibility for Disaster Aid Individual Assistance Grants. These grants are initiated by a gubernatorial proclamation after a disaster has occurred.
HF 2568 – House File 2568 takes shift differential pay into account when calculating the level of workers' compensation benefits, and changes the calculation of permanent disability payments for inmates to match the method that is already used for all other workers eligible for disability benefits.
HF 2580 – House File 2580 reestablishes the Sustainable Natural Resource Funding Advisory Committee to make reports in 2009 and 2010 on sustainable funding sources for natural resources and outdoor recreation.
HF 2581 – House File 2581 establishes limited liability for donations of food to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and County Conservation Boards for interpretive educational display.
HF 2603 – House File 2603 authorizes certain advanced registered nurse practitioners to file certain periodic court reports on chronic substance abusers and persons with mental illness who do not require full-time placement in a treatment facility.
HF 2606 – House File 2606 makes changes to requirements related to grain transactions involving grain dealers and grain warehouse operators licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).
Signed April 15
HF 2212 – House File 2212 puts in place a statewide smoking ban starting July 1st. This new law bans smoking in most public places of employment, including bars, restaurants, and workplaces.
Signed April 16
HF 2390 – House File 2390 makes changes to the bill enacted last session relating to the licensing and regulation of plumbers and mechanical professionals and provides effective dates.
HF 2392 – House File 2392 is an act relating to certain city utilities or city enterprises by making changes to procedures for notice and collection of delinquent charges and by making changes to billing notifications for water service provided to certain residential rental property.
HF 2542 – House File 2542 is an act concerning work-related injuries suffered and claims made outside of this state.
HF 2547 – House File 2547 modifies provisions relating to the statewide licensure and certification of electricians and alarm system contractors and installers.
HF 2591 – House File 2591 is an act relating to dependent adult abuse in certain facilities and programs and providing penalties.
HF 2646 – This bill provides that a person shall not perform fire protection system installations or maintenance without first obtaining a fire sprinkler installer and maintenance worker license, and requires that a licensed installer and worker shall be present at all locations and at all times when fire protection system installation work is being performed.
SF 2036 – Senate File 2036 is an act relating to the division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning of the Department of Human Rights by making changes to the membership of the council, permitting access to the records of the department of workforce development, and modifying the sex offender treatment and supervision task force.
SF 2129 – SF 2129 relates to the duties of the commission on the status of Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage regarding interpreter qualifications
SF 2281 – Senate File 2281 deals with prohibiting employment discrimination against an employee witness in certain civil proceeding.
SF 2338 – Senate File 2338 makes many technical changes to Iowa law relating to the licensing of health-related professions.
Signed April 17
HF 2393 -- HF 2393 requires “Minority Impact Statement” for any legislation related to a public offense, sentencing, or parole and probation procedures. The legislation also requires that any application for a grant from a state agency must also include a minority impact statement.
Signed April 18
HF 2145 – This bill requires insurers to provide coverage in a contract, policy, or plan for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This public bill signing was held at the Young Women’s Resource Center in Des Moines.
SF 2307 – This bill begins to lay the groundwork for what will become a State of Iowa Research, Development, Demonstration and Dissemination school at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. The legislation passed the House unanimously and passed the Senate 40-7. A public bill signing was held in the Kennedy Conference Room in the Governor’s office at the Capitol.
HF 2103 – This bill increases the number of ex officio legislative members on the College Student Aid Commission. Instead of one member from each body, there are now two from each, one from each party’s caucus. The bill also removes the Iowa Student Loan Liquidity slot from the Commission and replaces it with a person who has repaid a student loan from the Commission.
HF 2570 – HF 2570 is a bill that sets forth an alternative method of measuring progress toward waste diversion. It also establishes the Solid Waste Alternatives Advisory Council appointed by the Director of the DNR to help guide the program and a comprehensive recycling planning task force.
SF 2133 – This bill updates the Iowa Code in regard to the Iowa Crop Improvement Association.
SF 2136 – The bill eliminates the deposits to the defunct Local Housing Assistance Program consequently eliminating the need for a 28E between Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Department of Economic Development.
