The 91st General Assembly is kicking off this Monday, and it’s ready to make some big moves! With a bunch of new bills on the table, lawmakers are focusing on everything from schools to elections and even court cases. Let’s dive into some of the proposed changes that could impact us all.
51 Bills Are Already On the Table
Before the session even starts, 51 bills have already been prefiled by state agencies and government departments. These bills are just the beginning, and if they’re approved, they could reshape the way we live in Iowa.
Here’s What We Can Expect:
No More Open THC Containers in Cars
One bill proposed by the Department of Public Safety aims to ban open containers of THC drinks in moving vehicles. Sound familiar? It’s basically the same rule we have for alcohol. If you’re caught with an open THC container, it could result in a simple misdemeanor. So, keep it sealed while driving!
Safety First: Multi-disciplinary Threat Assessment Teams for Schools
Another bill wants to create special teams in schools to help keep everyone safe. These teams would step in if a student shows signs of threatening behavior. They’d be made up of school staff, law enforcement, mental health professionals, social workers, and even juvenile court workers—all working together to protect our kids.
What’s “Grooming” in Schools? Let’s Get Clear on It
The Department of Education wants to update the definition of “grooming” in schools. Under the new bill, grooming would mean “building trust and emotional connections with a student to exploit them.” This is an important step in making sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to student safety.
Ranked Choice Voting: A New Way to Choose Political Candidates
Iowa’s Secretary of State, Paul Pate, is backing a bill that would ban ranked choice voting. In ranked choice voting, voters list candidates in order from first to last, and the winner needs to get a majority of first-place votes. If no one gets a majority, the candidate with the least votes gets eliminated, and their votes are passed to the second-choice candidates. It keeps going until someone wins with a majority. This bill would put a stop to that.
Kids Testifying in Court: A Big Change in the Works
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is pushing for a change that would allow kids and people with disabilities to testify through closed-circuit TV. This bill would need approval from two separate sessions of the legislature before it goes up for a vote in a general election, but if it passes, it could make a huge difference for young witnesses and those with special needs.
What’s Next?
These bills still have a long way to go before they become law. They need approval from several committees, both chambers of the Iowa Legislature, and finally, the governor’s signature. But with so much already on the table, it’s clear that some exciting changes could be coming our way soon!
Stay tuned for updates as the session progresses—we’ll be keeping an eye on the action!
