The following is a legislative update from Republican State Rep. Shannon Latham, representing portions of Franklin, Hamilton, Story and Wright counties in Iowa House District 55:
During Week 14 of the legislative session, Iowa House members advanced key pieces of legislation and spent more time working on budget priorities – signs that session is moving closer to adjournment. This week focused on a range of issues from emerging technology regulations to energy incentives.
Below are summaries of some key legislation considered this week:
HF 2507, or SF 2417, prohibits certain communications with minors using artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. It gives parents access to minor accounts with AI. It also prohibits AI from providing professional behavioral health services and requires protocols be followed when a user discusses self-harm. The bill includes enforcement mechanisms and penalties with the attorney general.
HF 2757 creates sales and use tax exemptions related to starting or restarting a nuclear electric generation facility. An amendment sunsets the overall exemption in 25 years with a claw back after 12.5 years if facilities never become functional.
SF 2218 requires school boards to verify the employment eligibility of all individuals who have accepted an employment offer, including their legal authorization to work in the United States. This bill insisted via a voice vote, becoming the first bill this session to go to a conference committee.
SF 2284 restricts images or data being shared from automated traffic detection systems (license plate readers) unless those parties are authorized to receive this information. The bill also prohibits facial recognition when using license plate reading technology. The bill also enhances the due process protections for vehicle owners who receive citations from automated systems.
HF 2754 creates a framework for a revolving loan program for charter schools, allows Teacher Salary Supplement (TSS) to follow students to charter schools, makes charter school teachers eligible for IPERS, requires Area Education Agencies (AEAs) to provide media and ed services to charter schools, provides that charter school students have access to concurrent enrollment, and extracurricular activities. An amendment expanded what is considered to be home-school.
The Iowa Skilled Workforce Act
This week the House passed the Iowa Skilled Workforce Act, SF 2168. This bill is a strategic partnership between the state, schools, and trades. The state provides increased funding to the 84E Apprenticeship Act from $3 million to $4.5 million. This funding provides annual financial assistance to existing Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs across the state. It also creates the Career Training Physical Expansion Program and appropriates $9.5 million to the fund, providing financial backing to build new facilities at community colleges to expand training for high-demand fields. The bill also removes red tape for teachers, allowing veteran tradespeople the opportunity to lead classrooms and empowering community colleges to set parameters for the Last-Dollar Scholar program. This partnership is built as an investment in the trades, resulting in a stronger and more prosperous state.
House Budget Proposal Update
Iowa House Republicans moved several budget bills through the Appropriations Committee. These bills represent the House’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027. Negotiations with the Senate Republicans are ongoing as we work to reach a final agreement.
The Appropriations Committee passed the following budget proposals:
HSB 771 – Administration and Regulation Budget
HSB 772 – Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget
HSB 773 – Economic Development Budget
HSB 775 – Justice Systems Budget
HSB 776 – Judicial Branch Budget
HSB 777 – Health and Human Services
HSB 778 – Education Appropriations
Free Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and the Iowa Nutrient Research + Education Council recently launched a three-year nitrogen soil sampling project. The initiative offers free spring soil sampling to provide field-level data that can help farmers better manage their fertilizer applications. Better understanding residual nitrogen levels allows farmers to right-size their fertilizer applications during side dressing, which saves them money on input costs while also improving water quality. Counties that are currently eligible are Boone, Calhoun, Greene, Hamilton and Webster. Farmers interested in free spring soil sampling can learn more and sign up at this link.
