Transcript Highlights:

• I to get to our house is over 5 miles of gravel road to get to the farm in Iowa.
• I to get to our house is over 5 miles of gravel road to get to the farm in Iowa.
• I to get to our house is over 5 miles of gravel road to get to the farm in Iowa.
• I to get to our house is over 5 miles of gravel road to get to the farm in Iowa.
• I to get to our house is over 5 miles of gravel road to get to the farm in Iowa.

Summary: The meeting focused on two Parkinson’s-related bills in Minnesota: one to ban paraquat and another to create a state Parkinson’s research trust fund. Rep. Christy Purcell said the research bill would create a dedicated pot of money to coordinate and fund Parkinson’s research in Minnesota, with Sen. Mann as the Senate author. Supporters said Minnesota should act because Parkinson’s is growing rapidly, there is no cure, and state institutions could serve as a research hub. Several people living with Parkinson’s testified about the personal and family impact of the disease, including early-onset diagnoses, loss of work, mobility challenges, and the burden on caregivers. Speakers from the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation supported both bills, arguing that paraquat is strongly linked to Parkinson’s, that exposure can affect farmers and nearby residents, and that prevention and research are both needed. The paraquat bill was described as especially important because alternatives exist and the chemical is reportedly used very little in Minnesota. During the discussion, Rep. Hansen said the paraquat bill would be held over and not voted on that day because a fiscal note was requested. He said the committee would hear the bill later that day and urged colleagues to keep an open mind. In response to questions, supporters said they anticipated little opposition beyond chemical-industry interests, and they emphasized that the bill was aimed specifically at paraquat rather than other chemicals. The research bill was discussed as a possible $25 million request, though no vote was taken on that proposal in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's been geologic hydrogen drilling and targets in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa.
• </c><00:12:28.880><c> border</c><00:12:29.399><c> has</c><00:12:29.600><c> been</c> down to the Iowa
• border has been down to the Iowa border has been identified<00:12:30.440><c> by</c><00:12:30.560><c>
• </c><00:12:47.040><c> you</c> Targets in Kansas Nebraska and Iowa you Targets in Kansas Nebraska and
• </c><00:12:58.600><c> and</c> drilled in Kansas Nebraska and Iowa and drilled in Kansas Nebraska and

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• added that some states have taken on the FCC steps and seen them as rigorous, including states like Iowa
• the questions: how do you prevent, under this bill, a kind of a shell game where, say, a church in Iowa
• they've established that larger number, the church in Nampa sends the money back to the church in Iowa
• And that church in Iowa, I think you said, would be, you know... ...right?
• And that church in Iowa, I think you said, would be, the church in Idaho would only be required to list

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We were in an ICPC, so we were doing interstate compact from Iowa. It took a long, long time.
• You said she was in Iowa and came here? Yes. How did they find you for the placement?
• I had to get a place in Iowa to get her.
• So, yes, I got an apartment in Iowa in the town that they were in.
• And just for clarification, my home in Missouri is 20 minutes from the Iowa border.

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• need for<00:15:51.360><c> a</c><00:15:51.600><c> road</c><00:15:51.759><c> in</c><00:15:52.000><c> Iowa
• </c><00:15:52.880><c> This</c><00:15:53.120><c> was</c><00:15:53.279><c> before</c> for a road in Iowa
• This was before for a road in Iowa.
• Sometimes they got a road from one end Sometimes they got a road from one end of<00:16:06.480><c> Iowa
• to the other, but specifically of Iowa to the other, but specifically to<00:16:08.800><c> your</c><00

Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 353, a proposal to tighten eminent-domain procedures and property protections while still allowing public projects. Supporters said the bill would not prohibit condemnation, but would require proof that property is in blight, give owners notice and an opportunity to cure, require a reasonable plan and funding for the public use, and ensure the taking is limited to what is necessary. They argued this would protect good-faith property owners, prevent abandoned projects, and make the process more efficient for utilities and infrastructure by encouraging easements where possible instead of full takings. Much of the discussion focused on the proper measure of compensation and the broader constitutional limits on eminent domain. Several members argued that compensation should reflect current market value and that public benefit should not be treated as the standard for value. Others said market value can be unfair in cases involving unique property uses, damage to land, or public-private projects, and suggested owners should share in some upside. Members also raised concerns about Kelo v. City of New London, the risk of abuse by governments or large corporations, and the need to protect farmers and rural landowners from one-sided treatment. A number of legislators supported the concept but asked for more detail on how the bill would work in practice, whether it is based on model legislation from other states, and how it could be tailored to Kentucky. The bill sponsor said it was a modified model policy and was open to amendments to make it more Kentucky-specific. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wendy Winterstein on announcing her retirement from president of Iowa State University.
• She will continue to be remembered as a phenomenal leader for our Iowa State University.
• </c> the state in research, and advanced Iowa the state in research, and advanced Iowa State's<00:35:
• </c><00:35:59.200><c> State</c> phenomenal leader for our Iowa State phenomenal leader for our Iowa State
• </c> yesterday and will be attending Iowa yesterday and will be attending Iowa State<00:36:59.040><c>

Bills: HB1969 , HB1701 , HR1 , HR435 , SJR31 , HR436

Keywords: veterans, VA, Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide prevention, mental health, emergent suicide care, Columbia Protocol, Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, No Wrong Door for Veterans Act, title 38, adaptive prostheses, prosthetic devices, recreational activities, sports prosthetics, pension payments, veterans benefits, Veterans Affairs Committee, suicide screening, crisis care

Transcript Highlights:

• governor, and so we're starting to try to build that through this, as he's taking off to Texas or Iowa
• that uh as he's taking off to Texas<00:08:32.760><c> or</c><00:08:33.240><c> or</c><00:08:33.519><c> Iowa
• /c><00:08:34.080><c> wherever</c><00:08:34.399><c> he's</c><00:08:34.560><c> going</c> Texas or or Iowa
• or wherever he's going Texas or or Iowa or wherever he's going to<00:08:34.880><c> go</c><00:08:35.399

Transcript Highlights:

• We also serve Blue Earth County, and our service extends to the south border with Iowa and South Dakota
• Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin are all allowed to have injectables.
• Are you asking for anything different than what North Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin can already do to their
• Is this above and beyond North Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin?
• I'm a certified nurse midwife living in Fairmont, Minnesota, way down by the Iowa border.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, I'm from Iowa, follow the Iowa news, and Governor Kim Reynolds just announced, I believe,
• yesterday that they are introducing a bill to completely ban all personal devices in the Iowa public
• Obviously, I'm from Iowa, follow the Iowa news, and Governor Kim Reynolds just announced, I believe,
• yesterday that they are introducing a bill to completely ban all personal devices in the Iowa public
• And I will tell you that one of my concerns—I grew up in the 80s in Iowa when Reagan was president, and

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• She was a 39-year-old member of the 103rd Expeditionary Division out of Des Moines, Iowa.
• patch, which doesn't make a lot of sense to a lot of people, seeing as it is a unit that comes out of Iowa
• And I say, "No, we're from Iowa." And they say, "That doesn't make any sense." I say, "I agree."

Transcript Highlights:

• They found a town in Iowa that had been stagnant in population growth. They were with this program.
• And one of the main reasons they chose to move to Iowa is not the financial incentive.
• The town in Iowa had a program called Grandpa and Grandma for Rent.

