DES MOINES – State Representative Sharon Steckman of Mason City today reminded Iowans about several new laws that will hit the books on July 1, the start of the state’s new fiscal year.
“Iowans should be aware of several changes we made to Iowa law beginning on July 1 that could impact their lives,” said Steckman. “This year we continued to make progress working together to strengthen the middle class, create jobs, build a skilled workforce, and protect our seniors.”
Some of the changes taking effect on July 1 include:
- $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 (HF 2460)
- Expanded the availability of workforce housing credits in Iowa to allow all communities the ability to access funds to help address workforce housing needs (HF 2448)
- Doubled the tax credit for Firefighters, EMTs and Reserve Peace Officers (HF 2459)
- Stopped minors from purchasing e-cigarettes (HF 2109)
- Helped Iowans with the high cost of childcare while continuing education and working (HF 2463)
- Created a new income tax credit of up to $2,500 for qualified adoption expenses (HF 2468)
- Encouraged more production and use of ethanol and biodiesel (SF 2344)
- Expanded eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program (SF 303)
- Extended tax credits for solar and wind energy projects (SF 2343, SF 2340)
- Protected vulnerable seniors from neglect and abuse (SF 2239)
- Improved quality of life for kids suffering from seizures and epilepsy (SF 2360)
- Made it easier for students with a Minor’s School License in shared district schools to travel to schools other than their home school for extracurricular activities (SF 2228)
What about the cellphone text and driving law that changed it from a secondary to a primary offense allowing law enforcement officers to pull you over? When does that go into effect?