SF 2212 – This bill adds the involuntary termination by an order of a court in another state and the involuntary termination of parental rights of another child who is a member of the same family to the list of aggravated circumstances.
SF 2250 – The primary intent of SF 2250 is to change the time period allotted for criminal history background checks required before a real estate brokers license is granted.
SF 2251 – This bill mandates that every child registered for preschool or kindergarten shall received a vision card from the Iowa Optometric Association with the goal to have every child receive an eye examination by the age of seven.
SF 2325 – SF 2325 allows the Department of Economic Development to spend up to $5 million each year for Physical Infrastructure Assistance Program projects which do not meet the Values Fund job and wage requirements.
SF 2349 – This bill narrows statutory language and clarifies when the Insurance Division conducts background criminal history and financial history checks on individuals involved with pre-need sellers; so that the procedures only apply to individuals with control over trust funds.
SF 2361 – This bill is modeled on similar federal legislation calling for preference in state agency purchasing for bio-based products.
SF 2367 – The Compliance Advisory Panel is the 3rd component of the Air Quality Small Business Assistance Program – the other 2 parts are the technical assistance (through UNI’s Waste Reduction Center’s Air Emissions Assistance Program) and regulatory assistance through DED.
SF 2379 – This legislation implements the CPA mobility legislation crafted by the National Association of State Board or Accountants (NASBA) tailoring the concepts to Iowa law and making certain enhancements to address areas of potential public harm such as requiring firm licensure for review services, prohibiting false representations of licensure status, expressly allowing the State Auditor and Dept. of Agriculture to require both firm and individual licensure, and granting the Board rulemaking authority to address such issues as out of state licensees with lapsed licenses or criminal records.
Signed April 22
SF 2420 – Senate File 2420 will secure new funding for Iowa’s transportation system. Senate File 2420 was based on the recommendations of the Transportation Moves the Economy in the 21st Century (TIME-21) Commission, which were presented last year. The commission was created following a Department of Transportation study that showed Iowa would be $28 billion short of the projected $67 billion needed to modernize Iowa’s transportation infrastructure. The new legislation increases registration and title fees on vehicles beginning on January 1, 2009. However, the fee increase will not affect current pick-up truck owners in Iowa.
HF 2338 – House File 2338 requires the court, in child in need of assistance proceedings, to determine if the child is not present, that the child has been informed of the child’s right to attend the hearing.
HF 2620 – House File 2620 makes numerous changes to the Code relating to the conduct of elections, voting, and voter registration.
SF 2340 – Senate File 2340 requires the Department of Human Services to provide for a child in foster care a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate and federal social security card, prior to the time the child reaches 18.
SF 2246 – Senate File 2246 relates to the mandatory disclosures in real estate transactions.
SF 2269 – Senate File 2269 is an act revising family investment program requirements for limited benefit plans and provides for up to a six month ineligibility period but allows the Department of Human Services to adopt rules defining the circumstances for the particular period of ineligibility.
SF 2286 – Senate File 2286 appropriates federal funds made available from federal block grants and other federal grants, allocates portions of federal block grants, and provides procedures if federal block grant funds are more or less than anticipated or if other federal funds are more than anticipated.
Signed April 24
SF 2427 – SF 2427 is an Act prohibiting certain lobbying activities of state agencies and providing a penalty.
Signed April 25
HF 2450 – HF 2450 is an Act relating to certain department of economic development programs including vision Iowa board membership, renewable fuels marketing, film project tax credits, the promotion of Iowa tourism experiences, the consolidation of reporting requirements, the administration of targeted industries development, and providing an effective date.
HF 2310 – HF 2310 requires the departments of public health and human services to collect data and develop a protocol to address the relationship between substance misuse, abuse, or dependency by a child's parent, guardian, custodian, or other person responsible for the child's care and child abuse.
