Legal Updates

Summaries of recent meetings, court decisions, Attorney General Opinions, regulatory actions, federal actions, and other occurrences of a legal nature that may be pertinent to the General Assembly’s consideration of a topic.
Title Date PDF Audio
2023 Tax Year Tax Memo State Representatives 02/08/2024
2023 Tax Year Tax Memo State Senators 02/08/2024
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Display of Registration Plates 12/28/2023
Public Retirement Systems Committee Meeting — December 6, 2023 12/13/2023
Minor Driver's License Interim Study Committee Meetings — October 13 & November 13, 2023 12/11/2023
National Conference of State Legislatures State Resiliency Policy and Practices Cohort 12/06/2023
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Iowa Consumer Fraud Act and Older Iowans Act 09/29/2023
United States Supreme Court Decision — College and University Race-Conscious Admissions Programs 09/29/2023
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Number of Signatures Required to Trigger a Referendum Related to School Infrastructure Funding 08/02/2023
Iowa Supreme Court Decision – Retrospective Applicability of Enhanced Remedies under Iowa Code section 70A.28 (Whistleblower Statute) 07/26/2023
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — School District’s Authority to Terminate the Employment Agreement of a Teacher Participating in an Intensive Assistance Program 06/28/2023
2022 Tax Year Tax Memo State Representatives 02/03/2023
2022 Tax Year Tax Memo State Senators 02/03/2023
United States Supreme Court Decision — Environmental Protection Agency's Scope of Authority Under the Clean Air Act 12/12/2022
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Interpretation of Community Relating to Certain Franchise Agreements Under the Purview of the Iowa Department of Transportation 10/13/2022
United States Supreme Court Decision — Restricted License to Carry Handguns in Public 09/29/2022
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Insurance Coverage for Business' Loss Income During the COVID-19 Pandemic 09/27/2022
2022 Colborn Innovation Award 09/16/2022
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Authority to Excuse a Student from School for Private Therapy 09/13/2022
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Parental Preference When Terminating a Guardianship for a Minor 09/13/2022
Natural Resource Commission Meeting — August 11, 2022 09/01/2022
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Required Finding in Termination of Parental Rights Cases 08/18/2022
United States Supreme Court Decision — Community College Board’s Censure of Board Member 08/03/2022
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — March 7, 2022 03/23/2022
2021 Tax Year Tax Memo State Representatives 02/03/2022
2021 Tax Year Tax Memo State Senators 02/03/2022
Legislative Tax Expenditure Committee Meeting— December 3, 2021 01/05/2022
Public Retirement Systems Committee Meeting — December 8, 2021 01/05/2022
Brady-Giglio List Study Committee Meeting—December 6, 2021 12/16/2021
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Legality of "Ban The Box" Ordinance 12/16/2021
Regents Universities Study Committee—House Informational Meeting 12/16/2021
State Government Efficiency Review Committee Meeting — November 16, 2021 12/09/2021
Regents Universities Study Committee Meeting — November 12, 2021 12/03/2021
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — October 5, 2021 10/22/2021
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Antique Car Restoration and the Motor Vehicle Service Trade Practices Act 09/27/2021
State Board of Regents Meeting — September 7, 2021 09/24/2021
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Administrative Driver's License Revocations Based on Violations Resolved With Deferred Judgments 09/03/2021
Natural Resource Commission Meeting — August 12, 2021 09/02/2021
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Confidential Telephone Call With Attorney Before Filing Of Criminal Charges 08/26/2021
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — July 13, 2021 07/30/2021
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Predeath Transfer of Farm Property. 07/29/2021
Natural Resource Commission Meeting — July 7, 2021 07/27/2021
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Limitation Periods for Claims Arising from a State Bank's Fraudulent Acts and Breach of Contract 07/21/2021
