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The 10th week of the legislative session kicked off towards the last major legislative deadline. The final "funnel" deadline is this week, narrowing our focus on any legislation that will be considered the rest of this legislative session. This deadline brought a lot of activity within various subcommittees and committees as we worked through the proposals being considered in each chamber.
This week was National Agriculture Week — an annual, week-long event in the United States designed to recognize and celebrate the impact of the agricultural industry on daily life. Farming is the foundation of Iowa’s economy, identity, and infrastructure. Agriculture and related industries account for over 22% of Iowa’s total economic output. Iowa is the number one pork and corn producer in the country. In coordination with National Agriculture Week, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association had their Day on the Hill on Wednesday, and we had the opportunity to talk with members about important bills and priorities at the Capitol this year.
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association operates with a core mission to grow Iowa’s beef cattle business through three primary pillars: advocacy, leadership, and education. The programs outlined are designed to improve the profitability and competitiveness of Iowa’s producers by focusing on genetic quality, market transparency, and professional development. Overall, the ICA's mission is executed through a "gate-to-plate" strategy. By combining high-tech market tools with traditional performance testing and leadership training, the association aims to ensure Iowa remains a premier destination for cattle feeding and production. As we know, Iowa’s agricultural production is diverse, and all aspects play an important role in our economy.
As we worked toward the next legislative deadline, we also had some debate this week. One of the bills we passed was Senate File 2379. This is a bill by our Attorney General, Brenna Bird, and allows victim counselors to share information with law enforcement when there is an immediate risk of serious harm or death to the victim or someone else. It also allows prosecutors and victims to seek no-contact order extensions against people convicted of sex offenses for as long as needed, including for the victim’s lifetime. Additionally, it requires registered sex offenders to notify the sheriff in three days, rather than five, of any change in residence, employment or vehicle use.
The bill preserves sexual assault examination kits without charge for 20 years, or the lifetime of the victim if the victim is a minor. It ensures prosecutors have tools to keep the public safe if a defendant is found not competent to stand trial nor likely to be restored to competence. The Senate has always been focused on protecting victims, and this bill is one more way we can help support victims as they try to move forward with their lives.
With this additional deadline behind us, the focus now shifts to reconciling these bills between the House and Senate. While the "funnel" narrowed the field, there are a still a number of big priorities to find consensus at the Capitol so we can send them to the governor’s desk. If you have questions about activity in the Capitol, about bills that passed or did not, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Email: lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov
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