Iowa Legislative Session Brief

Volume V, Number 6 -- March 3, 1999
Published by the Iowa General Assembly -- Legislative Information Office

ABOUT THE LEGISLATURE:: 1,859 Bills Requested As Deadline Passes
LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS:: From the Floor (Bills Passed by the Senate or House); Committee Watch (Bills Passed out of Committee); Bill Watch (Bills Introduced in the Senate and House); Study Bill Watch (Study Bills Proposed in Committee)

1,859 Bills Requested As Deadline Passes

   A total of 1,859 bill requests were received by the Legislative Service Bureau (LSB), as of Friday, February 19. This date marked the deadline for individual legislators to file requests for bill drafts for the 1999 legislative session under rules adopted by both houses. Committee chairs may still request bill drafts for consideration by their committees. By rule, all proposed legislation must be drafted by the LSB.
   The total number of requests received as of Friday - the end of the sixth week of the session - is 62 fewer than the number received at that time during the 1997 session, the last odd-numbered-year session.
   Only legislators may file bill-drafting requests on their own behalf. Committee chairpersons may file requests on behalf of their committees. The Governor and state departments may file drafting requests prior to the convening of the session, except that newly elected governors are granted additional time.
   In addition to legislative program requests, the Governor also submits requests for drafting appropriations bills to implement his state budget.
   Associations and special interest groups, as well as individuals that are not members of the Legislature, must obtain a legislative sponsor for their requests.
   The February 19 deadline was the first of several under the Legislature's timetable for action on bills during a session.
   An upcoming date of interest is Friday, March 12 (Friday of the 9th week). This is the final date for Senate bills to be reported out of Senate committees and House bills out of House committees. These timetables, commonly known as "funnel" dates, were established to provide an orderly progression of the session workload.
   After March 12, the next major funnel date will be Friday, April 2 (Friday of the 12th week). This is the final date for Senate bills to be reported out of House committees and House bills out of Senate committees.

FROM THE FLOOR

Bills Passed by the Senate or House - February 22-26, 1999

Most bills approved by a majority in one chamber are sent to the other chamber for approval (certain resolutions require the approval of the chamber of origin only). Bills passed by both chambers in identical form are sent to the Governor. Bill titles have been edited to reflect only the general subjects addressed. For more specific information, see the complete text of the bill.

PASSED BY THE SENATE:

ARTS
Funding for the arts by providing an Iowa individual income tax checkoff for the arts. SF 137: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 50-0 Status: Sent to the House
BUILDING
The designation of the Old State Historical Building as the Ola Babcock Miller State Office Building. SJR 2: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 50-0 Status: Sent to the House
COMMUNITY
Changing the Code reference to the Iowa Association of Community Providers. SF 174: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 50-0 Status: Sent to the House
CRIME
Establishing the new criminal offense of interference with a peace officer's service horse. SF 52: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 36-12 Status: Sent to the House
Change the penalty for and re-classify certain misdemeanors. SF 189: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 48-0 Status: Sent to the House
JUDICIAL
Concerning judicial administration. SF 150: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 48-0 Status: Sent to the House
The duties of a guardian ad litem appointed to represent a child in juvenile court proceedings. SF 193: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 48-0 Status: Sent to the House
REHABILITATION
The description of disabilities of individuals receiving vocational rehabilitation services. SF 173: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 48-0 Status: Sent to the House
SAFETY
Worker and public safety and protection laws administered by the Labor Services Division of Iowa Workforce Development. SF 146: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 50-0 Status: Sent to the House
TAXES
The elimination of investment counseling as a taxable service under the state sales and use taxes. SF 176: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 29-19 Status: Sent to the House
TOWNSHIPS
The selection of township trustees and township clerks. SF 151: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 27-23 Status: Sent to the House
VEHICLES
Establishing a time limit for disallowance or reduction of motor vehicle warranty claims, and relating to establishment of motor vehicle service or warranty facilities. SF 149: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 49-0 Status: Sent to the House
Providing for the display of flashing emergency signal lamps by motor vehicles in funeral processions. SF 175: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 48-2

PASSED BY THE HOUSE:

BAIL
Bail enforcement agents that are exempt from state licensing requirements. HF 281: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 82-2 Status: Sent to the Senate
DEVELOPMENT
Establishing a southern Iowa development and conversation authority, specifying membership, powers and duties, and creating a southern Iowa development and conservation fund. HF 208: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 95-0 Status: Sent to the Senate
LAW ENFORCEMENT
The revocation or suspension of a law enforcement officer's certification. HF 100: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 97-0 Status: Sent to the Senate
Increasing the penalty for eluding or attempting to elude an official law enforcement vehicle. HF 209: Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 78-16 Status: Sent to the Senate
MOTORCYCLES
Motorcycle rider education plates for motor vehicles. HF 200: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 97-0 Status: Sent to the Senate
STALKING
Restricting the posting of bond for the offense of felony stalking. HF 296: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 96-0 Status: Sent to the Senate

COMMITTEE WATCH

Study Bills Passed Out of Committee - February 22-26, 1999

Bills reported out of committee are eligible to be debated. According to the legislative timetable, most bills had to be reported out of committee in their chamber of origin by February 27 in order to remain eligible for further consideration.

