(Des Moines, IA) — In Des Moines, the Iowa Senate has taken a significant step forward in protecting landowners’ rights regarding hazardous liquid pipelines. The legislation passed by the House earlier this year aims to provide landowners with additional legal avenues to contest the use of eminent domain for private projects like carbon dioxide capture pipelines. The bill, if passed, would allow individuals or companies to seek court review in pending pipeline cases, expanding landowners’ rights and addressing constitutional questions about eminent domain authority.
The state Senate has also pushed forward a bill requiring health insurance companies to cover biomarker testing. This legislation aims to enhance early detection for various cancers and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes. The bipartisan-supported bill received unanimous approval in the Senate and now heads to the Iowa House for further consideration. With the 2024 legislative session nearing its end, lawmakers prioritize pending bills before adjournment.
In other action by Iowa lawmakers, the Iowa House has approved a bill to regulate the use of speed cameras across the state. The legislation passed with an 85 to 12 vote and is now set for debate in the Senate. Championed by Rep. Brian Best, the bill seeks to ensure that speed cameras prioritize safety over revenue generation. If enacted, cities and counties would need a permit from the Department of Transportation to operate speed cameras, with stringent guidelines on citation issuance and revenue allocation. Despite some dissent, proponents argue that the measure is crucial to curbing potential abuses and enhancing road safety statewide.
