Republicans say religious freedom has been weakened by court decisions; Democrats say bill would give individuals license to discriminate
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Republicans say religious freedom has been weakened by court decisions; Democrats say bill would give individuals license to discriminate
The bill would prevent banks and credit card companies from using a merchant code that would differentiate a gun shop from a general merchandise or sporting goods store.
Also, a proposal dealing with state audits of government agencies passed out of the Iowa Senate.
Republicans say the proposal expands post-partum care for low-income Iowans who need it most, while Democrats say it expands care for some low-income Iowans at the expense of coverage for others.
The state has $26.8 million in funds from settlements from cases against major opioid manufacturers and retailers, and it’s expected to receive around $144 million over the next several years. Lawmakers’ proposed bills would govern how those funds are spent.
Iowa Senate Republicans advanced Gov. Kim Reynolds’ legislation that would accelerate previously planned state income tax reductions. But the top Senate Republican on tax policy said legislators, in the coming weeks, also will advance their own proposal, which includes an eventual elimination of the state income tax.
A second worker injured in a 2022 explosion at a Marengo plant is suing the company, C6-Zero, and other defendants, including a politically-connected consulting firm that vouched for the company with state regulators.
Here’s an update on 12 bills that remain open for passage by the Iowa Legislature -- and two that did not survive -- after the first funnel deadline.
Bills in the Iowa Legislature test the fate of a vital link that the state’s area education agencies provide to families and schools for inclusive learning.
Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen will continue to talk about pay increases for judges until something changes and is encouraging Iowa judges to talk to their local lawmakers to make the case for a 6.2 percent increase. Gov. Kim Reynolds has proposed 2 percent.
The first ‘funnel’ eliminated some bills from lawmaker consideration this year
GOP lawmakers advance bills that would give unborn children stronger legal protections
Bills on education, gender and driving among those clearing first deadline.
“I don’t understand what the beef industry’s worried about, because I don’t know anybody who wants to grill soy burger when they have people over,” Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo said. “Iowans and people across this country love beef. Why are you worried?”
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