pAs President Obama signs into law a new bipartisan bill to create jobs today, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee released “No New Jobs a new ad slamming Republican Senate candidates for turning their backs on job creation at every turn./p p/p pobject height=385 width=480 param name=movie value=http://www.youtube.com/v/X40atcu8ZVEamp;hl=en_USamp;fs=1amp; / param name=allowFullScreen value=true / param name=allowscriptaccess value=always /embed height=385 width=480 src=http://www.youtube.com/v/X40atcu8ZVEamp;hl=en_USamp;fs=1amp; type=application/x-shockwave-flash allowscriptaccess=always allowfullscreen=true/embed/object/p

pThe a href=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/17/us/politics/17mcconnell.html?pagewanted=printNew York Times/a profiles Senate Minority Leader (and Obstructor-In-Chief) Mitch McConnell, characterizing the Senate’s top Republican as a man who subsists and thrives on the cold cynicism of partisan politics./p pIt has been apparent for some time that the GOP prioritizes short-term political gain over progress on the economy and health care, an attitude which embodies the worst aspects of Washington politics. The Times notes that this cynical attitude comes directly from their leader:/p p/p blockquote..Mr. McConnell, 68, a Kentuckian more at home plotting tactics in the cloakroom than writing legislation in a committee room or exhorting crowds on the campaign trail, has come to embody a kind of oppositional politics that critics say has left voters cynical about Washington, the Senate all but dysfunctional and the Republican Party without a positive agenda or message./blockquote p/p pThis is not a purely partisan analysis of Sen. McConnell. Republicans apparently see McConnell the same way:/p p/p blockquoteEven Mr. McConnell’s fellow Republican say somewhat admiringly that he can be a secretive and coldly calculating tactician with an eye for political openings, someone more consumed by political strategy than ideology or philosophy./blockquote p/p pIndeed./p

pspan style=In a new web video unveiled today, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is highlighting Congressman Mark Kirk’s never-ending affinity and affection for big banks, who along with the securities industry, has given Congressman Kirk over $1 million during the course of his career in Washington. /span/p p/p p/p object height=385 width=480 param name=movie value=http://www.youtube.com/v/7Yp-0xlzLd4amp;hl=en_USamp;fs=1amp; / param name=allowFullScreen value=true / param name=allowscriptaccess value=always /embed height=385 width=480 src=http://www.youtube.com/v/7Yp-0xlzLd4amp;hl=en_USamp;fs=1amp; type=application/x-shockwave-flash allowscriptaccess=always allowfullscreen=true/embed/object

pIndependent pollstera href=http://www.dailykos.com/statepoll/2010/3/10/PA/457 Research 2000/a shows Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter maintaining a lead in Pennsylvania, beating Republican Pat Toomey 47% to 41%. /p pSenator Specter’s lead has remained more or less constant since last summer, when he led 45% to 40%./p pWith Republican Pat Toomey aligning himself with the right wing of his party (recently admitting voting he would have voted against the bipartisan Senate jobs bill), Senator Specter’s resilience in polling is quite welcome news./p

pThe DSCCs latest online petition takes Rush Limbaugh up on his offer to leave the country if Congress passes health care reform./p phttp://dscc.org/pt?petition_KEY=260/p pbHelp Rush take the first step: Send him his boarding pass. Well deliver a copy in your name to Rushs studio./b/p pbPass him his one-way ticket on Tea Bag Air!/b/p

pPer TPM, two Ohio Republicans a href=http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/ohio-republicans-crack-birther-jokes-at-event-with-senate-candidate-rob-portman.php#moremade birther jokes/a about President Obama at a dinner on Saturday...while introducing Senate candidate Rob Portman./p p/p blockquoteAccording to audio recorded by someone at the dinner and obtained by TPMDC, the joke concludes with: Lincoln was a skinny lawyer. Obama is a skinny lawyer. Lincoln was a Republican. Obama is a skinny lawyer. Lincoln was highly respected. Obama is a skinny lawyer. Lincoln was born in the United States. Obama is a skinny lawyer.br / /blockquoteblockquote That was followed up with a more subtle crack from State Rep. James Zehringer, who said he read over Portmans Wikipedia entry, which starts by identifying him as an American lawyer. Rob Portman is an American lawyer. Thats the first sentence [on his Wikipedia page]. Thats something our president cant say, Zehringer said. /blockquote pPortman has yet to denounce these statements, and his campaign will not answer directly whether Portman believes President Obama was born in the United States. /p

