Author: deanfiihr Published: January 17th, 2012
House Democrats today encouraged Republicans to take quick action on two bills to prevent tuition hikes on national guard members and improve safety at Iowa’s correctional institutions.
“House Democrats are ready to take swift action this week and stop the tuition hike on national guard members. We are ready to work with Republicans and get the bill to the Governor’s desk before we return home for the weekend,” said Rep. Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, who leads Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee. “With most Iowa students already back at college for the spring semester, we need to take quick action to restore their tuition assistance before it’s too late.”
In December, the Iowa National Guard announced it would reduce awards for the Education Assistance Program from 90% to 50% because of high enrollment.
“Over the interim, we’ve heard from many Iowans with concerns about safety at our correctional institutions,” added Olson. “As legislators, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of workers in dangerous situations as well as protecting the general public from criminals.”
Olson said both bills will be filed tomorrow.
Tags: Iowa Correctional Institutions, Iowa House of Representatives, iowa national guard, National Guard Tuition, Prison Safety, Public Safety, Rep. Tyler Olson
Category 2012 Session Information, Budget, Featured, Public Safety, Recent News, Veterans |
Author: deanfiihr Published: June 24th, 2010
A number of new laws will go into effect on July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year. Several changes were made during the 2010 legislative session that will affect Iowans, including new seat belt requirements for kids in the back seat, a ban on text messaging while driving, and new protections for victims of domestic abuse.
Some of the changes taking effect on July 1 include:
Support for Small Businesses – Focuses state job creation efforts on small Iowa businesses instead of large Wall Street companies by increasing the Research Activities Credit available for small businesses. (Senate File 2380)
Domestic Abuse – Forfeiture of Guns – If a person is convicted of domestic abuse or is the subject of a permanent protective order, the person will lose the ability to own guns. (Senate File 2357)
Texting Ban – Drivers under the age of 18 years cannot use an electronic device while driving, unless it is installed in the vehicle or operated through permanently installed equipment. Drivers over 18 cannot use a hand-held communication device to read, write, or send a text message, but can use the device to make a phone call. The penalty for all ages is a $30 fine, with harsher penalties if in an accident with serious injury or death. Warning citations begin on July 1, 2010, and fines begin on July 1, 2011. (House File 2456)
Seat Belts – Requires all persons under the age of 18 years to use either a safety seat or seat belt unless all seat belts are already being used. If a person age 14 years or older is not using a seat belt, they will get the ticket, not the driver of the vehicle. (Senate File 2381)
Military Spouse Benefits – Allows unemployment benefits for an individual who left employment because of the relocation of the individual’s spouse due to a military assignment in another area. (House File 2110)
Grain Weight Limit for Farmers – Allows commercial motor vehicles, other than special trucks, on non-interstate highways, to haul up to 90,000 lbs. on six axles and 96,000 lbs. on seven axles. Currently allowed for livestock or construction vehicles, this allows farmers to haul heavier grain on trucks with more axles. (House File 2512)
Health Insurance & Cancer Trials – Insurers say they pay for routine care for cancer patients in clinical trials, but many patients are reluctant to participate fearing they will lose their health insurance. This bill makes it easier for patients to participate in these trials by assuring them that routine care will continue to be covered. (House File 2075)
Mental Health Hospitalization Notification (Ed Thomas Bill) – Assures that law enforcement are notified when individuals hospitalized for a serious mental impairment are released from care if there is an arrest warrant or pending charges against the individual. (House File 2352)
Smart Growth and Comprehensive Planning – Establishes a set of ten comprehensive planning principles that state and local governments should use in preparing for future growth. These principles are guides and are not mandates. (Senate File 2389)
Tags: domestic abuse, Health Insurance, Mental Health, New Laws, Public Safety, small businesses, smart growth, texting ban
Category 2010 Session Information |
Author: deanfiihr Published: June 29th, 2009
Several new laws will hit the books on July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year. Several changes were made during the 2009 legislative session that will impact Iowans, including new restrictions on sex offenders, foreclosure protection, and better health care.
Here are a few of the highlights:
- Foreclosure Protection - Iowans will benefit from expanded services when facing foreclosure, more accurate information from mortgage brokers or bankers, and active duty reservists and national guard members will have new protections from foreclosure while serving (House File 706, Senate File 355, and Senate File 364)
(more…)
Tags: Health Care, iowa fiscal year, iowa laws, New Laws, Public Safety, state of iowa
Category Education, Environment, Health Care, Jobs & Economy, Public Safety |
Author: deanfiihr Published: April 20th, 2009
The Iowa House will hold a public hearing on a bi-partisan plan to make Iowa’s sex offender laws both stronger and smarter. The public hearing will be held on Monday, April 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the House Chambers. To sign up to speak, call the Legislative Information Office at 515-281-5129.
Read a summary of the bi-partisan proposal here.
Read the full text of the proprosal here.
Tags: adam walsh act, exclusion zones, Public Safety, sex offenders, two thousand foot rule
Category Public Safety |
