Bill Would Revoke Teachers License for Celebrating Political Violence
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill that would revoke a teacher’s license for publicly celebrating assassinations or other instances of politically motivated violence. House Study Bill 682 requires “credible evidence,” which is defined in the bill as screenshots, videos, or sworn complaints. The Republican-backed proposal comes after several Iowa teachers were fired last fall for social media posts reacting to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The bill specifically cites Kirk’s killing and several comments made by educators following his death.
Bill To Ban All Abortions Heading To Subcommittee
(Des Moines, IA) — A subcommittee is considering a bill that would ban all abortions in Iowa. The proposal claims life begins at conception and it would make it a felony to perform an abortion. Pregnant women would be exempt from prosecution. The bill specifies that miscarriage and in-vitro fertilization would not be defined as abortion. The subcommittee meeting for the bill is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
Bills To Ban Protections For Transgender People Advance To House
(Des Moines, IA) — Two bills restricting protections for transgender people are moving to the state House. Despite raucous objections in subcommittee meetings, the two bills advanced through committee along party-line votes. One of the bills would eliminate gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The second bill exempts conversion therapy from the definition of child abuse and permits parents to decline gender-affirming care. Republicans say it prevents parents and foster parents from being investigated and punished for raising a child consistent with their biological sex.
Governor Reynolds’ Antisemitism Bill Advances Through Committee
(Des Moines, IA) — A bill proposed by Governor Kim Reynolds would require schools to report antisemitism. The bill would require annual reports of antisemitism incidents on campuses. It passed on Wednesday, ahead of next week’s funnel deadline. It would codify an executive order Reynolds signed in 2025. A funnel deadline for bills to remain eligible for further passage requires passage out of committee meetings by next week.
Lawmakers Throwing ‘Hail Mary’ To Bring Chicago Bears To Iowa
(Des Moines, IA) — A bill in the state Senate is meant to lure the Chicago Bears to Iowa. The bill proposed by Senator Mike Bousselot of Ankeny is seen as a “Hail Mary” as the Bears have made public their desire for a new home stadium. A similar bill has been proposed in Indiana, while other Chicago suburbs have been trying to secure a new stadium in the Chicago area. State Democrats say the bill is a distraction from real issues that Republicans don’t want to discuss. The bill will head to a full committee hearing after advancing through the subcommittee on Thursday.
