Most of the 191 laws approved by Iowa lawmakers and signed by Gov. Chet Culver this year will take effect Tuesday.
While small portions of some budget bills were vetoed by the governor, only two were vetoed in their entirety.
They included a law that would have given Iowa’s public employees the widest-reaching union rights in the nation. The other law would have allowed minors to emancipate themselves from parents.
Culver also vetoed a nearly $12,600 raise for himself as well as raises for other top elected officials set by lawmakers, saying that “it is wrong to say to the people of Iowa that you have to tighten your belts, but elected officials don’t.”
Some highlights of bills that, at least partially, take effect Tuesday, as outlined by legislative staff:
Insurance protections: Bans deceptive sales practices used in long-term care insurance and prohibits stranger-originated life insurance, which is a scam targeting the elderly.
Identity theft protections: Requires companies to provide notice of a security breach to consumers and allows consumers to freeze release of their credit information.
Health insurance coverage: If a family member is still a student, health insurance companies must provide insurance for such family members and for children under 25 if they continue to live in Iowa. Insurance companies can’t deny coverage to Iowans moving from private to individual plans because of a pre-existing condition. This law has multiple effective dates.
Expanded support for veterans: Provides a $3 million yearly dedicated funding source for the Veterans Trust Fund that expands medical, housing and other veterans services.
Dependent adult abuse: State will investigate dependent adult abuse in health care facilities, hospitals, elder group homes, assisted living facilities and adult day services programs.
County veterans affairs offices: Expanded training for each county veterans affairs office to help veterans get services and $10,000 for each county to ensure that the office is open at least 20 hours per week. This law has multiple effective dates.
Insurance consumer advocate: Ensures fair treatment of consumers by investigating complaints and requesting hearings. This law has multiple effective dates.
Sex offender tracking: GPS tracking of sex offenders expanded.
River recreation: A total of $12 million allocated for partnerships with local community to enhance and expand recreational opportunities around Iowa’s lakes and rivers. This law has multiple effective dates.
Life jackets: Youngsters under 13 must wear a life jacket when a boat is moving. This law has multiple effective dates.
Illegal animal fighting: Sets penalties of up to five years in jail and $7,500 in fines for betting on illegal dog or cock fights.
Work zone speeding penalties: People will face a $1,000 fine for speeding 25 miles per hour over the limit in a work zone. This law has multiple effective dates.
Found here.
Sphere: Related Content
