Highlights in this edition:

• Gambling Tax Collections Down in March as Iowa Senate Proposes Hiking Sports Wagering Tax Rate
  • Iowa has one of the lowest sports wagering tax rates in the nation at just 6.75 percent
• Bill Establishing Center for Intellectual Freedom Sent to the Governor’s Desk
  • This is a great step forward for students who seek an unbiased knowledge and merit-based education
• Recount Modernization Heads to the Governor
  • The bill to creates standard procedures for how election recounts are conducted across Iowa
• House Committee Supports Increasing Access to Adoptions
  • House File 695 increases the adoption tax credit to from $5,000 to up to $20,000 of qualified adoption expenses per adoption

Highlights in this edition: 

• Changes to Legislature's Role in Welfare Funding Raises Questions
  • DHHS is proposing to change how TANF funding is appropriated
• What Kind of Accountability Exists in the ESA Program?
  • The use of a third-party administrator, strict eligibility and expenditure rules, and mechanisms for recovery and penalties minimize improper use by both recipients and schools
• Disaster Recovery
  • HF 982 enhances and improves Iowan's recovery efforts for communities affected by natural disasters
• House Republicans Strengthen Election Integrity 
  • The bill expands reasons to cancel a voter's registration to include citizenship status

Highlights in this edition: 

• Iowa Economy Has Strong March
  • For March, the regional index was the highest figure since July 2022
• House Committee Goes After Fun-Hating Ticket Bots
  • The bill goes after non-human ticket buyers that seem to get all the concert tickets before anyone else has a chance
• Simplified Bullying Law Moves Ahead in Senate
  • HF 865 focuses on a straightforward, individual-centered approach rooted in observable behavior, universal standards, and personal responsibility, avoiding an overreach into cultural or ideological territory
• Iowa Ranks 4th in Best States to Practice Medicine 
  • Iowa ranked 4th overall but 1st for lowest healthcare costs

Highlights in this edition:

• House Passes Legislation on Work and Nutrition Assistance
  • House File 748 will reduce the dependence of low-income Iowans on public assistance and will help them move up the economic ladder.
  • House File 970 requires healthy food based on necessary nutrition in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which serves low income Iowans who are disproportionately affected by obesity
• Protecting Human Trafficking Victims, Stopping Human Smuggling
  • House File 572 defines what qualifies as smuggling, including using vehicles transport individuals while concealing them from law enforcement
• House Republicans Strengthen Election Integrity
  • 277 noncitizens were registered to vote
• Property Tax Cut for Childcare Centers
  • When costs go down for childcare centers, more slots open and prices are more affordable

Highlights in this edition:

• State’s Economic Forecasting Panel: Iowa’s Economy is Resilient and Strong
  • The panel concluded that Iowa is in a relatively good position
• Restrictions on Classroom Cell Phone Use Pass House
  • School districts currently restricting cell phones report academic improvement, reduced distractions, mental health gains
• New Legislation Targets Gift Card Fraud in Iowa
  • As criminals get craftier, the law has to evolve
• House Ways and Means Exempts More Retirement Income
  • To be eligible for the retirement income exclusion, a person must be disabled, at least 55 years of age, or be the surviving spouse of an individual

Highlights in this edition:

• Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Pilot Program for Schools
  • The program connects Iowa schools with local farmers and small businesses
• House Advances Mental Health Legislation
  • HF 509 adds autism coverage under the hawk-i program
• HF 472 Protects the Free Speech of Iowans
  • If someone attempts to sue an individual for sharing thoughts or opinions, there is an option to ask the court to quickly dismiss the lawsuit
• Nuisance Goose Legislation Moves Ahead
  • Geese will be aligned with other nuisance animals such as raccoons, opossums, and skunks