April 12, 2024

You Need to Know

• The Legislators’ per diem will end on April 16, but the end of session sine die is still not known. 

• The end of session may come with several surprises as legislation previously considered not viable clears hurdles as part of broader negotiations.

• After the session has ended, and the Governor’s veto period has concluded, the League will publish New Laws of Interest which highlights everything that passed into law pertinent to city government. Read this publication in a future Legislation Link or in Cityscape.

Legislation

HF 2681 | Automated Traffic Enforcement Regulation

• After several proposed amendments, the House adopted an amendment which provided a regulatory framework for the use and implementation of ATE. Requires local governments to submit an application to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Restricts uses of revenue from ATE to public safety or infrastructure improvements. Allows systems in place prior to January 1, 2024 to remain in place and places a moratorium on new systems until January 1, 2026.

• Passed the House and sent to the Senate where a concurring amendment has been filed on SF 2408.

SF 2424 | Volunteer Public Safety Tax Abatement

• Allows a volunteer emergency services provider whose homestead is located in their service area the ability to apply for an additional homestead tax credit equal to $500 or 10% of their property tax liability, whichever is less. 

• Passed the Senate and will be sent to the House for consideration.

HF 2531 | Public Safety Nuisances

• Allows for the designation of a Public Safety Nuisance on “adult cabaret” and other adult entertainment businesses who do not have a liquor license. 

• Passed both chambers and will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

League Registered in Support

HF 2648 | 5-day Retail Alcohol License

• Creates a new 5-day Class C retail native wine license and allows the holder of a Class A native distilled spirits license to hold the new license simultaneously. 

• Passed the Senate and will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

HF 2398 | Public Official Insurance in Lieu of Bonds

• Allows a public official who is required to hold a bond pursuant to Code of Iowa Chapter 63 to hold an insurance policy in lieu of bond. Alters the penalty for not holding a bond or insurance policy to “suspension from office” rather than “removal from office”.

• Passed the Senate and will be eligible for consideration by the Governor.

League Registered in Support

HF 2661 | Sheriff Pension & Officer Recruitment

• Enhances the pensions for Sheriff and Sheriff Deputies. Increases penalties against an individual who assaults or murders a police officer. Creates a tax credit for the recruitment of out of state officers. 

• Passed the Senate and will be sent to the House for consideration.

HF 2556 | Penalty for Violating Firearm Preemption

• Increases the penalties a court can assess against a political subdivision who knowingly violates Code of Iowa Section 724.28: Firearm Preemptions. 

• Passed the Senate and will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

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 and mental health coverage for members and allows claims made within three years post employment of a vested member. Allows a city to utilize group health plans for the coverage of required medical costs. Division 2 alters income taxes on survivor spouse benefits. 

• Passed the Senate and will be sent to the governor for consideration.

Legislation Signed by the Governor

• SF 455 | Stormwater, Topsoil Management

• SF 2205 | Civil Service Hiring

• SF 2161 | Anti-Swatting Penalty Enhancement

• HF 2101 | IUB Oversight of Water Utility Purchase
  

• SF 2331 | Public Notice in Newspaper

Upcoming Legislative Forums

Epworth Legislative Forum

When: April 13, 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Rosie's Coffee House, 106 W. Main St., Epworth

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Lundgren

Marion Legislative Forum

When: April 13, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Bistro at Blooms, 1440 Blairs Ferry Rd., Marion

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Elizabeth Wilson

Storm Lake Legislative Forum

When: April 13, 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: King's Pointe Resort, 1520 E. Lakeshore Dr., Storm Lake

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Megan Jones

Eldridge Listening Post

When: April 13, 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: North Scott High School, 200 S. 1st St., Eldridge

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Monica Kurth, Rep. Ken Croken

Jefferson Meet Your Legislator

When: April 13, 5 – 6 p.m.

Where: Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County, 201 E. Lincoln Way, Jefferson

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Carter Nordman, Sen. Jesse Green

Ames Legislative Forum

When: April 14, 9 – 9:55 a.m.

Where: Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way, Ames

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Ross Wilburn

Des Moines Office Hours with Rep. Baeth

When: April 15, 8 – 9 p.m.

Where: Lua Brewing, 1525 High St., Des Moines

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Austin Baeth

Council Bluffs Beers at Barley’s

When: April 6, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Where: Barley's Bar and Grill, 114 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs

Confirmed Participants: Rep. Josh Turek

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).