Capitol Digest -- Tuesday, March 10

A summary of legislative items of interest for Tuesday, March 10.

BIODIESEL MANDATE: All diesel fuel sold in Iowa would be renewable biodiesel under a bill that cleared the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday. Senate File 294 builds the blended standard for retail diesel fuel to B-20 by the year 2015 as a way to create jobs and promote energy independence. The measure also eliminates the state's biodiesel tax credit that is set to expire in 2011, saving an estimated $15 million over three years, according to bill manager, Sen. Daryl Beall, D-Fort Dodge.

CONCEALED WEAPONS BILL STAYS ALIVE: A measure that would require county sheriffs to provide a written explanation if they deny a citizen's request for a permit to carry a concealed weapon was approved by House Public Safety Committee Tuesday, beating a funnel deadline to stay alive for the rest of the session.

The bill, pushed by Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield, also extends the length of the permit from the current one year to three.

"If you look at the United State Constitution and the constitution of Iowa, it's pretty plain in there that people have the right to own and carry weapons for their protection, the protection of their property and the protection of their loved ones," Baudler said.

WINERY BEER SALES: Iowa wineries would be authorized to sell beer on their premises under legislation approved by the Senate Commerce Committee. Sen. Steve Warnstadt, D-Sioux City, the committee chairman, said many wineries host receptions or public events where wine is served but they cannot sell beer, causing patrons wishing to consume beer to improvise in ways that may skirt Iowa law. S.F. 188 would allow wineries to sell beer on premise that was purchased via an Iowa beer wholesaler.

YOUNG APPOINTEES: HSB 260, a bill that would require the appointment of young Iowans - 18 to 35 - to some state boards, including regents, Vision Iowa, Natural Resources Commission and Iowa Arts Council, moved to the House State Government Committee. The change was a recommendation of the Generation Iowa Commission. The House State Government Committee is expected to take up the bill Wednesday.

R&D SCHOOL: A House Education subcommittee approved HF 565, a plan to create a K-12 research and development school in conjunction with the University of Northern Iowa, and the full committee is expected to take up the bill today. Previously funded by UNI, the school, including Price Lab, will be financed through the state aid formula and the School Infrastructure Local Option tax with support from UNI.

REORGANIZATION RENEWED: The House Education Committee is likely to take up HF 265 by Rep. Wayne Ford, D-Des Moines, which calls for establishing a task force to study a "renewed effort" to reorganize school districts

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Iowans are hemorrhaging when it comes to energy use. This is a sad little bill trying to deal with a big energy problem," said Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, in promoting a bill (SF 170) requiring gas or electric public utilities to annually disclose to customers their yearly energy expenditures.

Compiled by Des Moines Bureau staff