PASSED OUT OF SENATE COMMITTEES:

COMMERCE The operation and regulation of insurance companies, including the treatment of certain confidential information by the commissioner, the operation of certain types of insurance companies, and the rights and duties of insurance companies under certain policies issued in this state. SSB 1139: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 15-0
Proceedings before the Iowa Utilities Board and the provision of competitive utility services by allocating costs incurred by the board and the Office of Consumer Advocate to certain persons in certain proceedings related to providing competitive utility services, and by providing for the certification of competitive natural gas providers and aggregators. SF 224 (Formerly SSB 1140): Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 15-0
The supervisory authority of the State Banking Division with regard to bank holding company acquisitions and the ability of state banks to make loans to any one person. SF 229 (Formerly SSB 1068): Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 14-0
The preservation of records held by financial institutions. SSB 1086: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 14-0
EDUCATION The establishment of a beginning teacher induction program. SF 40: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 11-4
Authorizing school districts and non-public schools to request the performance of criminal and abuse record checks. SF 69: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 14-1
HUMAN RESOURCES Prohibiting that cigarettes and tobacco products be given away and prohibiting giving of other items as part of a sale of such cigarettes and tobacco products. SF 205 (Formerly SSB 1073): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 10-3
Welfare reform provisions involving the family investment program and individual development accounts. SF 221 (Formerly SSB 1121): Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 13-0
Relating to AIDS. SSB 1130: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 13-0
JUDICIARY The penalty applicable to persons who commit animal abuse. SF 104: Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 12-0
Change the penalty for and re-classify certain misdemeanors. SF 189 (Formerly SSB 1108): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 11-0
Open containers in motor vehicles. SF 192 (Formerly SSB 1046): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 12-0
The duties of a guardian ad litem appointed to represent a child in juvenile court proceedings. SF 193 (Formerly SSB 1092): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 12-0
Establishing a uniform standard for determination of death. SF 209 (Formerly SF 12): Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 13-0
Concerning the commitment of sexually violent predators by changing the deadline for filing a petition by the Attorney General; providing for waiver or continuance of the probable cause hearing; granting greater enforcement power to the prosecuting attorney; extending the time to hold a trial; establishing supervised release for sexually violent persons who have been rehabilitated; providing for the preservation of certain child abuse reports; and providing the Department of Justice with access to such reports. SF 216 (Formerly SSB 1075): Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 13-0
Criminal offenses that require registration as provided in the sex offender registry law. HF 136: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 8-2
LOCAL GOVERNMENT The payment by a county of the family farm tax credit and reimbursement to the county of its payment. SF 183 (Formerly SSB 1114): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 7-0
Preparation of fiscal notes on bills and resolutions imposing state mandates. SF 184 (Formerly SSB 1117): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 10-0
The levy rate for fire protection imposed in an area of a benefited fire district. SF 185 (SSB 1115): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 9-0
Providing that a county enterprise includes housing for persons who are elderly or persons with physical disabilities. SF 186 (Formerly SSB 1120): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 10-0
NATURAL RESOURCES and ENVIRONMENT The taking of muskrats by colony trap. SF 77: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 12-2
The regulatory authority of the Natural Resource Commission on the Sac and Fox tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa settlement in Tama County. SF 124: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 13-1
The issuance of a hunter safety and ethics certificate to certain honorably discharged military veterans. SF 143: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 14-0
The operation, regulation, and equipment of watercraft, and establishing watercraft safety courses. SF 187 (SSB 1027): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 13-0
Repealing reporting requirements for real estate conveyances relating to the identification of wells, disposal sites for solid waste, underground storage tanks, and hazardous waste. SSB 1011: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 14-0
Concerning forestry and forest resource support, and sale of trees and shrubs in the state nursery stock. SSB 1083: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 14-1
STATE GOVERNMENT Setting the time for the closing of precinct polling places. SF 3: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 9-5
Establishing English as the official language of the state. SF 54: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 8-4
Counties included in the Mid-America Port Commission. SF 68: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 15-0
The establishment of an Iowa Battle Flag Commission. SF 166: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 13-2
Increasing the minimum daily pay for members of the Iowa National Guard while in state active service. SF 210 (Formerly SSB 1056): Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 15-0
Concerning the Emergency Management Division of the Department of Public Defense by authorizing fees for radiological detection equipment maintenance services, by providing for the appointment of county emergency management officers, and by authorizing financial assistance to local governments for emergency management purposes. SSB 1051: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 13-0
TRANSPORTATION Concerns regulation of school buses and special trucks, vehicle titling and registration, commercial driver licenses, regulations on motor carriers, regulations on motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors and dealers, size, weight and load restrictions on vehicles, driver education, and administrative procedures of the DOT. SF 203 (Formerly SSB 1143): Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 9-2
WAYS and MEANS Updating the Iowa Code references to the Internal Revenue Code, extending the loss carryback period for farm net operating losses, and providing certain tax credits to estates and trusts. SF 230 (Formerly SSB 1042): Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 14-0
Providing a sales and use tax exemption for hospices. SF 231 (Formerly SF 155): Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 14-0