pThis quite befits the man who says its impossible to get to his right, from an ideological standpoint.../p object height=385 width=480 param name=movie value=http://www.youtube.com/v/wxK0ZTEu9-kamp;hl=en_USamp;fs=1amp; / param name=allowFullScreen value=true / param name=allowscriptaccess value=always /embed height=385 width=480 src=http://www.youtube.com/v/wxK0ZTEu9-kamp;hl=en_USamp;fs=1amp; type=application/x-shockwave-flash allowscriptaccess=always allowfullscreen=true/embed/object

pThe HIRE Act passed the House today, no thanks to Reps. Mark Kirk of Illinois, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Michael Castle of Delaware, and John Boozman of Arkansas./p pEach of these would-be Senators voted against the job creation package./p p/p p/p pThe bipartisan bill, has four key provisions including a payroll tax holiday for businesses to encourage hiring, additional funds to help small businesses expand, an extension of the Highway Trust Fund to allow more infrastructure investments, and an expansion of the Build America Bonds program to allow states finance infrastructure projects./p pEach of these four Republicans stands in opposition to the Senators they would replace on job creation./p

pFirst, the good news: Senator Jim Bunning finally stopped his blockade and allowed a vote on short term extenders for unemployment benefits, COBRA, flood insurance, highway funding and small business loans./p pThe bad news is that Senator Richard Burr voted against the extensions anyway./p p/p pThe bill still passed, 78-19, but the vote leaves us shaking our heads, wondering why Richard Burr chose to cast a vote that hurt hundreds of thousands of struggling North Carolinian families./p

pSen. Jim Bunning has become a national news phenomenon of late for his cruel filibuster…and many of his fellow Republicans, including would-be Bunning replacements Trey Grayson and Rand Paul, are publicly supporting Sen. Bunning./p pFor a recap, here is the a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/01/AR2010030103401.html?hpid=topnewscost/a of the Bunning blockade:#160;/p p/p blockquoteFor four days, he has been on a one-man campaign to cut off unemployment benefits, kick the unemployed off of health insurance, cut Medicare payments to doctors, deny satellite TV to rural Americans, shut down federal flood insurance and highway projects, and furlough thousands of federal workers./blockquote p/p pQuite a laundry list of accomplishments – and one that Grayson and Paul are not ashamed to endorse, though they certainly should be./p

br /Fifteen Republicans have filed paperwork to run in the June primary for Iowa#146;s three U.S. House seats held by Democrats.

br /A legislator briefly tried Friday to persuade her colleagues to accept multimillion-dollar offers from gambling companies that want permission to quit holding greyhound races at their facilities.

The Iowa House approved tax credit reform legislation (SF 2380) today that will expand support for small businesses and bring accountability and common sense to Iowa’s tax credit spending.

“We are shifting dollars away from large Wall Street companies and moving some of those dollars to support struggling Main Street businesses whose success will benefit more Iowans,” said State Representative Paul Shomshor of Council Bluffs, who chairs the House Ways & Means Committee. “In these tough times, we must give continue to support small businesses.”

The reforms include the suspension of the film tax credit program for two years; lowering the cap from $185 million to $120 million on business tax credits; cutting the Iowa Fund of Funds contingent tax credits from $100 million to $60 million; an overall cut of 10 percent for many other tax credit programs and an on-going oversight process which will regularly evaluate all tax credits for results. Credits which do not produce results will be fixed or eliminated. In addition, the Supplemental Research Activities Tax Credit will be cut in half for large corporations and increased to help small businesses.

       

According to a new study for the Iowa Wine Growers Association, the economic impact of Iowa’s wine and vineyard industry now tops $234 million.

 The study also reveals that Iowa produced 186,700 gallons of wine in 2008, for a total of $7.6 million in retail value of wine sold. The industry supported 1,773 jobs and $50 million in wages.

 Other facts about Iowa’s wine industry include:

 - During 2008, Iowa had 74 licensed wineries, 400 grape growers and 1,000 grape-bearing acres.
- An estimated 237,000 wine-related Iowa travelers spent $27.5 million in 2008.
- In 2008, Iowa ranked #14 in the number of wineries and #22 in wine production in the U.S.
- In 2009, Iowa wineries sold 212,891 gallons of wine, representing a 5.5 percent market share of wine purchased in Iowa, up from 5.25 percent in 2008.
- In January 2010, there were 82 licensed wineries, 400 grape growers and 1,200 grape-bearing acres.

