(Des Moines) Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed two significant pieces of legislation aimed at supporting both first responders and the state’s workforce.
On Friday, Gov. Reynolds signed House File 969, expanding cancer coverage under the Peace Officers’ Retirement System and the 411 Retirement System. The new law broadens the definition of cancer to include all forms of the disease, allowing more comprehensive benefits for first responders diagnosed with any type of cancer.
“The selflessness of our first responders is inspiring and deserves our deepest gratitude,” Reynolds said. “This bill ensures they receive the care they need without having to choose between treatment and providing for their families.”
The measure is expected to close coverage gaps that previously left some first responders with limited options for medical treatment.
On Thursday, Reynolds also signed Senate File 607, a bill that reduces the unemployment insurance tax burden on Iowa businesses. The legislation cuts the unemployment insurance taxable wage base by 50% and lowers the maximum tax rate from 9% to 5.4%. It also simplifies the state’s unemployment tax tables. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
“With a nearly $2 billion trust fund, Iowa ranks ninth in the country despite being 32nd in population,” Reynolds said. “By cutting unemployment insurance payments in half, we’re delivering nearly $1 billion in savings for employers, empowering them to reinvest in their workers and communities.”
