Final Legislative action

On Friday, Gov. Kim Reynolds concluded the legislative actions for the bills passed during the Iowa Legislature’s 2024 session, marking a significant milestone. Reynolds signed 185 out of the 188 bills passed by the Iowa Legislature, a testament to the state’s commitment to progress. Additionally, lawmakers approved two proposed amendments to the Iowa Constitution, further shaping the state’s legal landscape.

The governor had a 30-day window, starting from the end of the legislative session on April 20th, to sign or veto every bill sent to her desk. Among the bills, she vetoed House File 2539, which sought to increase penalties for state open meetings law violations. The bill proposed a significant increase in fines for known violations and introduced a new exception for elected officials. However, a state board and a nonprofit advocacy group raised concerns about government transparency and argued that the bill could potentially undermine the law it was designed to protect.

Notable Bills Signed:

- HF 2686: This bill pertains to the organization, structure, and functions of state and local governments, salaries of certain state officers, statutory corrections, and effective date provisions.

- SF 2370: Concerns the executive branch rulemaking process and other agency functions.

- SF 2385: Relates to state government boards, commissions, committees, and councils and includes effective date and transition provisions.

Governor Reynolds commented on signing HF 2686, SF 2370, and SF 2385:

Governor Reynolds released the following statement in response to signing HF 2686, SF 2370, and SF 2385: 

“Government should be consistently reviewing and improving our systems and the quality of services we provide, just like any business does for their customers. Its a simple concept that government works for the people, not the other way around. Last year I cut 21 agencies from my cabinet, reduced government bureaucracy and red tape, and made state government more responsive to Iowans,” said Governor Reynolds. 

“These bills are a continuation of that work. Iowa’s boards and commissions have never been comprehensively reviewed and adjusted for effectiveness and have grown exponentially in size and scope over decades. Today, we reverse that trend, reducing 83 boards and commissions, fixing identified inefficiencies, and unlocking the full potential of last year’s legislation to more effectively deliver services to Iowans.” 

- HF 2605: Relates to the regulation of hemp and hemp products, including penalties.

“I have concerns about this bill and have heard from individuals and groups on both sides of the issue,” said Governor Reynolds. “Ultimately, I am signing it into law to protect minors from dangerous and intoxicating products. At the same time, we’ve taken steps to ensure that children who are resistant to medications and suffer from seizures and other medical conditions continue to have access to consumable hemp alternatives for relief.” 

Other Bills Signed:

- HF 2460: Relates to human trafficking, including parole and work release, victim counselors, and guardian ad litem appointments for witnesses with mental disabilities.

- HF 2644: Creates a program and fund for court reporter equipment and makes appropriations.

- HF 2707: Relates to transactions involving used catalytic converters.

- HF 2167: Relates to disaster aid, including the individual assistance grant fund and disaster case advocacy grant fund.

- HF 255: Modifies requirements for teacher intern license programs and establishes a temporary initial teaching license for alternative certification program graduates.

- HF 2652: Relates to school security, including school bonds, professional development moneys, and security infrastructure, and requires a task force on school safety standards.

- HF 2687: Relates to renewable fuel infrastructure and includes a financing program.

- HF 2641: Relates to agriculture, including program administration, regulations, appropriations, and penalties.

- HF 2388: Relates to residential building exterior styles and materials regulation.

- HF 2677: Relates to vapor product regulation and penalties.

- SF 2109: Relates to driving privileges for persons under 18, with penalties.

- SF 2289: Relates to economic development and energy shortages under the economic development authority and governor, with penalties.

- HF 664: Exempts certain leases or rentals between affiliates from sales and use tax and vehicle registration fees, with effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

- HF 2681: Relates to automated traffic systems for law enforcement and registration plate image capture, with penalties.

- SF 345: Relates to tobacco product regulation and penalties.

- HF 2708: Relates to the powers, duties, and responsibilities of state government entities regarding budget, financial control, and IT, with penalties and appropriations.