Steckman: New laws go on the books July 1

From Rep. Sharon Steckman –

I wanted to take a minute to remind North Iowans about several new laws that will hit the books on July 1, the start of the state’s new fiscal year. We worked together this year to grow the economy, put Iowans back to work, support our veterans, and keep the state budget balanced without raising taxes.

Some of the changes taking effect on July 1 include:

* High Quality Jobs – $15 million for a new initiative to help local businesses expand and bring new jobs to Iowa (House File 2473)

* Skilled Worker Shortage Tuition Grants – $5 million in tuition grants available to students to get training in key worker shortage areas through community colleges (Senate File 2321)

* GAP Tuition Assistance – Need-based assistance for worker training in short term, high demand certificate programs like information technology, health care and advanced manufacturing (Senate File 2321)

* Easing Regulations on Small Bars & Restaurants – Eased penalties for bars and restaurants who make the small mistake of giving cash back to customers after purchasing food with amusement device winnings. (House File 2427)

* Snowmobile User Permits – Requested by snowmobilers, a $15 resident user permit will be needed to operate on public lands and trails. The money raised will be used for trail development and maintenance. The bill also prohibits water skipping except on rivers and streams. (House File 2467)

* Liquor Infusion at Bars & Restaurants – Allows any holder of a liquor license to infuse food and bitters in liquors and store it for a maximum of 72 hours. (House File 2465)

* Game Nights at Churches – Allows churches to hold an annual game night and award cash prizes, such as veteran and firefighter organizations. (Senate File 2237)

* Database of State Rules & Regulations – State is development of a new database of state rules that is user-friendly, searchable, and informative to the public. (House File 2465)

* Co-Pay for Chiropractic Care – Insurance companies can no longer charge a higher co-pay or co-insurance for a visit to the chiropractic care over going to your primary physician. (House File 2465)

* Protecting Consumers from Storm Chasers – Prevents fly-by-night contractors from taking advantage of Iowans who have just suffered property damage from severe weather. (Senate File 466)

* Protecting Domestic Abuse Victims – New penalties to prevent strangulation in situations like domestic violence (Senate File 93)

* Safety for Emergency Vehicles – Increased penalties for drivers who don’t move over or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. (House File 2228)

* Copper Theft – Scrap metal dealers have to collect information about sellers who provide copper to cut back on the market for copper theft. (House File 2399)

* On-line Sexual Predators – Cracked down on sexual predators who use digital images (House File 2390)

* Mental Health Training for Police Officers – All law enforcement personnel must complete a course on mental health at least every four years. (Senate File 2312)

* Commercial Driver’s Licenses for Veterans – Military personnel and veterans can receive their CDL without passing a driving test. (House File 2403)

* Injured Veterans Grants – More veterans will be eligible for the Injured Veterans Grant Program (Senate File 2244)

* Bus Drivers – Requires a criminal background check for all school bus drivers (Senate File 2221)

* Training Camps for Kids in Colleges – Protected whistleblowers and increased training for university employees and coaches who work with children at colleges and universities (Senate File 2225)

* Rural Health Care – Allow doctors to supervise up to five physicians assistants to improve health care in rural Iowa (Senate File 2185)

For more information on these or other bills, go to www.iowahouse.org.