Iowa Legislature 2010 scorecard on issues

Here is a look at what the 2010 Legislature did and didn't do

DID

Ban texting by most drivers

Ban cell phone use/texting for young drivers

Pass a $5.3 billion general fund budget for fiscal 2011

Spend nearly $6 billion overall including one-time sources

Authorize $150 more in bonds for infrastructure projects

Bar domestic abusers from possessing guns

Reorganize state government to reduce costs

Offer senior state workers an early retirement incentive

Close nude dancing loophole for minors

Allow state regulation of animal breeding facilities

Suspend film tax credit program through June 30, 2013

Establish state regulation of amateur mixed martial arts events

Raise fees/fines for most traffic violations

Modify Iowa's “permit to carry” weapons law

Give state/county officials more authority to collect past-due debt

Tighten rules for campaign contributions by corporations

Reduce, cap and boost accountability for state tax credits

Require hospitals to notify law officers if patient in custody is released

Give veterans the day off on Veterans Day

Expand various benefits for military veterans/families

Allow Iowa microbreweries to make/sell high-alcohol beer

Close registration loopholes for out-of-state sex offenders moving to Iowa

Tighten criminal offense of enticing a minor via Internet or other means

Toughen penalties for ignoring a traffic signal

Double fines for certain crimes in disaster areas

Discourage unreasonable insurance increases due to extraordinary life events

Allow some underage intoxication convictions to be expunged

Advocate for bicycle-related protections on highways

Require back-seat belt usage for passengers under age 18

Allow back-seat belt violators aged 14 or older to be charged

Restrict release of genetic testing information

Notify workers/state of 25 or more layoffs or plant closings

Reduce cost of river dredging via pilot projects in Linn and Black Hawk counties

Impose MidAmerican Energy surcharge to study feasibility of a nuclear plant

Encourage local governments to use smart planning principles

Bring candidate “drafting” movements under campaign reporting law

Modify approved uses of state funds for home-schooling assistance

Expand age eligibility for low-income family planning services

Expand IowaCare program to regional hospitals/care centers

Allow all-terrain vehicles on certain rural roads and small-town streets

Provide protections for car dealership franchise

Provide coverage for autism in state employee health insurance plans

Expand grandparents' visitation rights

DIDN'T

Authorize public vote on constitutional man-woman only marriage amendment

Raise major state taxes

Give cities authority to raise hotel/motel tax

“Couple” state tax code with federal income tax breaks

Establish public employment “fair share” nonunion dues for bargained benefits

Legalize betting on professional sports if Congress takes action

Place speed-monitoring cameras in highway work zones

Mandate use of ethanol-blended fuel

Authorize online gambling options

Allow pari-mutuel tracks to pay to end dog racing

Close any of Iowa's four mental health institutes

Allow workers to accrue paid sick leave

Bolster enforcement of open meetings/open records laws

Base some project planning on 500-year flood plain

Expand choice of doctor for injured workers

Require employers to pay “prevailing wage” on government projects

Allow major poker tournaments at casinos

Change requirement for casino referenda every eight years

Ease restrictions on sale of liquor at convenience stores

Change rules for spreading manure on frozen ground

Change school start-date law

Require state registration of large charitable groups raising money in Iowa

Discourage imposter musical acts with no link to original famous bands

Allow licensing of naturopathic physicians

Require drivers to operate headlights when raining

Expand domestic abuse laws to “dating” relationships

Restrict liquid propane shutoffs during winter

Allow homeschooling parents to teach their kids driver's education

Require “age appropriate” sex education in K-12 curriculum

Allow medical marijuana use and create compassion centers

Accommodate breastfeeding women who express milk at workplace

Mandate use of 5 percent blended diesel

Expand graduated driver's license restrictions

Require rear license plate only on vehicles

Tighten regulation of pay-day loans

Create penalty for teenagers transmitting “sexting” messages

Impose tuition limits for regent universities

Develop/administer statewide exit test for high school graduates

Require drug testing for welfare or jobless benefit recipients

Ban state agencies from selling naming rights for state buildings or property

Require safety helmets for motorized bike operators under age 17

Create state permit for body piercing and parental consent for minors

Increase compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18

Change great seal of Iowa to remove reference to soldier with “plow in his rear”

Change inheritance and parent-child relationship law for post-humus conceptions

Allow married couples to change prenuptial/other agreements

Allow use of motorcycles with detachable stabilizing rear wheels

Compiled by Des Moines Bureau