Survivors/casualties of Iowa Legislature's 'funnel' deadline

Here is a status report on some issues of interest for the 2010 legislative session:

 SURVIVORS

Reorganize/reform state government (sent to governor)

Ban text messages while driving

Close nude dancing loophole for minors

Allow state to regulate animal breeding facilities if complaints are made (to governor)

Restrict liquid propane shut-offs during winter

Establish state regulation of amateur mixed martial arts events

Tighten rules for campaign contributions by corporations

Require back seat belt usage for passengers under age 18

Bar possession of gun by person covered by domestic abuse order

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

Bolster enforcement of open meetings/open records laws

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

Toughen penalties for ignoring a traffic signal

Expand graduated driver's license restrictions

Double fines for certain crimes in disaster areas

Encourage local governments to use smart planning principles

Discourage unreasonable insurance increases due to extraordinary life events

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

Bring “drafting” movements under campaign reporting law

Modify approved uses of state funds for home-schooling assistance

Accommodate breastfeeding women who express milk at workplace

Suspend film tax credit program through June 30, 2011

Expand age eligibility for low-income family planning services

Allow some underage intoxication convictions to be expunged

Provide coverage for autism in state employee health insurance plans

Restrict release of genetic testing information

Notify workers/state of 25 or more layoffs

Reduce cost of river dredging via Linn County pilot project

Toughen penalties for enticing a minor

Create rules to explore use of nuclear power, renewable energy

Allow Iowa microbreweries to make/sell high-alcohol beer

All budget and taxation measures

CASUALTIES

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

Legalize betting on professional sports

Mandate use of ethanol-blended fuel

Authorize online gambling options

Allow workers to accrue paid sick leave

Require state registration of large charitable groups raising money in Iowa

Change rules for spreading manure on frozen ground

Study speed-monitoring cameras in highway work zones

Allow licensing of naturopathic physicians

Ease restrictions on sale of liquor at convenience stores

Allow pari-mutuel tracks to end greyhound racing

Discourage imposter musical acts with no link to original famous bands

Require drivers to operate headlights when raining

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

Expand domestic abuse laws to “dating” relationships

Compiled by Des Moines Bureau