HF 2555 – HF 2555 is an Act relating to various matters under the purview of the insurance division of the department of commerce including uniform securities; duties of the insurance division including a consumer advocate and rate reviews; confidential information; examinations; insurance trade practices; insurance fraud; the Iowa life and health insurance guaranty association; viatical settlement contracts; general agents and third-party administrators; life insurance companies; health maintenance organizations; utilization and cost control; the Iowa comprehensive health insurance association; workers' compensation liability insurance; consolidation, merger, and reinsurance; licensing of insurance producers; cemetery and funeral merchandise and funeral services; and cemeteries, making appropriations, and providing an effective date.
HF 2651 – HF 2651 is an Act relating to policies for the administration of highways and the regulation of motor vehicles and to deposits made by a county to the secondary road fund, physical ability tests required for fire fighter applicants, and certain obligations guaranteed by highway funds including matters concerning utility facility relocation due to highway construction, the bid threshold for emergency highway repairs, providing for new collegiate motor vehicle registration plates and providing fees, the fee for replacement of special dealer registration plates, antique motor vehicle registration fees, used motor vehicle dealer education requirements, penalties for speeding violations committed in road work zones, access to persons with disabilities parking spaces for certain disabled veterans, and permits and fees for the movement of certain oversize or overweight vehicles, drinking driver courses offered at state correctional facilities, establishment of benefited secondary road services districts, and the defeasance of petroleum underground storage tank fund bonds, and providing an effective date.
HF 2653 – HF 2653 is an Act relating to foreclosure consultants and foreclosure reconveyances, providing for criminal and civil penalties, and providing an effective date.
SF 2161 – SF 2161 is an Act providing for the establishment of a council on homelessness.
SF 2276 – SF 2276 is an Act relating to the disposal of solid waste by changing permitting requirements and updating and clarifying existing provisions.
SF 2350 – SF 2350 is an Act relating to trusts and estates including the administration of small estates, and including retroactive and other applicability provisions.
SF 2354 – SF 2354 is an Act concerning the home ownership assistance program for members of the military.
Signed April 29
SF 2430 – SF 2430 is the River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism Program, also known as RECAT. The RECAT appropriation is $12 million this year and provides financial assistance to communities in their effort to reinvent and reinvigorate their riverfronts, and will leverage state funding into significant local and private investments. Additionally, SF 2430 creates a funding mechanism for “Micro-Enterprises,” which are businesses with fewer than five employees. SF 2430 also provides funding to assist low-income families in establishing savings accounts at banks, through a state match in funds to eligible applicants.
SF 517 –By allowing the State Building Commissioner to promulgate rules for “Green Building Standards,” this bill provides an update of the State Building Code to meet the building needs of the future. This will result in increased energy efficiency and cost savings for businesses and everyday Iowans all across the state. This legislation also revives the State Energy Bank program that provides low interest loans to schools and other public buildings that are retrofitted for energy efficiency purposes.
MAY
Signed May 1
SF 2405 – SF 2405 encourages banks to invest in wind energy by expanding eligibility for the state “Wind Production Tax Credit” to institutions which have a majority equity interest in future projects. Second, the bill expands the tax credit for four more years, until the year 2012. Third, this bill encourages more consumers to use wind energy by allowing individuals and businesses to take advantage of the credit for energy use.
SF 2216 – SF 2216, the statewide “core curriculum” bill, establishes core teacher and student competencies in the subjects of math, science and literacy, and emphasizes life skills, such as health literacy, civics, and financial planning.
Signed May 5
HF 2690 – HF 2690 is a bill to provide more oversight and accountability for student loan lenders, including requiring an annual review of the student loan market by the Superintendent of Banking and requiring a code of conduct for each financial aid office at every college and university.
SF 2124 – SF 2124 is a bill to expand the uses of the Veterans Trust Fund.
SF 2134 – SF 2134 is a bill to improve county office operations.
HF 2283 – HF 2283 is a bill to reopen the Vietnam Bonus program for Vietnam veterans who were inducted into the military in Iowa, applied for the 1970’s Iowa Bonus, but were denied because of residency requirements.
Signed May 6
HF 2663 – House File 2663 establishes Iowa’s sales tax at 6% and uses the extra 1 cent on every dollar spent in Iowa for school infrastructure funding.