Bills: SB1307 , SB1425 , SB1826 , SB1365 , SB1696

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Keywords: Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma Arts Council, J.M. Davis Memorial Commission, historical preservation, arts funding, museum, gun collection, state agency contracts, 501(c)(3), nonprofit corporation, public funds, sectarian, religious funding restriction, appropriations, fiscal oversight, cultural institutions, historical artifacts, SB1425, health care, healthcare workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• I know Iowa has a bill similar to this.
• I know Iowa has a bill similar to this.
• I know Iowa has a bill similar to this.
• I know Iowa has a bill similar to this.
• I know Iowa has a bill similar to this.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 297 and a new amendment, 2462, which combined the original Senate bill with the Carson amendment and added a proposed alternative regulatory system, RSA 420R. The chair and members discussed that the amendment was intended to give the Senate what it had asked for while also creating a dual system for public entity risk pools. Members asked whether the new structure would affect ownership or governance of health trusts, and the chair explained that 420R would be a separate regulatory statute while existing 420J-style arrangements could remain in place. The committee also noted that a paragraph had been accidentally deleted from the amendment and that another amendment would be prepared to correct it, with the subcommittee recessed while that was done. Public testimony focused on School Care, represented by Executive Director Lisa Ducette, who opposed the shift to Department of Insurance oversight under 420R. She argued that public entity risk pools are not insurance companies, that they are accountable to member entities and taxpayers, and that the proposed dual regulation would add unnecessary costs through examinations, higher reserves, and additional accounting requirements. She said the change could threaten tax-exempt status and create an uneven playing field, and she urged the committee to support SB 297 with the Carson amendment instead of moving to 420R. Committee members questioned whether the amendment would actually affect pools that stayed under the Secretary of State model, and one member cited support from the New Hampshire Municipal Association for the dual system. The discussion then shifted to amendment 245 on ambulance reimbursement and contracting timelines. Members reviewed a provision giving insurers 45 days and ambulance providers 60 days in the contracting process, and one member suggested making both periods 60 days. The chair and others said the current language was intentional and part of a broader compromise aimed at ending balance billing and forcing insurers to establish reimbursement rates. Members noted that the measure was unusual and that its effects would be reviewed over the next two years, with one member saying the bill would likely be difficult to roll back later. No final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm from Iowa.
• The University of Iowa has pink locker rooms for the players in the football stadium, and the reason
• Iowa okay the University of Iowa has Iowa okay the University of Iowa has pink<00:10:17.760><c> locker
• c><00:15:23.639><c> brought</c><00:15:23.880><c> in</c><00:15:24.079><c> from</c><00:15:25.000><c> Iowa
• </c><00:15:25.720><c> to</c> uh turf was brought in from Iowa to uh turf was brought in from Iowa to

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a freshman at Iowa State University.
• So just at Iowa State University.
• Um, so can you tell us why you perhaps chose the University of Iowa or go to school in Iowa rather than
• </c><00:09:02.240><c> Is</c> in Iowa rather than in Minnesota? Is in Iowa rather than in Minnesota?
• So part of the Iowa decision was people.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• No, Iowa has done it.
• No, Iowa has done it.
• For example, the state of Iowa—you can go to the state of Iowa, and as soon as you cross the border,
• For example, the state of Iowa—you can go to the state of Iowa, and as soon as you cross the border,

Transcript Highlights:

• A recent probe by the Iowa Attorney General... ...revealed that at least 94% of the transactions at major
• The Iowa Attorney General announced in February 2025 lawsuits against CoinFlip and Bitcoin Depot, Iowa's
• And, you know, the Iowa Attorney General fact sheet that was handed out at a press conference of the
• And you just heard some quibbles with that, but it's not just the Iowa Attorney General who's found that