State Board of Regents Meeting — June 24, 2021 07/13/2021
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Deferred Compensation Plans and Exemptions from Execution in Garnishment Proceedings 07/01/2021
Natural Resource Commission Meeting — June 9, 2021 06/30/2021
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — June 8, 2021 06/08/2021
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — February 26, 2021 (March Meeting) 03/15/2021
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — February 5, 2021 02/18/2021
2020 Tax Year Tax Memo for State Senators--Revised 02/01/2021
2020 Tax Year Tax Memo State Representatives--Revised 02/01/2021
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — January 8, 2021 01/26/2021
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — December 8, 2020 01/04/2021
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — November 10, 2020 11/30/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — State Court Jurisdiction Over Claims Arising Under Municipal Civil Rights Ordinances 11/12/2020
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — October 13, 2020 11/03/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Limitations Period for Claims Arising from a Secured Interest in Farm Products 10/20/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — The Public-Duty Doctrine and the State-of-the-Art Defense 10/20/2020
IPERS Investment Board Meeting — September 17, 2020 10/05/2020
United States Supreme Court Decision – Title VII and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity 09/29/2020
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — September 8, 2020 09/22/2020
Council on Human Services Meeting — August 18, 2020 09/10/2020
United States Supreme Court Decision — Discharge of Pollutants into Navigable Waters 09/04/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Limitations Period for Contract Damages Claim Arising from Breach of Right of First Refusal 09/02/2020
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — August 11, 2020 09/01/2020
Natural Resource Commission Meeting — August 13, 2020 08/26/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Priority of Advances Under Mortgages 08/24/2020
United States Supreme Court Decision — Authority to Discipline Faithless Electors 08/24/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds 08/21/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Privilege Against Self-Incrimination and Stand-Your Ground Legislation 08/21/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Private Employer Drug Testing and Civil Remedies 08/13/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Gift Restrictions and the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act 07/13/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Challenges to Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board Decisions 05/27/2020
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — May 8, 2020 05/18/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Restitution and Reasonable Ability to Pay 05/08/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Homestead Provisions and Mechanic’s Liens 05/04/2020
State of Iowa and Federal Response to COVID-19 — Taxation 04/29/2020
Iowa Supreme Court Decision — Iowa’s Open Records Act And Automated Traffic Enforcement Violations 04/27/2020
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — March 6, 2020 03/10/2020
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — February 7, 2020 02/07/2020
2019 Tax Year Tax Memo for State Representatives 02/04/2020
2019 Tax Year Tax Memo for State Senators 02/04/2020
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — January 10, 2020 02/03/2020
School Finance Formula Review Committee Meeting — December 13, 2019 01/06/2020
Career and Technical Education Implementation Study Committee Meeting — December 12, 2019 12/27/2019
Health Policy Oversight Committee Meeting — December 2, 2019 12/27/2019
Public Retirement Systems Committee Meeting — December 11, 2019 12/27/2019
Tax Expenditure Committee Meeting — December 12, 2019 12/27/2019
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — December 10, 2019 12/18/2019
State Government Efficiency Review Committee Meeting — November 13, 2019 — REVISED 12/18/2019
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — November 12, 2019 11/26/2019
Statewide Career and Technical Education Advisory Council Meeting — October 23, 2019 11/18/2019
