House Democrats are planning to push to make contraceptives, like the pill, available without a prescription. Representative Lindsay James, a Democrat from Dubuque, says pharmacists in 20 states are able to provide birth control without a doctor's prescription. "Pharmacists especially in rural … [Read more...]
Renewable Fuels study of blocked carbon pipeline impact on corn price
A study commissioned by the renewable fuels industry suggests corn prices in Iowa would drop significantly if carbon capture pipelines are not built in Iowa. "It's like asking a farmer, a corn farmer on the corn side of their equation to take an 85% pay cut," Shaw said during an online news … [Read more...]
Key lawmaker optimistic House will debate pipeline bill this month
A lead sponsor of a bill that would set new regulations for proposed carbon pipelines projects says there may be changes in the bill when it's debated in the House. The main part of the bill would require that developers get voluntary access to 90 percent of the miles along the pipeline route … [Read more...]
Bill requires insurance cover replacing child safety seats after wrecks
The Iowa House has unanimously passed a bill requiring insurance companies to cover the cost of replacing child safety seats that are damaged in accidents. Some insurance companies deny coverage if a child was not in a safety seat at the time of the crash or if the automobile's owner cannot … [Read more...]
Iowa Honey Producers push for tax-free sales of beehives
A bill being considered in the legislature would eliminate the state sales tax on the sale on beehives. State Apiarist Andy Joseph estimates there are about half a million beehives in Iowa. "Most beekeepers are pretty small scale, between two and 10 hives," he says, "and then we have a handful of … [Read more...]
Iowa House sends governor gender-specific bathroom policy
A bill that's on its way to the governor would require that students in Iowa K-12 schools use bathrooms and locker rooms designated for the gender on their birth certificate. After a sometimes contentious debate, 57 House Republicans voted for the measure. Five Republicans and all Democrats … [Read more...]
Pipeline companies say they’ll cover upgrades to emergency equipment, training
Officials in a northwest Iowa city are considering whether to join other local governments in sending the Iowa Utilities Board a letter objecting to development of carbon capture pipelines. Estherville's City Council has held a work session to gather information about the Navigator and Summit … [Read more...]
Governor hails passage of ‘transformational’ state government reorganization
The Iowa House has sent Governor Kim Reynolds the state government reorganization plan her staff and a consulting firm developed over the past year. It reduces the number of state agencies from 37 to 16. It also shifts some government functions, like fire investigations and services for students … [Read more...]
Bill would eliminate Iowa individual income tax
A Senate committee has approved a bill that would gradually eliminate the state income tax -- if state tax revenues continue to grow. Senator Dan Dawson, a Republican from Council Bluffs, is chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. "It is a continuation of modernization and … [Read more...]
Bill about podiatry spurs pun-filled Iowa House debate
It was an unusual feat -- 19 puns and corny references during three minutes of debate in the Iowa House. Representative Austin Harris of Moulton kicked it off on a bill dealing with the licensing of podiatrists. "To ensure podiatrists start off on the right foot, this bill would allow for … [Read more...]