SF 2386 – Senate File 2386 calls for the creation of a new energy efficiency commission. Over the next two years, this commission will look at energy efficiency standards in building construction and provide recommendations on efficiency standards for all new and existing buildings.
Signed May 7
SF 2303 – SF 2303 continues the Workers' Compensation surcharge on insurance providers which would otherwise expire July 1, 2008. It also makes it possible to close out the indemnity portion of a claim paid by workers' compensation when benefits expire and still leave the medical file on the claim open so that reasonable services and supplies continue to be paid for by the employer under 85.27 (1). Both these changes are recommendations of the workers compensation advisory committee, which reaches decisions on consensus among representatives of insurance companies, labor, employers, claimants' attorneys and defense attorneys.
SF 2222 – SF 2222 changes Iowa Code so that sending paychecks by mail is only an option if the employee requests this in writing. It also makes the employer liable for overdrafts which are the result of late payment of wages regardless of the method of payment, where currently this protection only applies to cases of direct deposit of paychecks.
Senate Joint Resolution 2003 – This bill enacts a temporary law allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the state capitol complex grounds in conjunction with the Hy-Vee BG World Cup Triathlon. The triathlon is expected to draw 30,000 people and ends at the State Capitol. A similar joint resolution was signed last year.
Senate Joint Resolution 2005 – This bill enacts a temporary law allowing the consumption of wine in the state capitol for the World Food Prize. A form of this legislation is passed every session.
HF 2558 – This bill allows for the protection of proprietary and highly sensitive business and financial information that may not meet the definition of "trade secrets.” This information could prove damaging if obtained by competitors and should not be available to them simply because a company must disclose the information to the Department of Economic Development when applying for financial assistance.
HF 2197 – HF 2197 recommends institutions of higher learning provide students with specific textbook information, such as specific textbook numbers, so that students have the ability to comparison shop.
HF 2526 – This is a non-controversial bill that cleans up a code section related to school districts’ ability to dispose of school property.
HF 2601 – This bill is the agreed to language from all state agencies involved in the Missouri River Authority. This legislation differs from the vetoed bill last year in that the voting requirement for action only requires a majority, not consensus.
HF 2266 – This is a non-controversial bill that was pre-filed by the Department of Public Safety. Numerous circumstances have been encountered by Special Agents within the DPS State Fire Marshal Division in which a person possesses an incendiary or explosive device, but it is not possible to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person intended to commit a public offense. The most common example is possession of a homemade explosive device, such as a pipe bomb. Due to the difficulty in proving intent to commit a public offense, DPS recommended creating a lesser offense (aggravated misdemeanor) for possession of an incendiary or explosive device (without intent to commit a public offense). The higher “C Felony” charge would still be available in circumstances where intent to commit a public offense can be proved. This bill also makes technical corrections to the definition of “explosive.”
HF 2628 – This is a non-controversial bill that is primarily intended to increase awareness that a stun gun is considered a dangerous weapon under Iowa law by specifically listing a stun gun as a dangerous weapon.
SF 2337 – This is a non-controversial bill that allows the Association of Iowa Fairs the ability to purchase liability insurance under a purchasing group on behalf of all eligible fairs. This will result in a reduction in premiums paid by fairs under the association.
SF 2429 – This is a non-controversial bill that enables a city to submit a budget for a past fiscal year and receive funds held in penalty for noncompliance.
SF 2413 – This bill makes small changes to school budget review deadlines that will work better for school districts and allow for better budgeting practices.
SF 2203 – This bill increases the penalty for participation in a dog fight to a Class D felony.
SF 2321 – This legislation is one in a series of bills aimed at recycling items that if not recycled or recycled properly would have a hazardous impact on the environment.
SF 2348 – This is an update of cooperative regulation in Iowa Code put forward by the Iowa Institute of Cooperatives.
SF 2422 – This is the clean-up bill put forward by the Office of Energy Independence to address the administrative and technical assistance needs of the office. It also provides confidentiality protection for applicants who had concerns over potential exposure of proprietary data.
