KCCI’s Cynthia Fodor examines what the legislature did and didn’t do in the last term. Bottle BillIf you’re wondering what to do with your beer bottles and pop cans, nothing will change. Several bottle bills tried to get their way, but couldn’t get enough steam to become law. Grocery stores and gas stations would have been allowed to refuse containers if there was a redemption center nearby, but one problem was how far you would have to drive to redeem the empties. Weapons Legislators have made it easier for gun owners to pack without permission. Background checks are still required for those purchasing a gun from a federally licensed dealer. However, if someone knowingly sells a gun to someone who is prohibited from possessing a gun, the seller can be charged with a class D crime. The constitutional amendment on gun rights was also passed and will be in front of voters next year. Cell Phones While Driving Some people still aren’t sure what the Iowa law is about using their cell phones while driving. You are not allowed to write a text, but you can still speak. Legislators are unable to work out the details for implementing a new law, but it is likely that you will see another hands-free bill later. Voting One of the most controversial bills concerns changes to your polling stations. It cuts the time for early voting, closes polls an hour earlier on election day, and limits who can vote by post. Election officials who violate the guidelines could be charged with a crime. Ethanol Mandate Many gas stations had posted stickers against a new ethanol mandate that the governor had proposed to require E-15 and biodiesel at every station in the state. Farmers were for it, but convenience stores fought it, saying the mandate would cost them millions to replace their pumps. LGBTQ + lawmakers have fought without getting passed any of the bills that the LGBTQ + community labeled harmful legislation. Governor Kim Reynolds said she would ban transgender girls from playing girls’ sports, but lawmakers didn’t submit the bill. Tax Reform Republicans are very proud to have passed a tax reform bill. This will phase out inheritance taxes, lower income taxes, and shift mental health funding from property taxes to the state. It increases tax credits on children’s cars and affordable housing, and puts more cash in the Iowan’s pocket, $ 1 billion over eight years. Schools A series of bills passed the meeting that affected the schools. Reynolds’ priority was to give parents more choices in raising their children. Reynolds began the session by signing a law requiring schools to study in person five days a week. It ended the session with a last-minute surprise and banned mask mandates for schools, cities and counties. Another new law will make it easier to start charging schools that opponents have said are taking away support for public schools. More students can also enroll and tax credits will help students who wish to attend private schools.
DES MOINES, Iowa –
KCCI’s Cynthia Fodor examines what the legislature did and didn’t do in the last term.
Bottle bill
If you’re wondering what to do with your beer bottles and pop cans, nothing will change. Several bottle bills tried to get their way, but couldn’t get enough steam to become law. Grocery stores and gas stations would have been allowed to refuse containers if there was a redemption center nearby, but one problem was how far you would have to drive to redeem the empties.
weapons
Legislators made it easier for gun owners to pack without permission. Background checks are still required for those purchasing a gun from a federally licensed dealer. However, if someone knowingly sells a gun to someone who is prohibited from possessing a gun, the seller can be charged with a class D crime. The constitutional amendment on gun rights was also passed and will be in front of voters next year.
Cell phones while driving
Some people still aren’t sure what the law in Iowa is when they use their cell phone while driving. You are not allowed to write a text, but you can still speak. Legislators are unable to work out the details for implementing a new law, but it is likely that you will see another hands-free bill later.
Choose
One of the most controversial bills concerns changes to your polling stations. It cuts the time for early voting, closes polls an hour earlier on election day, and limits who can vote by post. Election officials who violate the guidelines could be charged with a crime.
Ethanol mandate
Many gas stations had posted stickers against a new ethanol mandate that the governor proposed to demand E-15 and biodiesel at every station in the state. Farmers were for it, but convenience stores fought it, saying the mandate would cost them millions to replace their pumps.
LGBTQ + legislation
Legislators have fought without passing any of the bills that the LGBTQ + community labeled harmful legislation. Governor Kim Reynolds said she would ban transgender girls from playing girls’ sports, but lawmakers didn’t submit the bill.
Tax reform
Republicans are very proud to have passed a tax reform bill. This will phase out inheritance taxes, lower income taxes, and shift mental health funding from property taxes to the state. It increases tax credits on children’s cars and affordable housing, and puts more cash in the Iowan’s pocket, $ 1 billion over eight years.
schools
A series of bills passed the meeting that affected the schools. Reynolds’ priority was to give parents more choices in raising their children. Reynolds began the session by signing a law requiring schools to study in person five days a week. It ended the session with a last-minute surprise and banned mask mandates for schools, cities and counties.
Another new law will make it easier to start charging schools that opponents have said are taking away support for public schools. More students can also enroll and tax credits will help students who wish to attend private schools.