How issues fared in 2010 legislative session

Scorecard for the Iowa Legislature's 2010 session

Texting while driving – Under a bill passed by lawmakers, adult drivers will be banned from using a hand-held electronic device to read, write or send a text message while driving. Violators face a simple misdemeanor and $30 fine for infractions, beginning July 1, 2011. Those whose texting while driving causes serious injury or death can face a fine of up to $1,000 and 180-day license suspension. Police cannot stop a motorist only for suspected violations of the texting law. Drivers under the age of 18 would be prohibited from using any electronic or mobile device while driving. Awaiting action by Gov. Chet Culver.

Domestic violence gun rights – People convicted of domestic violence or the subject of permanent civil protection order will be prohibited from possessing guns. Proponents cited the number of Iowans who have been shot to death in domestic abuse homicides to illustrate the need for the bill. Signed into law.

State budget -- Majority Democrats passed a fiscal 2011 spending plan that appropriates $5.3 billion from the general fund and another $700 million from one-time courses (federal stimulus money, state cash reserves and other accounts) to cover general-fund programs. Minority Republicans voted against budget measures, arguing the state should not spend more than it collects in revenue and that a greater share of program costs for K-12 schools should not be shifted to property taxpayers.

Amateur mixed martial arts regulation – After concerns about serious injuries at amateur mixed martial arts matches, lawmakers rang the final bell, moving to regulate the growing sport. Some complained that some contestants were fighting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, were not tested for hepatitis or HIV/AIDS and were allowed to fight too soon after being knocked unconscious. Contestants will now be required to be 18 years or older to compete. Awaiting action by Gov. Chet Culver.

Puppy mills – After criticism that U.S. Department of Agriculture officials are not adequately regulating dog breeding facilities, lawmakers gave state inspectors the authority to step in if they receive complaints about the welfare of animals housed at these facilities. State inspectors can ensure the animals are not suffering because of inadequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care or grooming. Signed into law.

Ed Thomas bill – Hospitals would be required to notify law enforcement before they release a psychiatric patient who is facing criminal charges, if a law enforcement official has filled out an administrative form asking for notification. The bill was pushed the family of Ed Thomas, the famed Aplington-Parkersburg football coach who was shot to death last year. Thomas' assailant, Mark Becker, was released from a Waterloo hospital before he drove shot Thomas. Signed into law.

Government reorganization – A wide-ranging government reorganization plan eliminates some boards and commissions, and includes joint purchasing for state agencies and consolidation of information technologies, among other efficiency measures.

The plan is expected to save roughly $125 million next year. Signed into law.

State worker early retirement – Eligible state workers who are 55 years or older with at least 10 years of state government service can sign up for an early retirement program. That program provides health insurance and monetary benefits for five years and is expected to save the state $60 million next fiscal year. Signed into law.

Gambling – Lawmakers shied away from allowing sports betting, online gambling, and allowing gambling facilities to stop greyhound racing if they paid a fee. Although lawmakers did not significantly expand legalized gambling this year, Gov. Chet Culver has urged members of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to issue gaming licenses in the four counties wanting to build new casinos– Lyon, Tama, Wapello and Webster.

Film tax credits – Lawmakers voted to keep the film tax credit program, which has been criticized for lax oversight and poor record keeping, in suspension until July 1, 2013. Lawmakers made changes and capped tax incentive programs, but stopped short of a massive overhaul of tax credits that benefit businesses. They also established a committee to review the state's tax incentive programs.

Gay marriage – The Legislature did not vote on a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Some conservative lawmakers have pushed for a vote in wake of last year's Iowa Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. Democratic leaders did not bring it up for a vote.

Compiled by Des Moines Bureau