PASSED OUT OF HOUSE COMMITTEES:

AGRICULTURE Providing for the membership of the advisory board to the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. HSB 160: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 20-0
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The creation of a recruiting our own targeted students loan repayment program and fund under the control of the College Student Aid Commission. HSB 74: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 21-0
EDUCATION Duration and amount of additional weighting provided for limited English proficient students. HSB 125: Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 21-0
The description of disabilities of individuals receiving vocational rehabilitation services. HSB 148: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 23-0
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Payments from the remedial account of the Iowa Comprehensive Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Fund to governmental subdivisions for costs of corrective actions taken due to certain releases from underground storage tanks and allowing the Iowa Comprehensive Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Fund Board to seek reimbursement from responsible parties for expenses incurred by governmental subdivisions for costs of corrective actions taken due to certain releases from underground storage tanks. HF 141: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 20-0
HUMAN RESOURCES Third-party payment of health care coverage costs for mental health treatment services. HF 166: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 18-1
Changing the name of care review committee to resident advocate committee. HF 278: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 19-0
Establishment of a scope of practice review committee regarding the proposed licensure of certified professional midwives. HSB 153: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 17-0
JUDICIARY Relating to carrying or transporting a rifle. HF 132: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 16-2
Limitation of liability for services performed by critical incident stress management teams. HF 295: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 20-1
The fingerprinting of persons or juveniles who have been arrested or taken into custody and changing the procedures for the collection of a criminal disposition report. HSB 38: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 18-0
Confidentiality for certain taxpayer communications. HSB 58: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 17-0
Increasing the penalties for an assault on a jailer. HSB 88: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 18-2
Defendants convicted of vehicular manslaughter are not bailable on appeal. HSB 90: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 14-6
LABOR and INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Alcohol testing of private sector employees and prospective employees. SF 115: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 11/7
LOCAL GOVERNMENT The exercise of the power of eminent domain and to condemnation proceedings. HSB 85: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 20-0
Creating a Loess Hills preservation and development alliance, and providing for its powers and duties. HF 218
The powers and duties of county treasurers by amending Code sections pertaining to special assessments on certain motor vehicle ownership transfers, tax statement address, city utility liens, taxation of buildings or improvements, tax redemption, and tax clearance statements for mobile homes. HSB 91: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 19-0
STATE GOVERNMENT Providing for accessibility requirements for church elevators. HF 233: Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 19-0
Providing for the adoption of administrative rules related to the issuance of a license for bail enforcement agents, private investigators, and security agents who may not otherwise qualify for license. HSB 29: Date: 2/22/99 Vote: 18-0
The release of certain information on claimants of the extraordinary property tax credit or rent reimbursement to the Department of Inspections and Appeals. HSB 136: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 18-0
TRANSPORTATION Applications for motor vehicle registration and issuance of certificate of title. HF 299: Date: 2/23/99 Vote: 21-0
Regulation of school buses and special trucks, vehicle titling and registration, commercial driver licenses, regulations on motor carriers, regulations on motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors and dealers, size, weight, and load restrictions on vehicles, driver education, and administrative procedures of the state DOT. HSB 176: Date: 2/25/99 Vote: 19-1
WAYS and MEANS Providing a sales and use tax exemption for hospices. HF 248: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 24-1
Exempting the sale of argon gas used in the manufacturing process from the sales and use taxes. HSB 23: Date: 2/24/99 Vote: 24-1

BILL WATCH

Bills Introduced in the Senate and House - February 22-26, 1999

Individually sponsored bills are normally referred to committee upon introduction. Bills sponsored by committees are placed on the chamber's calendar and are eligible for debate. The bills are categorized by their committee.

INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE:

AGRICULTURE: The imposition of an annual conservation and land preservation tax for agricultural property converted to residential or commercial use. SF 198
APPROPRIATIONS: Making appropriations from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund to the Department of Corrections for projects at the correctional facility at Rockwell City. SF 188; Creating an enhance Iowa distribution account, a technology assurance fund, and a recreation, environment, arts, culture, and heritage fund; making changes in the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund; and making corresponding statutory changes. SF 208
COMMERCE: Requirements for establishing and operating a city cable communication utility. SF 190; Proceedings before the Iowa Utilities Board and the provision of competitive utility services by allocating costs incurred by the board and the Office of Consumer Advocate to certain persons in certain proceedings related to providing competitive utility services, and by providing for the certification of competitive natural gas providers and aggregators. SF 224; The supervisory authority of the State Banking Division with regard to bank holding company acquisitions and the ability of state banks to make loans to any one person. SF 229; The preservation of records held by financial institutions. SF 233; A relationship involving real estate licensees and real estate clients, and establishing restrictions on the payment of commissions or other consideration. SF 240
EDUCATION: Increase in the regular program foundation base per student for the portion of weighted enrollment that is additional enrollment because of special education and the Special Education Support Services Foundation base. SF 206; Establishing a grant process to provide school districts with resources to implement volunteer student mentoring pilot projects, and providing emergency rulemaking authority. SF 207; Authorizing school districts and non-public schools to perform certain criminal and abuse record checks. SF 228; The establishment of a beginning teacher induction program. SF 232
HUMAN RESOURCES: Acceptable accreditation of psychiatric medical institutions for children for the purpose of licensing. SF 194; Establishing an Act relating to managed care consumer protection. SF 195; Establishing a pharmaceutical assistance program for the elderly. SF 201; The guidelines to be followed by a trauma care facility for persons with head injuries. SF 202; Prohibiting that cigarettes and tobacco products be given away and prohibiting giving of other items as part of a sale of such cigarettes and tobacco products. SF 205; Eligibility of certain disabled persons under the optional services coverage category of medical assistance. SF 211; Welfare reform provisions involving the family investment program and individual development accounts. SF 221; The regulation of health-care type needles. SF 222; The eligibility of certain employed persons with a disability under the medical assistance program. SF 225; The notification of an emergency care provider of exposure to a contagious or infectious disease. SF 234; Establishment and maintenance of a central registry for declarations relating to the use of life-sustaining procedures. SF 239; The disclosure of violations and final findings following inspections of health care facilities. SF 245; Increasing the maximum income eligibility requirement for participation in the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (HAWK-I) program. SF 247; Relating to AIDS. SF 248
JUDICIARY: Change the penalty for and re-classify certain misdemeanors. SF 189; Open containers in motor vehicles. SF 192; The duties of a guardian ad litem appointed to represent a child in juvenile court proceedings. SF 193; Establishing a uniform standard for determination of death. SF 209; Concerning the commitment of sexually violent predators by changing the deadline for filing a petition by the Attorney General; providing for waiver or continuance of the probable cause hearing; granting greater enforcement power to the prosecuting attorney; extending the time to hold a trial; establishing supervised release for sexually violent persons who have been rehabilitated; providing for the preservation of certain child abuse reports; and providing the Department of Justice with access to such reports. SF 216; The compensation of jurors. SF 243; Increasing the penalty for eluding or attempting to elude an official law enforcement vehicle. HF 209 (Bill received in the Senate); Restrict the posting of bond for the offense of felony stalking. HF 296 (Bill received in the Senate)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: The payment by a county of the family farm tax credit and reimbursement to the county of its payment. SF 183; Preparation of fiscal notes on bills and resolutions imposing state mandates. SF 184; The levy rate for fire protection imposed in an area of a benefited fire district. SF 185; Providing that a county enterprise includes housing for persons who are elderly or persons with physical disabilities. SF 186
NATURAL RESOURCES and ENVIRONMENT: The operation, regulation, and equipment of watercraft, and establishing watercraft safety courses. SF 187; The operation, regulation, and equipment of watercraft. SF 200; Concerning forestry and forest resource support through the sale of trees and shrubs in the state nursery stock. SF 214; All-terrain vehicles used for hunting and fishing activities. SF 215; Requiring Iowa national pollutant discharge elimination system permit holders to post signs at discharge points. SF 217; Prohibiting the sale or distribution of purple loosestrife. SF 220; The licensing of hunting and fishing guides, and providing reciprocity with other states. SF 227; Requirements and fees for solid waste transfer stations. SF 235; Establishing a southern Iowa development and conservation authority, specifying membership, powers, and duties, and creating a southern Iowa development and conservation fund. HF 208 (Bill received in the Senate)
STATE GOVERNMENT: Concerning the determination of a member's average covered wage for purposes of calculating retirement benefits under IPERS. SF 191; The conduct of raffles by certain fairs, non-profit organizations, political parties, and committees of candidates for elective office. SF 196; The date of the primary election. SF 204; Increasing the minimum daily pay for members of the Iowa National Guard while in state active service. SF 210; Requesting the Governor to issue annually a proclamation designating a "Bill of Rights Day." SF 212; Setting the time for the closing of precinct polling places. SF 213; A bona fide retirement under IPERS. SF 223; Sexual harassment as an unfair employment practice under the jurisdiction of the Iowa State Civil Rights Commission. SF 226; The supervision of the office of the state medical examiner. SF 236; Drawing the Sac and Fox Indian settlement precinct in Tama County. SF 238; Requesting an interim study of the feasibility of televising legislative proceedings. SCR 4; The revocation or suspension of a law enforcement officer's certification. HF 100 (Bill received in the Senate); Activities of bail enforcement agents that are exempt from state licensing requirements. HF 281 (Bill received in the Senate)
SMALL BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, and TOURISM: Providing appropriations for housing development programs in the Iowa Finance Authority. SF 246
TRANSPORTATION: Regulation of school buses and special trucks, vehicle titling and registration, commercial driver licenses, regulations on motor carriers, regulations on motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors and dealers, size weight, and load restrictions on vehicles, driver education, and administrative procedures of the DOT. SF 203; Reflective devices on slow-moving vehicles. SF 218; Motorcycle rider education plates for motor vehicles. HF 200 (Bill received in the Senate)
WAYS and MEANS: Exempting hospices from the state sales and use taxes. SF 197; Filing of belated claims for the homestead property tax credit and military property tax exemption. SF 199; The local option sales tax for school infrastructure. SF 219; Updating the Iowa Code references to the Internal Revenue Code, extending the loss carryback period for farm net operating losses, and providing certain tax credits to estates and trusts. SF 230; Providing a sales and use tax exemption for hospices. SF 231; Providing for a "hepatitis A" vaccine tax credit under the individual and corporate income taxes for the cost of immunizing employees and workers at licensed food establishments. SF 237; Establishing a funding formula for the state to assume the costs for qualified mental health, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities services provided by counties for adults. SF 241; Exempting from the state individual income tax pension and retirement income. SF 242; The time and the criteria for filing of claims for refund under the state individual income tax by retired federal employees as a result of the unconstitutional taxation of federal pensions. SF 244

INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE

ADMINSTRATION and RULES: Urging the U. S. Congress to adopt year-round daylight saving time. HCR 9; Encouraging the federal government to provide states greater flexibility concerning the implementation of federal legislation. HCR 10
AGRICULTURE: Extending the deadline for closing agricultural drainage wells. HF 339; The drainage of land by constructing or reconstructing open or covered drains. HF 342; Providing for the collection of moneys by a county board of supervisors arising out of the construction of a drainage improvement within a railroad right-of-way. HF 343; Concerning Iowa agricultural industry finance corporations and investments by banks. HF 406
APPROPRIATIONS: Relating to energy conservation, including making appropriations of petroleum overcharge funds. HF 332; Making a standing appropriation to the school budget review committee to grant transportation assistance aid to certain school districts. HF 364; Establishing a Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (HAWK-I) trust fund. HF 405
COMMERCE and REGULATION: Prohibiting the denial of a claim for insurance coverage solely on the basis that such claim arises out of an act of domestic abuse. HF 329; Relating to the supervisory authority of the State Banking Division with regard to bank holding company acquisitions and the ability of state banks to make loans to any one person. HF 330; Transfers of structured settlement payment rights for tort and workers' compensation claims. HF 331; The amount of the fee for an amendment to a certificate of limited partnership and an amendment to an application for registration of a foreign limited partnership. HF 338; Permissible fees to be charged for maintaining a demand deposit account with a line of credit. HF 345; Review of and liability for certain health care services treatment decisions. HF 362; Eliminating the requirement that information relating to open-end credit accounts and credit cards be filed with the Treasurer of State. HF 375; Electronic access to public information, creating an IowAccess Board. HF 381; Security interests and liens regarding agricultural products. HF 399; Third-party payment of health care coverage costs for health mental treatment services. HF 401
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Workforce Development Fund account and fees paid by community colleges and generated by the funding on new jobs training programs. HF 337; The recruitment of North American Free Trade Agreement representatives. HF 390
EDUCATION: Requiring 9th through 12th grade students attending accredited public and non-public schools to complete a half unit of credit in Iowa history. HF 366; The duration and amount of additional weighting provided for limited English proficient students. HF 371; Establishment of a Science Education Clearinghouse. HF 374; The number of monthly state aid payments received by school districts. HF 377; Concerning area education agencies and school districts by modifying the time guidelines concerning bargaining by certain employees, and changing dates relating to budget certification and notice of teacher termination for school districts. HF 388
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Rulemaking duties of the DNR regarding baled solid waste. HF 347; Eliminating requirements relating to the DNR adopting rules requiring public water systems to test source water. HF 349; Prohibiting the land disposal of corrugated cardboard. HF 353
HUMAN RESOURCES: Disposition and other requirements involving child in need of assistance adjudications in which the parent or guardian's drug or alcohol abuse is a material element. HF 335; Concerning individual and group accident and sickness insurance, non-profit health service plans, health maintenance organizations, and Medicare supplemental insurance policies, by mandating coverage for anesthesia and certain hospital charges associated with the provision of dental care services. HF 336; The authorization requirements for psychiatric medical institutions for children. HF 360; Providing authorization for school districts and non-public schools to request the performance of criminal and abuse record checks. HF 363; Reimbursement for certain functions of DHS assumed by counties. HF 367; Changing the name of care review committee to resident advocate committee. HF 379; The inspection and duplication of health care records upon the request of a patient. HF 400; Providing for the establishment of a scope of practice review committee regarding the proposed licensure of certified professional midwives. HF 402; Regulation of health-care type needles. HF 407; Acceptable accreditation of psychiatric medical institutions for children for the purpose of licensing. HF 409; A study by the Department of Human Rights concerning persons of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage. HF 410; Providing for the establishment of an independent administrator of the Division of Persons with Disabilities within the Department of Human Rights. HF 411