SF 2341 – Senate File 2341 directs the Departments of Public Health and Elder Affairs to carry out duties regarding Alzheimer’s disease. Duties include a determination of current services available and future service needs, and the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease. The Department of Elder Affairs is directed to review trends and initiatives, expand and improve training of workers who care for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
SF 2419 – Senate File 2419 allows the shell building property tax exemption to begin in the year after the assessment year if the reconstruction involves complete replacement or refitting of an existing building.
Signed May 9
SF 2432 – Senate File 2432 is also known as the Rebuild Iowa’s Infrastructure Fund. The bill includes more than $130 million to build a new state-of-the-art prison in Fort Madison, which will help make our communities safer while giving correctional staff a safe environment in which to work. Governor Culver used his line item-veto authority on SF 2432. For more information on the line-item veto, click the following link. (http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2008/05/attachments/SF%202432%20Item-Veto%20Message.pdf)
HF 2660 – House File 2660 funds community justice programs through the Department of Corrections and the Attorney General’s office.
HF 2679 – House File 2679 provides funding for several Culver/Judge agenda items, including another $15 million to move Iowa closer to giving all children access to a quality preschool, $75 million for teacher pay, $183 million for community colleges, $2.1 million to implement Iowa’s model core curriculum legislation, $1.9 million for the creation of the Senior Year Plus program to help high school students better prepare for college, and $4 million for the All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship Program, which will help nearly 500 Iowa students achieve their dream of a college education. Governor Culver used his line item-veto authority on SF 2679. For more information on the line-item veto, click the following link. (http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2008/05/attachments/HF%202679%20Item-Veto%20Message.pdf)
HF 2432 – Senate File 2432 is the Rebuild Iowa’s Infrastructure Fund Bill, which will provide $20 million for the Iowa Veterans Home.
SF 2415 – Senate File 2415 creates a pilot project program in the state of Iowa designed to help streamline emergency response within a specified region.
Signed May 10
HF 2556 – House File 2556 is the annual omnibus bill for the Iowa Division of Banking. Included in the legislation are several changes to code chapters administered by the Division designed to address issues that have arisen as the country deals with issues presented by the sub-prime mortgage crises and the resulting credit crunch.
SF 2392 – Senate File 2392 limits a type of insurance transaction known as stranger-originated life insurance, or STOLI, which typically affects older consumers.
SF 2308 – Senate File 2308 provides consumer protection for security breaches and mandates that the consumer must be notified.
SF 2406 – Senate File 2406 relates to appointments by members of the general assembly to statutory boards, commissions, councils, and committees, abolishing certain related entities, and including effective date and applicability provisions.
HF 2673 – House File 2673 is an Act relating to the inheritance tax on any interest in a qualified tuition plan. The bill exempts from the state inheritance tax the value of any interest in an Iowa educational savings plan that is established pursuant to Code chapter 12D and any other section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code plans. The exemption applies to such plans in existence on or after July 1, 1998.
HF 2647 – House File 2647 appropriates a total of $148.2 million from the General Fund to the Judicial Branch. The Judicial Branch has 2,003.10 FTE positions that are not limited in this Bill. This is a decrease of $200,000 and no change in FTE positions compared to the estimated FY 2008 General Fund appropriations. The Bill also appropriates $2.5 million from the Jury Witness Fee Revolving Fund to the Judicial Retirement Fund and $1.7 million from the Court Technology and Modernization Fund to the Judicial Retirement Fund.
HF 2177 – House File 2177 requires deer transportation tags to be affixed to the antlers on an antlered deer that had been taken pursuant to a deer hunting license.
HF 2367 – House File 2367 requires the Absentee Ballot and Voters Precinct Board to record a separate tally of absentee ballots by resident precinct for general elections, and requires the tally to be available for public inspection.
HF 2612 – House File 2612 amends a number of provisions relating to natural resources regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and under the jurisdiction of the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) which provide land and outdoor recreation.
HF 2672 – House File 2672 creates a new water use permit fund and makes appropriations.
HF 2685 – House File 2685 directs the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) to adopt rules for water well drilling and to convene an advisory committee.
HF 2674 – House File 2674 provides that the annual $35,000 appropriation to the Department of Management’s Office of Grants Enterprise Management, for grant identification and writing assistance to state agencies, is extended through the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009.