Bills: HB373

Committee: Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology

Summary: The Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee met in hybrid format and heard testimony on several bills. HB 373, as amended, would regulate hemp-derived THC-infused beverages by defining the products, limiting them to 10 mg of Delta-9 THC per container, restricting sales to package stores and licensed marijuana retail stores, requiring testing and labeling, and imposing a 50-cent per container tax; the sponsor said the bill is intended to create guardrails and protect youth, and a wholesaler representative testified in support. HB 398 would allow racinos to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. and remove local authority to require earlier closing times; the sponsor and Bally’s representative said it would help Delaware remain competitive and increase revenue, and no opposition was heard. HB 433 would let municipalities and counties extend last call for bars, restaurants, and clubs from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.; a witness from Connect Delaware supported it as a competitiveness and retention measure, emphasizing that it is permissive rather than mandatory. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 441, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks/crypto ATMs in Delaware and require existing machines to be removed within 90 days. The sponsor and supporters, including AARP, the Delaware Department of Justice, and the League of Women Voters, argued the machines are heavily used in scams, especially against older adults, and that regulation has not been effective. CoinFlip opposed the bill, saying it is a regulated operator, that the fraud statistics are overstated or incomplete, and that Delaware should instead adopt a regulatory framework and amendment. HB 465 would update the criminal code to formally define virtual currency and incorporate it into theft, money laundering, racketeering, and search-and-seizure provisions; the sponsor said it would align Delaware law with modern crypto-related crimes, and no opposition was presented. The committee then heard HB 467, which would prevent landlords from requiring renters to buy insurance from a specific company while still allowing them to require coverage meeting lease terms; the sponsor described it as a consumer-choice bill and there was no public opposition. HB 435 would require payment parity for certified registered nurse anesthetists and physicians when the same services are provided; the sponsor, nurse anesthetists, the Delaware Health Care Association, the Department of Insurance, and ChristianaCare supported it as a workforce and access-to-care measure, with no opposition. Finally, HS 1 for HB 450, the Road DE Act, would overhaul permitting and traffic-impact review, emphasize peak-hour traffic, set density standards in growth areas, create a transportation impact fee, and direct some revenue to open space, farmland, and coastal restoration; realtors, builders, environmental groups, engineers, and GEAR supported it as a way to speed permitting, reduce sprawl, and improve infrastructure planning. The committee adjourned after public comment; no votes were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today it's my distinct honor to recognize a truly historic team, the Iowa Yellow Jackets.
• I would like to recognize the Iowa state championship football team.
• I would like to recognize the Iowa State Championship football team.

Bills: HR119 , HR120 , HR121 , HR122 , HR123 , HR124 , HR125 , HR126 , HR127 , HR128 , HR129 , HR130 , HR131 , HR132 , HCR53 , HCR54 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HR115 , HR116 , HR117 , HR118 , SCR19 , SCR26 , SB102 , SB222 , SB255 , SB270 , SB273 , SB314 , SB418 , SB420 , HB21 , HB24 , HB29 , HB31 , HB39 , HB45 , HB49 , HB77 , HB136 , HB150 , HB211 , HB263 , HB273 , HB299 , HB315 , HB324 , HB376 , HB377 , HB422 , HB431 , HB444 , HB450 , HB519 , HB533 , HB538 , HB549 , HB559 , HB562 , HB663 , HB664 , HB715 , HB717 , HB805 , HB822 , HB823 , HB834 , HB864 , HB867 , HB1011 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1068 , HB1134 , HB1137 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB1236 , HB310 , HCR6 , HCR19 , HCR10 , HR74 , HCR26 , HCR35 , HCR7 , HB51 , HB82 , HB143 , HB145 , HB160 , HB180 , HB192 , HB393 , HB430 , HB445 , HB506 , HB515 , HB521 , HB565 , HB590 , HB614 , HB638 , HB670 , HB672 , HB685 , HB692 , HB752 , HB773 , HB781 , HB799 , HB860 , HB874 , HB887 , HB917 , HB937 , HB956 , HB965 , HB972 , HB977 , HB982 , HB1006 , HB1010 , HB1044 , HB1072 , HB1088 , HB1179 , HB1200 , HB76 , HB132 , HB181 , HB210 , HB250 , HB265 , HB275 , HB291 , HB322 , HB342 , HB475 , HB486 , HB616 , HB635 , HB639 , HB690 , HB740 , HB757 , HB761 , HB774 , HB808 , HB855 , HB872 , HB883 , HB886 , HB903 , HB949 , HB962 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1036 , HB1054 , HB1071 , HB1076 , HB1078 , HB1113 , HB1132 , HB1146 , HB1232 , HB1233 , HB140 , HB750 , HB911 , HB52 , HB154 , HB400 , HB463 , HB570 , HB631 , HB637 , HB870 , HB952 , HB961 , HB399 , HB868 , HB905 , HB401 , HB901 , HR20 , HB9 , HB58 , HB151 , HB193 , HB284 , HB459 , HB476 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB615 , HB682 , HB733 , HB915