Tax Credit Review Committee Meeting — October 30, 2019 11/15/2019
Iowa Civil Rights Commission Meeting — October 11, 2019 10/24/2019
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — October 8, 2019 10/21/2019
Natural Resource Commission Meeting — October 10, 2019 10/21/2019
Senate Committee on Government Oversight Meeting — October 4, 2019 10/21/2019
Fuel Distribution Percentage Formula Review Committee Meeting — September 20, 2019 10/14/2019
Transfer of Juvenile Justice Services and Funding Work Group Meeting — September 19, 2019 10/03/2019
Natural Resource Commission Meeting — September 12, 2019 10/02/2019
Health Policy Oversight Committee Meeting — September 20, 2019 10/01/2019
Mental Health and Disability Services Commission Meeting — September 19, 2019 10/01/2019
Children's Behavioral Health System State Board Meeting — August 27, 2019 09/25/2019
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — September 10, 2019 09/17/2019
Iowa Civil Rights Commission Meeting — September 13, 2019 09/17/2019
United States District Court For The District Of Columbia Court Decision — Association Health Plans 08/22/2019
Administrative Rules Review Committee Meeting — August 12, 2019 08/19/2019
Natural Resource Commission Meeting -- August 8, 2019 08/15/2019
Board of Corrections Meeting - July 12, 2019 08/09/2019
Iowa Supreme Court Decision - Defining “Vulnerable Elder” and Analyzing Vulnerable Elder Proceedings 08/08/2019
Administrative Rules Review Committee — July 9, 2019 08/01/2019
Natural Resource Commission Meeting - July 11, 2019 07/25/2019
Iowa Civil Rights Commission Meeting - June 14, 2019 07/23/2019
Iowa Supreme Court Decision - Dakota Access Pipeline 07/23/2019
Iowa Supreme Court Decision - Iowa Utilities Board Legal Standard for Wind Projects 07/22/2019
Administrative Rules Review Committee—June 11, 2019 07/15/2019
Iowa Supreme Court Decision - Exclusionary Rule in Driver's License Revocation Proceedings 07/02/2019
Medical Assistance Advisory Council — Executive Committee — June 11, 2019 07/02/2019
Iowa Commission on Aging Meeting — June 6, 2019 06/14/2019
Administrative Rules Review Committee — May 14, 2019 06/04/2019
Informed Consent 02/05/2019
2018 Tax Year Tax Memo for State Representatives 02/04/2019
2018 Tax Year Tax Memo for State Senators 02/04/2019
Electronic Games Device 11/29/2018
First Amendment 10/29/2018
Search and Seizure and the Fourth Amendment 10/29/2018
Civil Forfeiture 10/03/2018
Mandatory Sex Offender Registration for Juvenile Offenders 10/03/2018
Association Health Plans 09/06/2018
Search and Seizure and the Fourth Amendment 07/25/2018
Sports Gambling 06/25/2018
2017 Tax Year State Representatives' Business Expense Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision (Corrected) 02/14/2018
2017 Tax Year State Senators' Business Expense Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision (Corrected) 02/14/2018
Mandatory Minimum Sentence Without Possibility of Parole for Juvenile Offenders 12/04/2017
Warrantless Searches and Seizures in Boating-While-Intoxicated Cases 10/05/2017
State Criminal Enforcement Relating To an Undocumented Noncitizen 08/15/2017
Circumstances Under Which a Law Enforcement Officer Must End a Traffic Stop 07/27/2017
Corporate Income Tax-Taxable Nexus With Regard to Ownership and Control of Subsidiary 06/22/2017
2016 Tax Year State Representatives' Business Expense Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision 01/30/2017
2016 Tax Year State Senators' Business Expense Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision 01/30/2017
City General Funds Exempt From Garnishment 10/21/2016
College and University Admissions - Affirmative Action, including Regents letter 10/21/2016
Population Requirements For Redistricting 09/22/2016
Constitutionality of Juvenile Life Sentences 09/01/2016
Definition of "Meeting" Under Iowa's Open Meetings Law 09/01/2016
Eligible Electors and the Constitutional Definition of Infamous Crime 09/01/2016
Excess Collection of Sales Tax by Retailers 07/28/2016
School Authority - Search and Seizure of School and Student Property 07/28/2016
Workers Compensation-Payment of Medical Expenses-No Authorization or Casual Connection 06/24/2016
Urban Renewal Tax Increment Financing 05/25/2016
2015 Tax Year State Representatives’ Business Expense Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision 02/08/2016
