Week of January 20, 2025
This week in the Iowa Legislature
The second week of the 2025 legislative session began slowly, with legislators observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and many extending their long weekend after attending President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Despite the delayed start, the pace quickly picked up as dozens of bills were introduced and advanced through subcommittees. By midweek, several bills had reached full committee, with some already cleared and eligible for floor debate. Next week is expected to be even busier, with subcommittee and committee hearings scheduled from Monday through Thursday.
Casino Moratorium
The long-awaited Cedar Rapids casino faces a potential roadblock with SF 76, introduced by Sen. Jeff Reichman, and HSB 80, proposed by Rep. Kaufmann. Both bills call for a 5-year moratorium on new casino licenses, and the House bill proposes studies on the economic impacts of new casino locations and iGaming. The timing is critical, as these proposals come just two weeks before the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s final decision on the Cedar Rapids casino license. If passed, the moratorium would extend until June 30, 2030, leaving the casino’s future uncertain. The issue appears to be the largest topic of conversation behind closed doors this session and it is yet to be determined whether the moratorium has the votes to pass.
Hands-Free While Driving Bill
This could be the year Iowa passes the long-debated hands-free driving bill. On Wednesday, a Senate Judiciary subcommittee unanimously advanced SF 22, which would ban phone use while driving unless in hands-free or voice-activated mode. Lawmakers are optimistic, with many believing the bill has strong momentum. Next Tuesday, a House Transportation subcommittee will review a companion bill.
House Transportation Chair David Young credited Governor Reynolds’ endorsement during her Condition of the State address and the End Distracted Driving Iowa Coalition for driving the bill forward this session.
Attorney General’s Constitutional Amendment
AG Bird’s proposed constitutional amendment, HSB 35, allowing child crime victims to testify without facing their alleged abusers in court, advanced out of a House Judiciary subcommittee this week. Representatives Charley Thomson and Skyler Wheeler supported the bill after hearing from victim advocates and prosecutors, while Rep. Lindsay James opposed it, citing concerns about defendants’ rights echoed by defense attorneys.
The measure responds to a 4-3 Iowa Supreme Court ruling declaring it unconstitutional for children to testify without confronting their alleged abusers. While aimed at reducing trauma for child victims, amendments may be introduced to clarify protections and balance defendants’ constitutional rights.
Looking Ahead
The third week will be the legislature’s first full week of work. A full schedule is expected with subcommittee and committee meetings already scheduled into Thursday afternoon as lawmakers look to get their priorities moving early. Want to learn more…Click here to view the daily hearing schedule and virtual access information.