SF 2418 – Senate File 2418 directs the Department of Human Services to provide educational materials related to federal and state income earned tax credits to each household receiving a benefit from Department of Human Services programs. It requires a mailing in each January for this purpose.
HF 2663 – House File 2663 deals with the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (ULLCA). The bill revises the current “Iowa Limited Liability Company Act” codified in Code Chapter 490A, and places it in new Code Chapter 489. Chapter 489, the “Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act” (RULLCA) will entirely replace Chapter 490A by January 1, 2011.
SF 2132 – Senate File 2132 deals with changes regarding notices for the disposition of seized property.
Signed May 12
HF 2689 – House File 2689 makes changes to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program that was created in 2006 to expand renewable fuel infrastructure and access to renewable fuels all across Iowa.
HF 2668 – House File 2668 focuses on recycling used oil filters.
HF 2669 – House File 2669 addresses recycling mercury thermometers.
SF 2400 – The creation of the Commission on Native American Affairs was included in Senate File 2400, a budget bill that addresses executive branch Administration and Regulation funding. Additionally, Governor Culver used his line item-veto authority on Senate File 2400, for more information click the following link. (http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2008/05/attachments/SF_2400_Item_VetoMessage.pdf)
HF 901 – House File 901 creates a pilot project in Polk County that requires at least one person trained in special security techniques at Iowa bars and nightclubs. The training would cover techniques for safely removing people, de-escalation, use of force, anger management, civil rights, and the recognition of fake IDs.
Signed May 13
HF 2539 – House File 2539 covers young adults through the age of 25 on their parents insurance; eliminates pre-existing condition barriers when moving from group to individual health insurance; sets up the Electronic Health Records Information Advisory Council and goals for statewide electronic health system; creates the Healthy Communities Initiative with $900,000 grant program to energize local communities to promote healthy lifestyles; creates the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition Council; provides funding for a $25 million, three-year appropriation for coverage for all children by the end of 2010 by expanding HAWK-i and other strategies to boost enrollments; forms a pathway to develop a plan to cover all adults by 2013; creates the Medical Home Advisory Council; and improves Prevention and Chronic Care Management planning in the Department of Public Health.
SF 2425 – Senate File 2425 is the Health and Human Services Appropriation bill, including the Healthy Kids Act. Governor Culver used his line item veto authority on Senate File 2425, for more information click the following link. (http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2008/05/attachments/SF2425_ItemVetoMessage.pdf)
HF 2699 – House File 2699 is the Economic Development Budget Bill.
SF 2394 – Senate File 2394 is the Transportation Budget Bill.
HF 2662 – House File 2662 is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Bill.
SF 2417 – Senate File 2417 is the Healthy Iowans Tobacco Appropriations Bill. Governor Culver used his line item-veto power on SF 2417, for more information click the following link. (http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2008/05/attachments/SF2417ItemVetoMessage.pdf)
Signed May 15
HF 2700 - House File 2700 is the Salary and Standing Appropriations bill. There was multiple line-item vetoes related to HF 2700, for more information click the following link. (http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2008/05/attachments2/HF%202700%20Item-Veto%20Message.pdf)
SF 2428 – Senate File 2428 relates to Delinquent Debt Collection.
SF 2160 – Senate File 2160 is the Unemployment Insurance Bill.
HF 2687 – House File 2687 is the Brownfields and Grayfields Development Bill
SF 2424 – Senate File 2424 is the IPERS and Pension Bill.
HF 2688 – House File 2688 is the Odor Study Bill.
HF 2694 – House File 2694 relates to Long-term care reform.
Veto May 15
HF 2645 – Governor Culver vetoed House File 2645, an act concerning public employee collective bargaining and teacher discipline. Click the link for the veto message. (http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2008/05/attachments2/HF%202645%20Veto%20Message.pdf)
SF 2364 – Governor Culver vetoed Senate File 2364, an act related to the emancipation of a minor. Click the link for the veto message. (http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2008/05/attachments2/SF%202364%20Veto%20Message.pdf)