2015 Tax Year State Senators’ Business Expense Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision 02/08/2016
Designation of County Seats - County Home Rule 12/18/2015
Free Speech - Local Government Signage Regulations and First Amendment 12/18/2015
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION—CONCURRENT INJURIES—DIFFERENT EMPLOYERS—APPORTIONMENT ALLOWED 11/12/2015
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION—SUCCESSIVE INJURIES—DIFFERENT EMPLOYERS—NO APPORTIONMENT 11/12/2015
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT—STATE EXCHANGE 09/17/2015
WARRANTLESS VEHICLE SEARCHES INCIDENT TO ARREST 09/17/2015
Capital Gain Deduction from Individual Income Tax 09/10/2015
OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED: REASONABLE SUSPICION AND IMPLIED CONSENT 08/26/2015
STATE INCOME TAXATION OF RESIDENT INDIVIDUALS 08/26/2015
Telemedicine Abortions 07/29/2015
State-Action Antitrust Immunity for Professional Licensing Boards 07/08/2015
Speech and Personal Soliciations in Judicial Elections 04/29/2015
2014 Tax Year State Representatives’ Business Expense Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision 01/22/2015
2014 Tax Year State Senators’ Business Expense Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision 01/22/2015
Disparate Impact in State Employment 11/19/2014
IOWA INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE COMMITTEES—CAMPAIGN FINANCE 10/22/2014
Aggregate Political Contribution Limitations 10/08/2014
Juvenile Mandatory Minimum Sentences 09/04/2014
Disqualification from Holding Public Office - Infamous Crimes 08/14/2014
Sexual Exploitation by School Employee 08/14/2014
Legislative Prayer - Constitutionality 07/16/2014
Local Ordinance for Abutting Property Owner - Liability 07/16/2014
Workers' Compensation - Undocumented Worker - Healing Period Benefits 07/16/2014
2013 Tax Year State Representatives’ Business Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision 02/03/2014
2013 Tax Year State Senators’ Business Deductions Pursuant to Tax Home Provision 02/03/2014
Federal Defense of Marriage Act Ruled Unconstitutional in Part 11/20/2013
Standing Denied Regarding California Proposition on Same-sex Marriage Previously Held Unconstitutional 11/20/2013
Cruel and Unusual Punishment - Juvenile Offenders 10/21/2013
Regulation of Dental Insurance Plans 09/26/2013
Gender Discrimination in Employment - Rehearing 08/15/2013
Indian Child Welfare Act's Application to Private Adoption 08/05/2013
Lesbian Married Couples and Birth Certificates 08/05/2013
School District Liability for Injuries Outside of School Hours and Off School Grounds 08/05/2013
Iowa's Final Disposition Act 07/12/2013
Telecommunications Company Property Taxation 07/12/2013
House Member 2012 Business Expense Deductions 02/05/2013
Senate Member 2012 Business Expense Deductions 02/05/2013
Gender Discrimination in Employment 01/24/2013
Advance Ratemaking Principles - Wind Energy Application 11/28/2012
Public Release of Educational Records - Iowa and Federal Open Records Law 11/28/2012
Falsely Claiming Military Medals 10/17/2012
State Authority to Regulate Illegal Immigration 10/17/2012
Iowa's Standards for Public Schools 09/20/2012
Workers' Compensation - "Suitable Work" and Industrial Disability 09/20/2012
Insurance Producers - Scope of Duty 08/02/2012
Insurance Producers' Scope of Duty--Revisited 07/06/2012
Juveniles Serving Life Sentences 06/25/2012
Common Law Action for Fraud Based on Misrepresentation of Paternity 06/01/2012
House Member 2011 Business Expense Deductions 02/10/2012
Senate Member 2011 Business Expense Deductions 02/10/2012
Open Records Violations and Attorney Fees 11/18/2011
Attorney-Client Confidentiality 11/04/2011
Expungement of Electronic Court Records 09/23/2011
State Authority to Regulate Employment of Unauthorized Aliens and to Mandate use of E-Verify 09/23/2011
Credit for Time Served While on Probation 08/24/2011
Property Tax Classification - Multiple Housing Cooperatives 08/24/2011
House Member 2010 Business Expense Deductions 02/07/2011
Senate Member 2010 Business Expense Deductions 02/07/2011
State Agencies: Delegation of Rulemaking Authority 11/18/2010
Boards and Commissions: Quorum Requirements 10/20/2010
Free Speech and Viewpoint Discrimination 10/20/2010
Handgun Ban in City of Chicago 09/21/2010
Child Abuse Registry - Denial of Critical Care 08/25/2010
Time Period to Bring a Sexually Violent Predator to Trial 07/28/2010
