Legislation moving forward

April 13, 2017

As the end of session approaches, bills continue to move through the legislative process. The following bills saw action this week:

SF 260: Codifies common law and limits the duty of care for property owners as it concerns the liability of trespassers. The House passed this bill 96-0 on Monday. It has already passed the Senate.
          ABI position: For

HSB 196: Makes minor changes and increases the flexibility for funds used in career and technical education (CTE) programs in schools. This bill is a clean-up from the CTE modernization legislation that was supported by ABI and passed the Legislature in 2016.
          ABI position: Undecided

HSB 197: Makes permanent the Property Assessment Appeals Board (PAAB). It also changes the burden of proof in property tax protests from the taxpayer to the assessor, provides for the assessor to reimburse the taxpayer if they win for their costs and adds taxpayers to the conference boards. The legislation passed out of the House Ways & Means Committee on Thursday and is eligible for floor debate early next week. Some amendments may be expected from the floor.
          ABI position: Undecided

HF 314: The bill adds a definition for “utility maintenance vehicle” and “utility services” to the Iowa Code. The House passed this Senate-amended bill 96-0 on Monday.
          ABI position: For

HF 69: The bill increases penalties for trespassing and makes the act a scheduled fine. The bill passed the House with a vote of 95-0. The Iowa Senate debated the bill on Thursday and two amendments were accepted. One amendment relates to when notice is considered to be given to a trespasser, and the other amendment deals with a peace officer’s ability to arrest someone when they refuse to leave the property. The bill passed the Senate 44-5 and now goes back to the full House for their consideration of the bill as amended by the Senate.
          ABI position: Undecided

SF 506: This is a bipartisan piece of legislation creating an expansive medical marijuana program in Iowa to treat many medical conditions and provide for in-state manufacturing and sale of medical marijuana. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed the bill Wednesday, and it is expected to advance out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee today. The bill will then advance to the Senate floor. It is uncertain the future of the legislation in the House. In press interviews, Rep. Clel Baudler (R- Greenfield) and Speaker of the House Linda Upmeyer (R- Clear Lake) both said the Senate bill is too expansive.
          ABI position: Undecided

HSB 180: This bill will increase business filing fees for the Secretary of State’s office to make them more in line with surrounding states. The fee money in the bill as amended in committee would go half to the general fund and half to the Secretary of State. ABI is working to ensure the fee money will go to assist businesses and enhance the technology used by the Secretary of State. The bill passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee and moves to the House floor.
          ABI position: Undecided