Summary: The House met on April 9, 2026, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the pledge. Members then spent much of the morning recognizing visiting groups and honoring individuals and teams, including Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Day, social workers, Black Women’s Health Initiative and My Sister’s Keeper, the Knock Knock Children’s Museum, and several championship school teams. The House also received committee reports and introduced a number of resolutions and Senate bills before moving into House bills on second reading and final passage. A large block of bills focused on taxation, procurement, transportation, public safety, and administrative modernization. The House passed measures on prompt payment for contractors, fleet vehicle registration, electronic bidding forms, cooperative purchasing by local governments, and use of federal procurement rules for buses and paratransit vehicles. Members also approved bills related to ad valorem millage rules and a constitutional amendment proposal to change legislative session dates, though that session-date measure was sent to Appropriations. Other bills passed addressed brick manufacturing and wood pellet manufacturing as economic development priorities, boiler inspection authority, the Fire Marshal’s role in child care center inspections, and the Louisiana Wallet digitized credentials program. Several public safety and social policy bills also advanced. The House passed bills increasing penalties for repeat DWI offenders with serious prior driving-related convictions, providing medical expense assistance for injured law enforcement officers and firefighters, creating a green/blue envelope program for drivers with autism or mental illness, and establishing a workplace violence measure for retail food service establishments. Members also passed bills on domestic violence, homelessness-related court programs, non-compete restrictions for interns and preceptors, pharmacy benefit managers, and health coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices. One bill on jury trial reassignment in criminal cases failed on reconsideration by a vote of 50-49 and returned to the calendar. Most of the bills considered on final passage were approved by wide margins, with several receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. A few measures were temporarily returned to the calendar or recommitted, including some domestic violence, insurance, and retirement-related bills. The House also adopted multiple amendments during debate, and several members requested co-authors on measures after passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Neighboring states like Wisconsin<00:04:14.480><c> and</c><00:04:14.720><c> Iowa</c><00:04:15.040><c>
• have</c><00:04:15.360><c> already</c> Wisconsin and Iowa have already Wisconsin and Iowa have already

Summary: House File 1534, authored by Representative Keeler, was heard and amended with the A1 amendment, which was adopted without objection. The bill would move the Healthy Eating Here at Home/Market Bucks program from the Department of Humanities to the Department of Health and expand the nutrition incentive program from farmers markets to grocery stores, with the goal of helping SNAP recipients afford fresh fruits and vegetables year-round and leveraging federal matching funds. Representative Keeler said the proposal would better align food insecurity work with health outcomes and support both local consumers and local grocers. The Minnesota Grocers Association testified in support, describing the bill as an expansion of a successful program that would help low-income shoppers and provide added support to retailers, especially small businesses facing rising costs. A testifier, Tamara Walter, also supported the bill as a SNAP recipient and Market Bucks user, saying the program helps her family afford healthier food and that winter access to fresh produce is especially important because of diabetes and celiac disease in her household. There was no public testimony in opposition and no member discussion. The committee then laid the bill over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• :19:04.799><c> investigation</c><00:19:05.520><c> by</c><00:19:06.480><c> the</c><00:19:06.799><c> Iowa
• </c> The 2024 investigation by the Iowa The 2024 investigation by the Iowa Attorney<00:19:07.840><c>
• when we hear from the attorney<00:25:17.679><c> general</c><00:25:17.919><c> in</c><00:25:18.159><c> Iowa
• /c><00:25:18.559><c> that</c><00:25:19.039><c> 96%</c><00:25:20.240><c> or</c> attorney general in Iowa
• that 96% or attorney general in Iowa that 96% or plus<00:25:20.799><c> or</c><00:25:21.039><c> more<

Committee: Senate Banking & Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Lohmeier, we'll start and talk about an issue that is extremely important to me and to all of Iowa, and
• that is about our Air National Guard refueling wing located in Sioux City, Iowa.
• Air Force said it would upgrade the airfield at the Iowa National Guard facility.
• confirmed, do I have your commitment unequivocally that you will fully fund the runway upgrade at the Iowa
• I am asking that a commitment. be honored for our Iowa Air National Guard and the community that supports

Committee: Senate Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.