Government : Fifteenth Week of the 2025 Legislative Session

As we move closer to our scheduled adjournment, we've been continuing to work through bills that met legislative deadlines. We've also begun reviewing the various budgets we need to finalize before the session ends. This includes passing Senate File 626, which is the federal block grant bill allocating over $574 million for Federal Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, and Senate File 628, the transportation budget. SF 628 designates just over $500 million from the Road Use Tax Fund and Primary Road Fund to support road improvement projects and DOT facilities across Iowa.

We also considered Senate File 233, a bill that updates Iowa's "Right to Try" Act. In cases where Iowans are diagnosed with rare, life-threatening illnesses, this legislation aims to improve access to alternative treatment options. The bill, referred to as "Right to Try 2.0", was passed unanimously in the Iowa Senate and allows individuals to pursue experimental drugs and therapies when traditional treatments have been exhausted. It ensures Iowans have the freedom to tailor treatment plans to their specific needs, bypassing unnecessary regulatory barriers. While the outcomes may be uncertain, it offers a vital chance at life-saving treatment that otherwise may not be accessible.

Serious illness can strike at any age, and when it comes to Iowa's youth, we want to ensure there's a system in place to support both children and their families during such challenging times. That's the driving force behind House File 933, also known as "Mason's Law." This bill enables the establishment of pediatric palliative care centers, which offer hospice and respite services for children with terminal or life-limiting conditions not expected to survive beyond the age of 21. These centers specialize in compassionate care and aim to improve quality of life throughout the course of a child's illness. The bill was inspired by a young boy named Mason, whose family sought to create a center that could provide end-of-life care close to home. Mason's Law will make a lasting difference for families navigating these incredibly difficult circumstances.

This week, the Iowa Senate also approved legislation that creates a scholarship program to broaden opportunities for members of the Iowa National Guard. House File 117 establishes the National Guard Service Professional Qualification Scholarship, expanding the existing scholarship to include members pursuing certifications, not just degree programs. This change will assist in recruitment and retention while allowing current National Guard members to explore career opportunities beyond the military. It provides flexible support for those who may wish to pursue non-degree credentials as part of their civilian career development.

While we've made meaningful progress on several fronts, significant issues like property tax relief, energy policy, and next year's budget remain on the table. As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions on any legislation or topics being discussed at the Capitol.
Supporting Iowa Families with Child Care Solutions.

The Senate has also passed another major initiative from Governor Kim Reynolds to address Iowa's childcare and workforce challenges. As we continue working on measures to grow Iowa's workforce, addressing access to child are remains essential.

Senate File 445 is designed to expand preschool access, foster collaboration between preschool and childcare programs, and provide direct support to those working in the childcare industry. It broadens preschool options for Iowa families by allowing community-based providers to participate in the statewide voluntary preschool program. It also establishes a grant-up to $100,000 annually-for preschool and childcare providers to partner in delivering full-day care solutions for working parents. Additionally, the bill codifies a pilot program offering free childcare to childcare workers.

This legislation reallocates $11 million in state funds to ensure equal access across the state and adds $5 million in federal funds, with more than $18 million remaining available for local Early Childhood Iowa area boards to address specific community needs.

Childcare has remained a legislative priority for several years. As Governor Reynolds noted in her Condition of the State address, "over the last four years, we have increased childcare capacity by nearly 27,000 slots." Numerous bills have already been passed to expand assistance, reduce regulatory burdens, and offer new incentives. SF 445 is another step toward helping working Iowa families access affordable, reliable care for their children.