       

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver continues his focus on protecting Iowa families with events next week. The Governor is slated to sign measures into law that will keep weapons out of the hands of people with histories of domestic abuse, and provide law enforcement with the information they need to keep Iowans safe. The Governor will also give special recognition to Iowa children with relatives in the military. In addition, First Lady Mari Culver will join Habitat for Humanity to kick off this year’s home build on State Capitol grounds. Next week’s public schedule is below. GOVERNOR CHET CULVER Monday, March 22, 2010 WHAT:nbsp; nbsp; Governor Culver will sign Senate File 2357, which prohibits a person who has been convicted of a domestic abuse crime, or who is subject to a permanent civil protective order, from possessing firearms, other offensive weapons, or ammunition. The Governor will be joined by domestic violence prevention advocates. First Lady Mari Culver will also attend. WHERE:nbsp; State Capitol Rotunda Des Moines, IA WHEN:nbsp; nbsp; 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2010 WHAT:nbsp; nbsp; Governor Culver will sign a proclamation recognizing April as Month of the Military Child, honoring and supporting Iowa children with parents and other relatives who serve in the military. The Governor will be joined by area children with military relatives and representatives from Operation: Military Kids. WHERE:nbsp; State Capitol Rotunda Des Moines, IA WHEN:nbsp; nbsp; 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2010 WHAT:nbsp; nbsp; Governor Culver will sign Senate File 2352, the mental health notification legislation named for Coach Ed Thomas. The Governor will be joined by members of the Thomas family. WHERE:nbsp; Iowa Hall of Pride 330 Park Street Des Moines, IA WHEN:nbsp; nbsp; 11:00 a.m. FIRST LADY MARI CULVER Monday, March 22, 2010 WHAT:nbsp; nbsp; First Lady Mari Culver will join Habitat for Humanity to kick off this year’s “20,000 Helping Hands” event to highlight the need for affordable housing. I-JOBS, the Culver-Judge Infrastructure Initiative, has allocated nearly $700,000 to Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. WHERE:nbsp; State Capitol Rotunda, west wing Des Moines, IA WHEN:nbsp; nbsp; 11:00 a.m.

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today announced that six additional counties affected by the severe winter storm in December have been added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration granted Feb. 25, 2010. The counties added to the declaration are: Buena Vista, Dickinson, O’Brien, Palo Alto, Plymouth and Pocahontas. This declaration provides assistance to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations (including rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities) for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. The initial counties eligible for Public Assistance were Adair, Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Emmet. Franklin, Fremont, Guthrie, Harrison, Ida, Monona, Page, Pottawattamie, Sac, Shelby, Sioux, and Woodbury. In addition, Buena Vista, Dickinson, O’Brien, Palo Alto, and Plymouth Counties may be eligible for snow removal assistance (reimbursement of costs for 48 hours of continuous operations for emergency snow removal) under this declaration. Public Assistance program funds are available to public entities and select non-profit agencies to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts, and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during the Dec. 23-27, 2009 storm. This declaration is not related to the ice storm in January.

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requesting their assistance in flood preparation efforts in Polk County. Melting snow and spring rains are combining to raise river levels across the state. The Governor made the request at the response of the Polk County Emergency Management Commission, which includes representatives of the Polk County Board of Supervisors and cities in Polk County.nbsp; “As rivers rise, so do the fears of home and business owners across the state,” said Governor Culver. “I am making this request to enlist the Army Corps of Engineers’ help in protecting Polk County. While reports indicate that flooding statewide may not be as severe as previously thought, we must all stay on alert. The threat for flooding remains high across the state, and my Administration will continue to do whatever necessary to keep Iowans safe.” The Governor is asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make themselves available to assist in flood preparations. The letter requests that the Corps work with Polk County Emergency Management officials to ensure a coordinated effort in response to any emergency within the county. Below is the letter Governor Culver sent today to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: March 19, 2010 Mr. Rodney L. Delp, Chief Emergency Management US Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District Clock Tower Building P.O. Box 2004 Rock Island IL, 61204-2004 Re:nbsp; Request for Technical Assistance / Advance Measures. Dear Mr. Delp: Please accept this letter as my official request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, to act under your emergency authority to provide technical assistance with the possibility of undertaking advance measures in Polk County, Iowa. Information received from local officials, the National Weather Service and the Corps of Engineers indicate that major flooding may soon occur, adversely affecting the communities and citizens of Polk County, Iowa.nbsp; Current predictions indicate that the spillway at Saylorville Dam could overtop in the very near future.nbsp; There is already significant inflow into the reservoir caused by the drainage from saturated ground, snow melt, and recent precipitation. The short term forecast is for more precipitation this weekend.nbsp; We also know that coming months are commonly periods of high precipitation.nbsp; The outflows from the dam are already near capacity.nbsp; Flooding is expected to occur in a number of areas of the county and levee structures are threatened. Local governments are working to protect these areas but may be in need of Corps emergency assistance. Therefore I request the Corps exercise their emergency authority under Public Law 84-99 in providing technical assistance and in taking possible advance measures for protecting critical areas within Polk County.nbsp; I request the Corps coordinate these activities through and with the Polk County Emergency Management Agency.nbsp; Mr. A.J. Mumm is the Polk County Emergency Management Coordinator and may be reached at 515.286.2107 or by e-mail to . Should you have further questions regarding this matter, please contact Mr. David Miller, Administrator Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division at 515.725.3231 or via e-mail to . Thank you for your partnership in addressing Iowa’s flooding concerns. Sincerely, Chester J. Culver Governor CC:nbsp; Col. Shawn McGinley

