New laws take affect July 1st in Iowa

DES MOINES – Representative Sharon Steckman reported that new laws “hit the books” on July 1st, the start of the state’s fiscal year.

“While some of the major agreements reached in health care and taxes will take effect in January, most of the bills approved by the Legislature take effect on  July 1,” Steckman wrote in a newsletter.

Rep. Steckman said one of the highlights of the legislative session is that “Iowans over the age of six will now be able to get routine vaccinations or a flu shot from their local pharmacist and newborns will get a simple screening to detect heart defects.  More Iowans will have access to job training at local community colleges and businesses will get help finding the skilled workers they need.”

“The Legislature also approved bills to make it easier for soldiers to apply for tuition assistance, help famers and local watersheds improve water quality, keep Iowa’s state parks clean, and protect children from new sex offenses,” Steckman continued.

The Iowa House listed more highlights:

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  $17 million to help local businesses expand and bring new jobs to Iowa  (House File 604)

• $66 million for the skilled worker job creation fund to help Iowans upgrade work skills, fill key shortage areas, and connect businesses with training and education (House File 604)
• Expanded the STEM initiative to recruit more students into science, technology, engineering, and math fields (HF 604)
• $27 million to enact Nutrient Reduction Strategy and improve water quality (HF 648 & SF 435)
• Encouraged more production and use of ethanol and biodiesel (HF 640)
• Expanded support to maintain and improve Iowa’s 85 state parks (SF 435)
• Allowed pharmacists to administer flu shots and other vaccinations for anyone over six years old (SF 353)
• New screenings for newborns to detect heart defects (SF 452)
• Encouraged more health care professionals to locate in rural Iowa (HF 604)
• Updated Iowa law to protect children from sex offenses (SF 298)
• New non-resident hunting license for injured members of the military and veterans (HF 361)
• Made it easier for soldiers to apply for national guard tuition assistance (SF 332)
• Provided additional funds to judicial branch with a goal to keep Clerks of Court offices in county courthouses open five days a week (SF 442)
• Funded the Iowa Public Information Board to keep government open and accountable (HF 603)

To learn more and read the full list click here.