Last week was the final funnel deadline for bills to be considered. We did not have floor debate so I wanted to give you some insight into a day on the Ways and Means Committee I Chair. We met Wednesday and passed 15 bills out of committee. All 15 bills received bipartisan support and were about a variety of topics. Committee work rarely garners headlines but as you see below – that work does impact many of you in many ways.
Dispensary Licenses - This bill increases the number of licenses for medical cannabidiol dispensaries from five to 10. Iowa’s medical cannabis program is very popular and it is a goal of mine to increase access so people who need the care have access. Ensuring a dispensary is close to you is part of that equation and my motivation for the bill.
Property Tax on Childcare Centers - This bill came from the Governor. Starting a childcare center is expensive and hard. The least we can do to help them is ensure they are paying less commercial property taxes.
Regulation of Community Anaerobic Digesters - Many cities have been asking for the ability to have these community digesters which turn organic material (mainly manure) into renewable energy. This renewable energy can then be used for power and to drive down costs. The Iowa Code didn’t have clear definitions or regulations and this bill will do just that so towns have the same options that rural areas have.
Catastrophic Savings Accounts - We all know how destructive natural disasters can be and how insurance does not cover all expenses. This bill is a small tax help for people who want to plan for disasters. Similar to health savings accounts, this bill allows Iowans to put money into an account tax free for when disasters hit. If you save thousands over a number of years for a roof replacement, flooded basement, and other expenses related to a natural didaster – not being taxed on those dollars keeps more money in your pockets to help your families.
Public Improvement Contracts - If you are a contractor working on public contracts, current law requires that 5% of the project is held back as a retainer fee. Subsequently, subcontractors can have that 5% withheld from their payments until the completion of the project. The proposed bill would lower that threshold to 3%. If you are an electrician, dirt mover, or anyone else doing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of work (mostly tied up in wages and material) – waiting years for the completion of payment can be a big problem. This is a great bill for anyone in the construction world bidding on public projects.
Birth Centers - Right now there is a shortage of birth centers in Iowa and that problem is largely due to their requirement of going through the Certificate of Need Board. C.O.N. Boards have been hesitant to grant new licenses and this bill would exempt them from this requirement. These centers are largely used by but not limited to midwives. For Iowans this is simply another choice and option for you as you choose where to have your baby.
Rep. Bobby Kaufmann represents House District 82. Contact him at Bobby.Kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov; call 563-260-3355, or mail, 1527 330th Street, Wilton IA 52778