Articles Tagged: Iowa Legislature

Health care organizations want Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign a recently-passed PBM bill into law, saying it will protect pharmacies; business groups want her to veto it, saying it will raise health care costs.

Iowa state Sen. Art Staed, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, said he plans to continue to serve in the Iowa Senate in light of the diagnosis.

As the country grapples with a health care workforce shortage, health care facilities across Iowa, especially in rural areas, will see some assistance under legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed more than a dozen bills into law Tuesday, including a ban on DEI positions in local government and a requirement that Iowa high school students pass a civics test to graduate.

Farmers use herbicides like Roundup to kill weeds, preventing them from destroying crops. But in recent years, Bayer, which now manufactures Roundup, has faced lawsuits claiming that the pesticide, particularly its main ingredient, glyphosate, causes personal injuries, including cancer.

A policy provision inserted into a budget bill in the final minutes of the legislative session would allow the state to request reimbursement from local 911 service boards for “reasonable costs.” First responders warn the bill could have unintended consequences.

Signed in 1965, the Iowa Civil Rights Act provides legal protection from discrimination against protected classes regarding housing, employment, education, public services and accommodations, banking and more. As the act turns 60, some who were involved in its formation and continuation reflect on where it is today and worry about where it will stand in the future.

Gov. Reynolds said she plans to have discussions with Iowa lawmakers and her DOGE government efficiency task force about how best to reduce property taxes. The push comes after this year’s session ended without a bill to address property taxes.

Reynolds has until June 14 to decide whether to sign into law or veto legislation that would regulate hazardous liquid pipelines and restrict the use of eminent domain

Rising costs — for fireworks and many of the services associated with hosting a fireworks show — have prompted the Cedar Boat Club to announce the cancellation of its Ellis Harbor fireworks show in July.

With a slate of newly-confirmed regents on the nine-member board tasked with governing Iowa’s three public universities, President Sherry Bates this week doled out regent assignments to the board’s seven committees.

After her child care bill did not pass the Iowa Legislature, Reynolds on Tuesday announced her plan to create programs and a private donation-infused fund to create a daylong continuum of care for 4-year-olds and boost child care workers’ wages

The state is seeking to restrict any food or beverage that qualifies for the state sales tax from purchase with SNAP. That list includes garden seeds, candy, gum, soft drinks and certain granola bars among other items.

At least six Iowa cities have them: Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City, University Heights, Dubuque and Ames. The law takes effect Aug. 16.

The Republican governor pushed most — but not all — her priorities across the finish line.