The following is a legislative update from Republican Representative Henry Stone of Forest City, representing portions of Emmet, Kossuth and Winnebago counties in Iowa House District 9:
In-State Tuition for Veterans and their Families
HF 175 requires Iowa’s community colleges and regent universities to provide in-state tuition for veterans, their spouses, and their children. This would include the surviving wife and children of a deceased veteran. This bill expands what is in current law to include the survivors of deceased veterans and to allow it to apply to any veteran in the country, not just those who have resided in Iowa for more than a year. This helps many veterans who have moved around often because of their service.
Our goal in passing this legislation is to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and their families and provide them with additional support to better their lives.
Veterans Affairs Committee Passes Legislation on the Veterans Trust Fund
This week, the House Veterans Affairs committee passed HF 534. This bill comes from the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs to continue the $2.5 million transfer from the Iowa Lottery to the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund until the fund reaches $75 million, rather than current law of $50 million. At the beginning of FY25, the trust fund was at $42.6 million.
The Veterans Trust Fund annually allocates $500,000 to the Iowa Veterans Commission to support low-income veterans with emergency costs and $300,000 to the counties to assist with training Iowa’s veteran service officers. This leaves annually $1.7 million being added to the principal balance.
Increasing Penalties for Grooming
Last session, Iowa House Republicans led the effort to define Grooming in Iowa code and made it a Class D felony. Grooming is when someone, whether in person or using technology, takes action to lure a child to commit an illegal sex act. Before this definition in code, many entities had a hard time charging someone for this heinous act until after an assault has been committed. This change allows entities, such as a school, the ability to hold someone accountable for committing this disturbing offense before a child is assaulted.
This bill builds upon that legislation by requiring anyone convicted of grooming to be added to the Tier I sex offender list for 10 years. This additional monitoring of individuals who have been convicted of this predatory behavior may help prevent additional abuse.
Should Community Colleges Offer 4-Year Degree Programs?
The Higher Education Committee held a hearing earlier this year with representatives from Iowa’s Community College system to explore the idea of the community colleges offering 4-year degrees.
The committee asked the colleges to conduct an initial feasibility study of this idea and deliver a report no later than May 31. At minimum, the study should:
· Identify unmet work needs and academic disciplines where baccalaureate programs at community colleges could address gaps.
· Analyze existing capacity and resources at Iowa’s Community Colleges to support baccalaureate programs including faculty, facilities and accreditation readiness.
· Explore funding models to support baccalaureate programs, including state appropriations, tuition, and other sources.
· Review best practices and outcomes from other states to allow community colleges to confer baccalaureate degrees.
· Assess the potential impact on underserved student populations, including rural and place bound students.
· Evaluate potential tuition costs, financial aid availability, and affordability for students.
· Consider workforce outcomes, such as job placement rates, employer satisfaction, and regional economic impact.
Another Step Toward Stopping Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking
House Republicans are again trying to address the pressing issue of human smuggling with the introduction of HSB 15. This legislation aims to combat the illegal transportation of people for profit, particularly when it involves evading law enforcement or facilitating unlawful entry into the United States. By clearly defining the actions that constitute smuggling and imposing strict penalties, this bill seeks to protect vulnerable individuals and enhance public safety across the state.
The bill outlines specific behaviors that qualify as smuggling, including using vehicles or other means to transport individuals while concealing them from law enforcement, encouraging illegal entry into the country, or guiding individuals onto private property without consent. By categorizing smuggling as a class “C” felony, the legislation sends a strong message that such activities are serious offenses. Moreover, the penalties escalate to a class “B” felony for actions that put individuals at risk of serious harm, involve minors, or include the use of firearms. In the most severe cases, where smuggled individuals suffer serious injury or become victims of sexual abuse, the offense can be classified as a class “A” felony. This tiered approach to penalties not only deters potential offenders but also ensures that those who engage in the most dangerous forms of smuggling face the consequences of their actions.
HSB 15 is essential for addressing human trafficking and illegal immigration. By criminalizing smuggling of these people, the state can better protect vulnerable individuals who may be at risk of being exploited for labor or other illicit purposes. The legislation empowers law enforcement to take decisive action against those who engage in smuggling, thereby safeguarding potential victims and promoting a safer environment for all. Additionally, the bill enhances public safety by targeting individuals who may contribute to broader criminal activities associated with smuggling, such as drug trafficking and violence. By holding smugglers accountable, the legislation aims to reduce the risks posed to communities and create a more secure environment for Iowa residents.
