Speed Limit, English Proficiency, Rural Health Transformation, Magistrate Reform, and 2 Other Bills Pass Through the Iowa House

SF2426 implements a requirement that commercial drivers demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to receive or renew a commercial driver’s license or receive a commercial learner’s permit. The DOT must administer a computer based English proficiency exam, and commercial motor carriers are prohibited from employing drivers who don’t meet the standard. Civil penalties are imposed for violations, and criminal penalties apply to non-proficient drivers operating commercial vehicles. This bill outlines procedures for handling vehicles and cargo when violations occur. Over the past year, law enforcement has cited around 500 drivers without English proficiency. This bill increases the ability for law enforcement and the DOT to keep our roadways safe. Vote 68-24

Rural Health Transformation Plan

HF2743 establishes a fund with the state for all moneys received from the One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Program. This bill requires DHHS to provide regular reports on expenditures from the fund and what cities in Iowa have received those funds. Iowa has been awarded $209 million in the first year of a five-year grant program. These are federal funds which will be used to enhance rural Iowa healthcare.

Vote 92-0

Investment by Regents in Certified Innovation Funds

SF2453 requires the regents to invest 1% in Iowa innovation funds. Iowa has established state-certified innovation funds to promote the growth of high-potential early-stage companies, commercialize research, expand Iowa’s technology ecosystem, and enhance economic competitiveness. Iowa’s 3 public universities collectively steward sizeable endowments that support the long-term missions of the institutions. A 1% allocation of endowment assets represents a small, diversified portion of institution endowments, consistent with commonly accepted endowment investment practices and long-term portfolio strategies. The universities presently are not investing in Iowa from their foundation investments and they must have a reason. We don’t know what that reason is, it could be because Iowa innovation funds are more risky, or it could be they are not returning the same return on investment. Although I believe that our public universities should be investing some in Iowa innovation, I don’t believe it is the role of government to mandate the funding that takes place there. Therefore I was a NO vote. Vote 55-37

Magistrate Reform

HF2706 makes it so magistrates are now appointed and allocated based on judicial election districts, not counties. Appointment commissions are restructured to reflect the new system. It creates the position of “senior magistrate” with defined qualifications, duties, and compensation. This bill increases judicial officer salaries and links magistrate salary to a percentage of district associate judge. This is much needed reform due to the disparity in workloads amongst all the different magistrates, rural and urban. It also brings the magistrates in line with district court judges and district associate judges. Vote 84-8

Raising the Speed Limit to 60MPH

SF378 raises the state’s speed limit from 55 miles per hour to 60 mph. It also allows local and state transportation agencies to use nonpermanent overlays or stickers to be put on existing speed limit signs. We all know that increasing the speed limit will also increase the number of fatalities on our roadways. That being said, this issue is one that the public has been requesting for years. Vote 76-16

Fraudulent Academic Credentials

HF2337 states that falsely representing oneself as possessing an academic degree or credentials for purposes of obtaining employment is a 5th degree felony. Includes false representation of oneself as possessing a professional or occupational license for the purposes of obtaining employment or other personal gain is a 3rd degree felony. This is a common sense bill when it comes to protecting employers from individuals lying on their resumes or providing invalid credentials. Vote 89-3