JUDICIARY: The release of confidential juvenile court records to schools regarding the possession, delivery, purchase, or attempt to purchase alcohol. HF 341; Immunity from civil lawsuits for persons who participate in good faith in matters of public concern, and a right to damages. HF 356; Providing that a parent who has abandoned a child cannot inherit from the child's intestate estate. HF 368; The appointment of district associate judges in lieu of associate juvenile judges. HF 373; Increasing the penalties for an assault on a jailer. HF 386; Confidentiality for certain taxpayer communications. HF 387; Insurer recovering restitution from a criminal offender. HF 389; Providing that defendants convicted of class "C" vehicular manslaughter are not bailable on appeal. HF 395; Requiring a clerk of the district court, prior to the filing of a non-statutory lien, to confirm that notice has been given to required parties. HF 397; The fingerprinting of persons or juveniles who have been arrested or taken into custody and changing the procedures for the collection of a criminal disposition report. HF 403
LABOR and INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS: Required conditions applying to agreements to provide private industry employment for inmates of correctional institutions. HF 351
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Farmland protection, city development and annexation, city and county land use planning, and state land use planning. HF 340; Relating to landlords' and tenants' relations by providing notice requirements, and establishing a tenant's duty to properly maintain utility facilities. HF 346; Providing for filings fees charged by county recorders, and eliminating a surcharge fee. HF 348; Repealing the authority of counties to create and fund urban renewal areas and urban revitalization areas. HF 357; The appointment of boards, commissions, committees, or other multi-member appointive bodies in certain cities and counties. HF 396
STATE GOVERNMENT: Requesting the Governor to issue annually a proclamation designating a "Bill of Rights Day." HF 334; Confidentiality of certain voter registration information. HF 354; The educational requirements for licensure of professional engineers. HF 355; Permitting the use of campaign funds for certain meal expenses. HF 358; The fire safety provisions applicable to a bed and breakfast inn. HF 359; The formation of a bipartisan commission to recommend reforms in the laws relating to the financing of political campaigns. HF 361; The buyback of membership credit under IPERS. HF 365; The process for restoring for certain persons the right to register to vote and to vote. HF 369; Enforcement of smoking prohibitions. HF 370; Providing for the adoption of administrative rules related to the issuance of a license for bail enforcement agents, private investigators, and security agents who may not otherwise qualify for a license. HF 378; Providing for the designation of a state poet laureate. HF 384; Providing special service members of IPERS with disability benefits. HF 385; Authorization to provide emergency and non-emergency medical care services. HF 392; The required wearing of reflective clothing by a pedestrian participating in a physical training activity. HF 398; Drawing the Sac and Fox Indian settlement precinct in Tama County. HF 408; Recognizing fossil crinoid as the state fossil. HJR 8
TRANSPORTATION: The use of automatic enforcement systems to enforce certain traffic regulations, and authorizing a surcharge. HF 333; Establishing a time limit for disallowance or reduction of motor vehicle warranty claims, and relating to establishment of motor vehicle service or warranty facilities. HF 344; Providing for the use of wheelchair parking cones. HF 352; Providing for a minimum number of persons on a train crew. HF 372; Speed limits on highways which may be regulated by local authorities. HF 376; Providing for the display of flashing emergency signal lamps by motor vehicles in funeral processions. HF 380; The issuance of legion of merit motor vehicle registration plates. HF 382; The issuance of U.S. armed forces combat motor vehicle registration plates. HF 383; Concerning vehicles regulated as school buses. HF 391; Concerning railroad rights-of-way acquired by persons other than a railroad and providing for assessment costs. HF 393; Expenditure of moneys from the Primary Road Fund for dust control on certain roads. HF 404
WAYS and MEANS: Relating to the administration of the tax and related laws by the Department of Revenue and Finance, including administration of state individual income, corporate income, franchise, sales and use, motor fuel, cigarette and tobacco, local option, inheritance and estate, and property taxes, and the livestock production credit. HF 350; Urban revitalization tax exemption for assisted living properties. HF 394

