Category archives for: State News

State revenue estimate dips slightly as lawmakers discuss tax cuts

Jeff Plagge, Kraig Paulsen and Jennifer Acton reviewed state budget predictions for the upcoming year at the Revenue Estimating Conference meeting March 15, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 15, 2024 Despite a slight reduction in expected incoming taxes, the Revenue Estimating Conference predicted Iowa will collect about $9.6 billion in the current fiscal year as Iowa lawmakers begin review of individual income tax cuts proposed by Gov. Kim Reynolds and lawmakers. The three-person panel consists of […]

Which bills survived, which died as second ‘funnel week’ ends at the Iowa Capitol

The State Capitol in Des Moines. (Photo by Katie Akin/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 14, 2024 As lawmakers ended the second “funnel” deadline of the 2024 legislative session, many of the priorities laid out by Republican leadership at the beginning of the session remain in limbo – while many more were taken out of the running for consideration. Though Republicans hold a […]

D.C. Dispatch: Murder prosecution, child care affordability and veterans’ assistance

U.S. Capitol (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom)

by Jay Waagmeester, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 8, 2024 Both chambers of Congress continued to work toward approving appropriation bills this week, and the Iowa delegation introduced legislation tied to murder prosecution, environmental regulations, affordable child care and more. Iowa’s four congressional delegates voted in favor of the first of two funding packages to avoid […]

Bills addressing AI-created porn, misleading content pass Iowa House

The Iowa Capitol

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 6, 2024 As concerns grow about the misuse of artificial intelligence in creating images and videos, House lawmakers passed several bills Wednesday adding criminal charges for certain uses of AI — as well as passing legislation requiring minors to receive parental consent to access social media. House File […]

Senate panel advances bill to restrict, but not ban, traffic cameras

Close-up on speed trap surveillance camera along highway to control speeding to reduce speeding related accidents.

by Kathie Obradovich, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 29, 2024 Iowa lawmakers are taking another stab at trying to control traffic cameras with the overhaul of a bill that would restrict the uses and locations of automated law enforcement devices and regulate the revenues generated by them. Legislators have been wrestling for years over issues posed […]

Iowa primed for potentially ‘epic’ increase in stream pollution

The North Raccoon River routinely has elevated levels of nitrate contamination. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

by Jared Strong, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 29, 2024 A buildup of nitrate in farm fields that has likely resulted from Iowa’s longest-running drought in 70 years has set the stage for a potentially massive uptick in stream pollution, state water-quality observers say. Research has shown that nitrogen fertilizer that goes unused by crops can […]

Millions of gallons of manure have languished at former swine site for years

Pig (file photo)

by Jared Strong, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 27, 2024 The operators of a defunct hog confinement in southern Iowa have failed for more than five years to dispose of its leftover manure, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The department recently ordered Raul Flores-Castillo and Virginia Flores to remove all manure from the […]

House lawmakers pass 3% per-pupil funding increase for Iowa K-12 schools

Money and Debt

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 22, 2024 The Iowa House passed a bill Thursday to increase per-pupil state aid for K-12 schools by 3% — a level Democrats said was not adequate to keep up with inflation and does not account for potential new costs from other education proposals lawmakers are considering. House […]

House bill requires training on open meetings laws, raises fines for violations

The Iowa Capitol

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 22, 2024 A bill raising fines for violating open meetings or records laws and requiring education for elected and appointed officials was approved in the Iowa House Thursday with bipartisan support. House File 2539 passed 92-2, with Reps. Phil Thompson and Brian Lohse voting against the measure. The […]

Senate passes bill allowing state agencies to hire private accountants

Iowa Auditor Rob Sand talks with community members on the Oskaloosa Square this past week.

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 19, 2024 The Iowa Senate approved a bill Monday allowing state agencies to employ private accountants to conduct annual audits instead of the state auditor’s office. Iowa Auditor Rob Sand and Democrats opposed the measure, arguing it will decrease government accountability. Senate File 2311 passed 31-16 and it […]

         

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