Capitol Notebook: Iowa House advances bill to limit restrictions local government can put on fireworks

Local governments across the state would be limited in restricting firework usage under legislation advanced by Iowa House lawmakers Monday.

Currently, local ordinances — including those passed by city councils and county supervisors — can restrict the use of consumer and display fireworks.

A number of Eastern Iowa cities have banned residents from setting off fireworks, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty.

Senate File 303 would prohibit these local restrictions on July 3 and 4 and on Dec. 31.

“Current law allows a patchwork of ordinances that are trapped in the unwary patriotic American eye in Iowa, who simply wants to celebrate Independence Day the way it was intended by our founding fathers and the way it has been for centuries in too many communities in Iowa,” Rep. Bill Gustoff, R-Des Moines, said.

Rep. Eric Gjerde, D-Cedar Rapids, opposed the legislation and said fireworks cause an uptick in 911 calls when people mistake them for gunshots. He said they also can be a trigger for veterans with PTSD.

“I enjoy a good firework this way, but I also think we need to be certain that what’s the best interest for everybody,” Gjerde said.

Adoption tax credit increase advances

Iowa House lawmakers unanimously passed a bill that would create a tax credit for expenses incurred by Iowans during the adoption process.

House File 965 would increase Iowa’s Adoption Tax Credit for qualified adoption expenses from $5,000 to $20,000

Qualified adoption expenses are unreimbursed adoption-related costs, including medical and hospital expenses from the biological mother giving birth to an adopted child, welfare agency fees, legal fees and other costs.

Rep. Brooke Boden, R-Indianola, said the tax credit would ease the financial burden of adoption for Iowans.

“I too have walked this path, and it was very difficult,” Boden said. “The only thing standing in our way were finances. And when you want to just love a baby, and you don't have the money to do that, it is heartbreaking.”

Supports for human trafficking victims advance

The Iowa House unanimously advanced legislation Monday that would enhance protections for victims of human trafficking in the state.

House File 1036 would raise the statute of limitations for legal action on human trafficking where the victim is a minor from one year to five years after they turn 18 and create a safe harbor for them by requiring minors to either be taken into court custody or referred to the Department of Health and Human Services.

It also would require DHHS to develop a plan for restitution services for human trafficking victims and determine the number of restoration facilities needed within the state.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau