Week 9 Legislative Update

The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) met this week to discuss Iowa's economy. They released increased revenue projections above what they previously thought the state revenues would be when they met in December to $9.17 billion dollars. Once the new cuts signed by Governor Reynolds last week start to take effect, the state will probably see a slight decrease in revenues to just under $9 billion. Overall, the REC said that the state's economy continues to recover well from COVID but could face some uncertainty with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Read more about the REC numbers here.

Second funnel is next week. Like the first funnel, this is an important milestone in the legislative year. After second funnel, bills will stay alive if they pass out of a committee in the chamber opposite where they originated so House files must pass out of a Senate committee and vice versa. This funnel is less chaotic than the first but is still an important milestone for policy that legislators want to pass. Appropriation bills and Ways and Means bills are not subject to the funnel deadlines and can pass out of committee at any time.

Bill Tracking

This is a list of the bills IIC has declared on this session.

SF 2309- Raw milk- AGAINST

This bill provides for labeling and sale of raw milk and raw milk dairies. Passed the Senate, has not been assigned a committee in the House.

HF 2530/SF 2337- Third party CDL testing- FOR

This bill would allow regional transit authorities to act as third party testers for CDL tests, which will hopefully free up other testing options. It also allows third party testers to offer the new written portion of the CDL test to comply with the new ELDT regulations. Passed both chambers, now goes to the Governor.

HSB 655 -Ag commodity weight limit increase- FOR

This bill would allow vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, or manure to exceed weight limits by 12.5% up to 90,000. This bill is very similar to the harvest proclamation the governor signs every fall but would be year round. Renumbered as HF 2536.

HF 2520 -Digital sales tax- FOR

This digital sales tax bill addresses an issue the rural electric coops have been fighting for a few years. Passed full the House.

HF 2329 -Prize linked savings- FOR

This bill passed full State Government committee and is now eligible for floor debate.

HF 2128 -Biofuel access standard- UNDECIDED/MONITORING

Passed the House 82-10. This week, the bill passed the Senate Ag committee and is currently in Ways and Means.

General interest articles

KEY LEGISLATIVE DATES

A full session timetable can be found here.

March 18: Second funnel

April 19: 100th day of session

Please reach out if you have any questions about what happened this week, what the rest of session might look like, or if you have any other questions or need assistance with a governmental organization or agency.

Rebecca Boyer

Director of Government Affairs

cell: 712-363-4397

office: 515-292-2667

rboyer@iowainstitute.coop