Constitutionality of Juvenile Life Sentences 07/02/2010
Local Government Taxation - Curative Legislation 07/02/2010
Uniform Anatomical Gift Law - Decedant's Wishes 07/02/2010
House Member 2009 Business Expense Deductions 02/02/2010
Senate Member 2009 Business Expense Deductions 02/02/2010
First Offense Operating While Intoxicated - Court Discretion on Fines 08/19/2009
Car Title Loans - Retroactive Application of Interest Rate Cap 07/24/2009
Iowa Tort Claims Act - Jurisdiction 06/26/2009
Unreasonable Student Searches and Liability 06/25/2009
City Franchise Fees 06/03/2009
House Member 2008 Business Expense Deductions 02/03/2009
Senate Member 2008 Business Expense Deductions 02/03/2009
Constitutionality of Special Sentences 11/14/2008
Sexually Violent Predator Discharge or Transitional Release 11/06/2008
Iowa Indian Child Welfare Act - Iowa Supreme Court Rulings 10/17/2008
Legislation Single Subject Requirement - Standing to Challenge 10/16/2008
Handgun Ban in District of Columbia 09/17/2008
Legislator 2007 Business Expense Deductions 02/06/2008
School District Management Levy Funds Use 12/06/2007
Municipal/City Charter Amendments 11/01/2007
Gift Law/Education Advisory Opinion 09/12/2007
Parental Vicarious Consent Doctrine 08/22/2007
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act - Electioneering Restrictions Eased 08/07/2007
Legislator 2006 Business Expense Deductions 02/05/2007
Felony-Murder Rule - Update 09/25/2006
IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION - Authority of Tribal Law Enforcement Officers 09/19/2006
Felony-Murder Rule - Disclosure of Medical Records 08/25/2006
New Federal Law Relating to Sex Offenders - H.R. 4472 08/23/2006
Correction of Child Abuse Information - Agency and Judicial Jurisdiction 07/14/2006
Executive Order Number 48 - Teacher Pay-for-Performance Legislation 06/01/2006
Whistleblower Protection - Public Employees 05/30/2006
Alcohol Fees 04/14/2006
No-Contact Orders - Harassment 02/03/2006
Legislator 2005 Business Expense Deductions 01/26/2006
Open Meetings Law Violation 11/09/2005
Residency Restrictions for Sex Offenders Residing Near a School or Child Care Facility 07/29/2005
Open Meetings Law 07/15/2005
Executive Order No. 42 - Restoration of Voting Rights 07/04/2005
Executive Order No. 43 - Personal Assistance Service Providers under the Medicaid Program 07/04/2005
Eminent Domain - Economic Development 06/23/2005
Civil Union Dissolution 06/17/2005
Driver's License Revocation - OWI 03/04/2005
Recording Real Estate Contracts - Criminal Offense 12/03/2004
Attorney General Informal Advice Letter: Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Election Issues - Citizenship Check Box on Voter Registration Forms 10/20/2004
Telephone Service Charges 09/15/2004
Workers' Compensation - Apportionment of Disability Benefits 08/11/2004
Workers' Compensation Insurer - No Bad-Faith Tort Liability for Medical Treatment Provided by Employer 08/05/2004
Injunctive Relief Under Iowa's Whistle-Blower Statute 07/21/2004
Victim Impact Statements 07/21/2004
Snowmobiling Activities on Public Lands - State Liability 06/16/2004
The Constitutionality of the Governor's Item Veto of Provisions of House File 692 06/16/2004
Termination of Parental Rights - Appointment of Counsel for Indigent Parent 05/12/2004
Restitution - Credit for Arbitration Payment 01/22/2004
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 12/10/2003
The Constitutionality of the Governor's Item Veto of Provisions of House File 692 12/01/2003
County Compensation Boards and County Attorney Salaries 09/17/2003
National Do-Not-Call Telephone Registry 09/17/2003
Weapons: Possession of Firearm by Felon Following Restoration of Citizenship Rights 09/17/2003
Meskwaki Casino Litigation 08/27/2003
Applicability of Ex Post Facto Clause on Statute of Limitations 07/26/2003
Temporary Restraining Order - Sex Offender Residency Restrictions 07/25/2003
Civil Commitment of Criminal Offender 07/16/2003
School Locker Search 07/16/2003
The Constitutionality of the Federal Beef Checkoff 07/08/2003
Public Libraries, Federal Funding, and Internet Filtering 06/23/2003
Urban Renewal Areas and Indebtedness 06/11/2003
Gambling Tax Case 06/09/2003
Judge Hall and James Williams (Turned Confederate ) 06/06/2003
Family Medical Leave Act - State Sovereign Immunity 05/27/2003
Local Indoor Smoking Ordinance 05/07/2003
Breach of Confidentiality - Private Cause of Action Denied 04/30/2003
Gambling Tax Case Argued 04/29/2003