Capitol Digest 2-22-10

A roundup of legislative and Statehouse items of interest for Monday, Feb. 22:

CANCER TRIAL COVERAGE: Gov. Chet Culver plans to sign legislation Tuesday that would require insurance companies to continue coverage for routine medical care when cancer patients participate in approved cancer clinical trials. Supporters say clinical trials are a critical part of finding better treatments for all cancers. House File 2075 was the result of several years of negotiations with the insurance industry. Backers say the measure ensures that people being treated for cancer won't face barriers and gives them the chance to find a clinical or experimental treatment.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “With underage parties, it's kind of like the field of bad dreams – if you host it, they will come.” Pottawattamie County Attorney Matthew Wilber advocating efforts to curb underage drinking in Iowa.