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today signed legislation creating the Iowa Innovation Council, a group of volunteer private business leaders who will work to help ensure Iowa is competitive in the global business economy. House File 2076 consolidates three existing councils within the Iowa Department of Economic Development: the Bioscience Alliance, Advanced Manufacturing Council and Information Technology Council. Leaders of these groups developed the concept of the Iowa Innovation Council, and they will continue to lead in developing strategies and long-term plans for innovation in targeted industries in Iowa. A photo of the bill signing is available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/govculver/4446107850/ Governor Culver also signed the following bills today: Senate File 2237 A non-substantive code editor’s bill that corrects minor errors in the Code such as spelling errors, grammar errors, numbering errors in the Iowa Code and federal statute citations that need to be updated due to renumbering of federal statutes. Senate File 2340 A substantive code editor’s bill that corrects errors in the Code that are more notable than those errors fixed the non-substantive bill. The bill removes obsolete sections, clarifies conflicting sections of statute and corrects drafting errors. Senate File 205 Relates to required testing for infectious diseases of persons under supervision of judicial district departments of correctional services. The bill is intended to protect correctional staff by setting up a mechanism for requiring testing of those offenders who have assaulted staff. The bill would have no significant fiscal impact on the Department of Corrections or Community Corrections. Senate File 358 Uniform Foreign-Country Money Judgments Recognition Act: Provides for how a state court may recognize a foreign-country judgment for purposes of enforcement. The increase in international trade in the United States has also meant more litigation in the interstate context, and as a result means more judgments to be enforced from country to country. The bill addresses a need for uniformity between states with respect to the law governing foreign country money-judgments. Senate File 2067 This legislation was pre-filed by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board (IECDB). It clarifies a variety of ethics rules, mainly those that apply to state employees. Current statute could be construed to require Department of Administrative Services employees who sell goods on behalf of their agency to other agencies to file a report with IECDB every time a good is sold. This legislation clarifies that no report is needed for such situations. Senate File 2073 Concerns the practice of accounting and the organization and operation of the licensing boards included within the Professional Licensure and Regulation Bureau of the Banking Division in the Department of Commerce. Pursuant to this bill the accounting board shall require as a condition for renewal of a license for an individual licensed accountant, that such individual undergo, no more frequently than once every three years, a peer review. The peer review shall include verification that the individual has met the competency requirements set out in professional standards for such services. This bill also sets a quorum requirement. A quorum of a licensing board included within the bureau pursuant to subsection 1 shall be a majority of the members of the board and action may be taken upon a majority vote of board members present at a meeting who are not disqualified.nbsp; Senate File 2075 Concerns the use of credit reports by insurers. This bill requires insurers to make reasonable exceptions to rates for a policy of personal insurance on written request for an applicant whose history has been influenced by “extraordinary life circumstances.” Extraordinary life circumstances include:nbsp; (1) a catastrophic event, as declared by the federal or state government; (2) serious illness or injury, or serious illness or injury to an immediate family member; (3) death of a spouse, child, or parent; (4) divorce or involuntary interruption of legally owed alimony or support payments; (5) identity theft; (6) temporary loss of employment for a period of three months or more, if such loss results from involuntary termination of employment; (7) military deployment overseas; or (8) other events, as determined by the insurers. In addition, this bill allows the insurer to require documentation if a consumer submits a request for an exception to the insurer’s rates.nbsp; Senate File 2095 Provides that a law enforcement officer certified by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy may administer oaths, acknowledge signatures, and take voluntary testimony pursuant to the officer’s duties as provided by law. A certified law enforcement officer, as defined in Code section 80B.3, is an officer appointed by the director of the Department of Natural Resources, a member of a police force or other agency or department of the state, county, city, or tribal government regularly employed as such and who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and enforcement of the criminal laws of this state and all individuals, as determined by the law enforcement academy council, who by the nature of their duties may be required to perform the duties of a peace officer. Law enforcement officers under the Department of Public Safety, and other certified law enforcement, are exempt from needing a stamp or