STUDY BILL WATCH

Study Bills Proposed in Committee -- February 22-26, 1999

Study bills are proposals developed under committee sponsorship to determine the reception of an issue by the Legislature. Study bills may be proposed by committee chairpersons, state agencies, and the Governor. If a study bill receives committee approval, it is introduced as a Senate or House file with the committee as sponsor.

SENATE STUDY BILLS:

APPROPRIATIONS: Appropriating federal funds made available from federal block grants and other federal grants, allocating portions of federal block grants, and providing procedures if federal funds are more or less than anticipated, or if federal block grants are more or less than anticipated. SSB 1144; Making transportation and other infrastructure-related appropriations to the DOT, including allocation and use of moneys from the General Fund of the State, Road Use Tax Fund, and Primary Road Fund. SSB 1150; Making appropriations to certain state departments, agencies, funds, and certain other entities, and providing for regulatory authority. SSB 1159
BUSINESS and LABOR RELATIONS: The establishment of an Iowa worker retraining forgivable loan program and fund. SSB 1158
COMMERCE: Access privileges to certain buildings and structures by certified local exchange carriers and franchised cable television providers. SSB 1135; Limiting the liability of financial institutions for certain actions arising out of the failure of information technology as the result of a year 2000 problem. SSB 1136; Providing for investments by banks and insurance companies in Iowa agriculture industry finance corporations. SSB 1137; Prohibiting unauthorized charges in telecommunications service, and prohibiting certain acts in the advertisement or solicitation of changes in telecommunications service. SSB 1138; The operation and regulation of insurance companies, including the treatment of certain confidential information by the commissioner, the operation of certain types of insurance companies, and the rights and duties of insurance companies under certain policies issued in this state. SSB 1139; Proceedings before the Iowa Utilities Board and the provision of competitive utility services by allocating costs incurred by the board and the Office of Consumer Advocate to certain persons in certain proceedings related to providing competitive utility services, and by providing for the certification of competitive natural gas providers and aggregators. SSB 1140; The transfer of real estate, and the filing of a release of mortgage. SSB 1142; Concerning health care service and treatment coverage by providing for continuity of care, discussion and advocacy of treatment options, coverage of emergency room services, utilization review requirements, and an external review process. SSB 1148; The rights of a dissenting shareholder of a state bank. SSB 1160
EDUCATION: A concurrent resolution recognizing and endorsing "Read Across America Day," and calling for the citizens of the State of Iowa to re-affirm the importance and joy of reading. SSB 1157
HUMAN RESOURCES: Paternity establishment of affidavit. SSB 1149; Health care facility enforcement procedures. SSB 1155; Providing for conditional employment pending the outcome of background checks for health care facility employees. SSB 1156
NATURAL RESOURCES and ENVIRONMENT: Making appropriations from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1999, and ending June 30, 2000, to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the DNR. SSB 1146; Creating a watershed protection program and a watershed protection account within the Water Protection Fund. SSB 1147
STATE GOVERNMENT: Concerning governmental deferred compensation programs by providing for multiple programs, investment options, and marketing requirements for the programs. SSB 1141; Adopting the nurse licensure compact. SSB 1145; The authority of cities and counties to adopt rent control ordinances. SSB 1151; Medical professionals in professional corporations. SSB 1153; The student member of the Iowa Board of Regents. SSB 1154
TRANSPORTATION: Concerns regulation of school buses and special trucks, vehicle titling and registration, commercial driver licenses, regulations on motor carriers, regulations on motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors and dealers, size, weight and load restrictions on vehicles, driver education, and administrative procedures of the DOT. SSB 1143
WAYS and MEANS: Providing an exemption from the state sales and use taxes for certain equipment used in transporting telecommunications services. SSB 1152

HOUSE STUDY BILLS:

