April 5, 2024

You Need to Know

Appropriation bills have started to move. This is a sign that the end of session is near.
Leaders in both the House and Senate have communicated a desire to be adjourned sine die on or near April 16, the end of legislator’s per diem.
A few outstanding policy proposals will compete for consideration before the end of session. Some of these will be included in broader negotiations on unrelated bills between chambers.

Capitol Pulse

Besides budgets, the confirmation of governmental appointees is occurring. These votes take place in the Senate and require a two-thirds majority for confirmation.
Legislators who do not intend to serve next year have ceremonial speeches to commemorate their public service. These speeches have also begun and are a sign of the coming adjournment and consume a considerable amount of the legislative calendar this time of year.

Legislation

HF 2388 | Exterior Cladding Preemption

Preempts a local government from regulating the exterior finish or cladding on residential buildings. Defines residential building in this bill as limited to structures of 12 units or less. Allows a local government to regulate cladding on historic properties, in historic districts, in HOA, and within overlay districts.
Passed the Senate and will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

League Registered in Opposition

SF 2331 | Newspaper of Record Regulations

Alters many details about publishing government notices and minutes including allowing a city to “deliver” minutes to a newspaper rather than “cause to be published” within 15 days. Requires newspapers to publish public notices online if they use a website. Allows a city to publish notice to their website if a newspaper refuses to publish their notice. Prevents a newspaper from charging a city for an affidavit of publishing. Requires newspapers to refund any money to a local government if they fail to publish and the city publishes on their website. Gives the Iowa Public Information Board the ability to resolve disputes that arise from conflicts within Code of Iowa Chapter 618.
The Senate concurred on an amendment passed by the House and will now be eligible for consideration by the Governor.

HF 2680 | MFPRSI Benefits

Changes Code of Iowa Chapter 411 to expand retirement and disability benefits for MFPRSI officers. Specifically removes “time and place” requirement, expands required medical coverage for members and allows medical claims made within three years post employment of a vested member. It adds coverage for mental health to be paid by the city employer. Allows a city to use group health plans for the coverage of required medical costs. Division 2 alters income taxes on eligible survival spouse benefits.
This legislation affects 49 cities. If your city is impacted, you are strongly encouraged to contact your Senator to share those impacts in addition to contacting the League’s Legislative Staff.
Passed the House and sent to the Senate for consideration.

League Registered in Opposition

SF 2096 | Boards and Commissions Gender Balance Repeal

Repeals the section of code which requires appointed boards and commissions to attempt to maintain gender balance.
Signed by the Governor.

SF 2424 | Volunteer Emergency Services Tax Abatement

Allows for an additional homestead tax credit for emergency service volunteers who live in the service area they volunteer with, are in good standing with their volunteer agency, and make less than five thousand dollars in a year as a volunteer.
Passed out of Senate Ways & Means and will be eligible for consideration on the Senate Floor.

SF 2426 | Emergency Management Agency Levy

Adds all County Supervisors to Emergency Management Commissions. Caps the property tax levy an EMC can levy and places this levy authority in the hands of the commission. Limits the amount an EMC can have on hand as an unobligated cash reserve.
Passed Senate Ways & Means Committee and will be eligible for consideration on the Senate Floor.

Upcoming Legislative Forums

Cedar Falls Community Conversation

When: April 6, 8 – 9 a.m.

Where: Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls

Ida Grove Coffee & Issues

When: April 6, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: The Farmacy Soda Fountain & Coffee House, 506 2nd St., Ida Grove

Confirmed Participants: Sen. Schultz, Rep. Holt

Dubuque Cracker Barrel Legislative Forum

When: April 6, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Where: Diamond Jo Casino, 301 Bell St., Dubuque

Grinnell Legislative Coffee

When: April 6, 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: Drake Community Library, 930 Park St., Grinnell

Confirmed Participants: Sen. Sweeney

Onawa Legislative Forum

When: April 6, 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: Onawa Public Library, 707 Iowa Ave., Onawa

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Ken Carlson

Ankeny Legislative Office Hours

When: April 12, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Main Street Café, 2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Heather Matson

Marshalltown Listening Post

When: April 12, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit St., Marshalltown

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Sue Cahill

Washington Legislative Briefing

When: April 12, 12 – 1 p.m.

Where: Kalona Historical Village, 715 D Ave., Kalona

Confirmed Participants: Sen. Dawn Driscoll, Rep. Heather Hora

You can view all editions of Legislative Link at iowaleague.org/resource/legislative-link.

Like our membership, the Iowa League of Cities is a non-partisan, service-oriented organization that does not participate in elections, make campaign contributions, or have a political action committee (PAC).