AGRICULTURE: Emergency programs to support livestock livestock producers. HSB 192
COMMERCE and REGULATION: Health care service and treatment coverage by providing for continuity of care, discussion and advocacy of treatment options, coverage of emergency room services, utilization review requirements, and an external review process. HSB 166; Access privileges to certain buildings and structures by certified local exchange carriers and franchised cable television providers. HSB 167; The transfer of real estate, and the filing of a release of mortgage. HSB 168; Concerning health care service and treatment coverage by providing for continuity of care, experimental treatment review, and an external review process. HSB 169; Proceedings before the Iowa Utilities Board and the provision of competitive utility services by allocating costs incurred by the board and the Consumer Advocate Office to certain persons in certain proceedings related to providing competitive utility services, and by providing for the certification of competitive natural gas providers and aggregators. HSB 170; Prohibiting unauthorized changes in telecommunications services, and prohibiting certain acts in the advertisement or solicitation of changes in telecommunications service. HSB 171; The operation and regulation of insurance companies, including the treatment of certain confidential information by the commissioner, the operation of certain types of insurance companies, and rights and duties on insurance companies under certain policies issued in this state. HSB 172; The Uniform Principal and Interest Act. HSB 174
EDUCATION: Designation of investigative information possessed by the Board of Educational Examiners as privileged and confidential. HSB 182; Concerning schools and school districts by affecting boiler and steam vessel maintenance and monitoring, publication of billing information, the regular school calendar, superintendent licensure and qualifications, and school breakfast programming. HSB 183
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Review and oversight of actions of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. HSB 199
HUMAN RESOURCES: Relating to AIDS. HSB 180; Child welfare provisions involving voluntary foster care placements of children with mental retardation or other developmental disability, release of child abuse information, and annual group foster care and decategorization plans. HSB 181; Establishing the Iowa Domestic Abuse Review Team. HSB 185; Establishing an Iowa drug utilization review commission within DHS. HSB 195
JUDICIARY: To change the penalties for the criminal offense of accommodation involving marijuana. HSB 184; Requiring that the clerk of the district court confirm that notice has been given to required parties prior to the filing of a non-statutory lien. HSB 187; Establishing the crime of sexual exploitation by an educational practitioner. HSB 189; Changing the penalties applicable to the possession, manufacture, or delivery of methamphetamine and other controlled substances, relating to the possession or control of adulterated or improperly labeled articles, providing for the reopening of certain sentences, and providing for restrictions on bail. HSB 190; Defining as a fraudulent practice certain creation or use of retail sales receipts or universal price code labels. HSB 193; Offenses for assault and willful injury that result in injury to another person. HSB 194; The interception of communications. HSB 198; The appointment and dismissal of a marshal or chief of police in certain cities with a mayor-council form of government and without civil service. HSB 201
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Membership in the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System upon re-employment as a police officer or firefighter. HSB 165; The payment of health and medical insurance coverage costs by cities to retired employees. HSB 173; Concerning the penalties for hiring an unauthorized alien. HSB 175; Allowing certain school district bond issues to be issued jointly by two or more school districts. HSB 177
STATE GOVERNMENT: Imposing a moratorium on the issuance or transfer of certain gambling licenses and on increasing the numbers of games and machines, providing for the transfer of collective bargaining agreements, limiting the location of excursion gambling boats and pari-mutuel racetracks, regulating the dispensing of moneys by credit card or other electronic means for gambling purposes, limiting civil penalties for violations of gambling under legal age, providing for the disposition of charitable contributions, and imposing a scheduled fine for gambling by persons under 21 years of age. HSB 178; Relating to the Emergency Management Division of the Department of Public Defense by authorizing fees for radiological detection equipment maintenance services, by providing for the appointment of county emergency management officers, and by authorizing financial assistance to local governments for emergency management purposes. HSB 179; Medical professionals in professional corporations. HSB 186; The fire safety provisions applicable to a bed and breakfast inn. HSB 196; Governmental deferred compensation programs by providing for multiple program, investment options, and marketing requirements for the program. HSB 197; Equitable treatment relating to historical monuments, jailers, peace officer and city or county assessor job requirements, parents of a child born out of wedlock, the liability of a parent for their minor child's unlawful acts, and the classification of estate debts and charges. HSB 200
TRANSPORTATION: Regulation of school buses and special trucks, vehicle titling and registration, commercial driver licenses, regulations on motor carriers, regulations on motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and dealers, size, weight, and load restrictions on vehicles, driver education, and administrative procedures of the state DOT. HSB 176; Increasing the fine for moving traffic violations in school zones. HSB 191
WAYS and MEANS: Reductions in the state individual income tax by increasing the deduction for pension income and increasing the personal and dependent credits. HSB 188

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Last update: WED Mar 03 1999
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