seal when they administer oaths, acknowledge signatures, and take voluntary testimony. This bill also states that all certified law enforcement, not just the chief and a designee, will have the ability to administer oaths, acknowledge signatures, and take voluntary testimony.nbsp; Senate File 2157 Relates to the recording requirements for certain residential real estate installment sales contracts. This bill deals with the amount of time to record a real estate installment sales contract. This legislation changes current code and states that the contract seller must file documents with the county recorder within 90 days as opposed to the current law which is 180 days from the date the contract was signed. In addition, this bill also states that any contract disclosure statements that are required in installment sales must be recorded within 30 days rather than the current code’s 45 days. Failure to record a real estate contract within the specified time limit is punishable by a fine not to exceed $100 per day for each day of violation. Fines collected pursuant to this bill shall be deposited in the general fund of the county.nbsp; Senate File 2190 Provides for an exemption for a debtor’s personal property from execution by creditors in a bankruptcy action. This bill allows an Iowan $1,000 in additional personal property under bankruptcy exemptions. Current law limits this additional exemption relating to other personal property to such property not otherwise specifically exempted under Code chapter 627.nbsp; Senate File 2218 Amends provisions to the election laws by eliminating double election boards and by requiring the commissioner of elections, upon petition, to use automatic tabulating equipment in certain elections. This bill strikes the authority of the county auditor to appoint a double election board. It allows the use of paper ballots for low turnout elections, at the discretion of the county commissioner of elections (auditor). Additionally, this bill requires the use of automatic tabulating machines if the auditor receives a petition from 100 voters 42 days before the election.nbsp; Senate File 2263 Creates a state-level penalty for denying residents of assisted-living facilities access to long-term care ombudsmen. The legislation also creates a simple misdemeanor for retaliating against someone who is filing a complaint with or assisting an ombudsman. Senate File 2272 This bill was recommended by the Iowa Insurance Division (IID) relating to the Iowa Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association and to the Iowa Insurance Guaranty Association. The changes in this bill are essentially technical changes related to how companies and the funds relate. These changes reflect recent Model Laws originating in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This bill makes changes to the Iowa Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association regarding coverage, benefits, duties, powers, rights, the operation of the Iowa Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association, and the coordination of coverage and benefits with those of similar associations of other states, and to the Iowa Insurance Guaranty Association with respect to covered claims, benefits, limitations, duties, and powers of the Iowa Insurance Guaranty Association, and coordination and cooperation by it with similar associations of other states. Senate File 2289 Relates to de-accreditation of a school district by the State Board of Education and to the disposition of certain former school district funds, and includes effective date, validation, and retroactive applicability provisions. Senate File 2298 This bill was initiated by the Middleton Center for Children’s Rights at Drake University, in collaboration with a group of young adults known as Elevate. Elevate members are youth ages 13 and up who have been involved in foster care or adoption, and are young people who want to make a difference in the child welfare system. This bill will allow children to attend court hearings and family team meetings regarding decisions about their placements. The legislation creates a presumption that it is in the best interest of the child/youth to attend all of their hearings if they are age 14 or older. The bill also allows children to attend family meetings involving placement options or services provided to the child. Should it be deemed that it is not in the best interests of the child to attend the meeting, the Department of Human Services is required to document the reasons for excluding the child. A copy of this record will then be available to the child upon their reaching the age of majority. The term “attend” is defined to include appearance via telephone or video. This will allow the Department of Human Services to save money in certain situations where the transportation of a child to and from a meeting would be necessary. This bill seeks to empower young people in the child welfare system – the shorthand for this legislation is: ‘nothing about me without me.’ Senate File 2303 Corrects certain situations that would require an offender sentenced under 902.12 to spend one year in a work release facility operated by community corrections rather than release the offender to a state holding a retainer for the offender. The Department of Corrections believes this is a public safety issue that has been corrected by the passage of this legislation. There is no significant correctional or fiscal impact. Senate File 2325 Relates to the practice of mortuary science and to the pre-need sale of cemetery and funeral merchandise and funeral services and providing a penalty. This bill codifies licensing requirements for funeral directors to get continuing education in the two years prior to license renewal. The Board of Mortuary Science, as a condition to license renewal, must require a minimum number of hours of continuing education be fulfilled in the two years immediately prior to the person’s renewal. The requirement is fulfilled for a funeral director during active-duty military service, while the funeral director is a government employee working in the person’s specialty and assigned to duty outside the United States, and for other periods of active practice and absence from the state approved by the Board. This bill also codifies audit requirements for transfers by sellers of pre-need purchase agreements for cemetery and funeral merchandise and funeral services. This bill suspends the license of a pre-need seller who buys purchase agreements but fails to get an audit showing that the seller is capable of funding the purchase agreements. This bill requires the Insurance Commissioner to assess a $100-a-day penalty until the audit requirement is met but establishes a 30-day grace period after the purchase agreement is sold to meet the audit requirement. Senate File 2326 Modifies disciplinary provisions related to real estate brokers and salespersons to clarify the distinction between provisions relating to suspension or revocation and those relating to qualification for initial licensure. This bill also adds provisions imposing time frames for the conducting of a hearing after the notification and providing notice of the outcome of the hearing to the licensee. Current law relating to factors to be considered by the Commission in reference to license suspension or revocation is modified to deal strictly with factors to be considered by the Commission in reference to license denial. Lastly, this bill explains when a license may be revoked or suspended based upon conviction of an offense.nbsp; House File 2233 Allows a person who was convicted between the ages of 18-21 of possessing, purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol under legal age to petition the court to “expunge” the record of the conviction if the person has not had another criminal conviction, not including local traffic convictions or simple misdemeanor Chapter 321 (traffic) violations, for two years.nbsp; House File 2372 Concerns assault causing injury – modifies “assault” so a person who commits assault without the intent to inflict serious injury, but who causes serious injury, is guilty of a Class D felony. This is not a forcible felony, in which an individual must have intended to cause serious injury. Current law does not require any intent, only that a serious injury occur. Specifically, this bill allows a person who commits an assault without intent to inflict serious injury, but who nonetheless causes serious injury, to receive a suspended or deferred sentence, or deferred judgment instead of a class D felony conviction which requires 70% of the five-year sentence to be served.nbsp; House File 2374 Relates to the definition of “serious injury” for purposes of criminal offenses. This bill was enacted to help improve the state’s Criminal Code by providing a consistent definition of “serious injury” throughout the Iowa Criminal Code.nbsp; House File 2392 Rewrites the sections on abuse of a corpse, clarifying a criminal difference between sexual abuse of a corpse and other types of abuse. The bill requires a person who commits sexual abuse of a corpse to be classified as a Tier II sex offender. House File 2466 The bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from disqualifying a person from receiving an authorization to teach driver’s education because the authorized person was in an accident unless the person contributed to the accident and it caused a death, or it was the second accident in two years the person had contributed to. The bill requires a person to be certified by the DOT and authorized by the Board of Educational Examiners to teach street and highway driving. The bill allows the DOT or the Board of Educational Examiners to act independently from the other. The bill requires that the final field test for a student must be done by a person qualified as a driving instructor. The bill is effective on enactment and makes the accident provisions retroactive to July 2008. House File 2488 Relates to the appointment of young adults to appointive boards, commissions, committees, and councils and includes applicability date provisions. In addition, Governor Culver signed the following two bills on Wednesday: Senate File 434 Concerns nuisance properties. This bill regulates the process by which petitions affecting real property are filed with the district court and the process of indexing citations or petitions.nbsp; When a citation of a municipal infraction is issued and sent to the clerk of the district court, it must include a legal description of the affected property. When the clerk of district court receives the citation, the clerk is to index the citation in the index book if the legal description is included with the citation. Once the city files the citation with the clerk of court, the city is to file the citation with the county treasurer and the treasurer is to include a notation of the pending action in the county tax collection system. The property is not to be offered for sale at a tax sale until the court is satisfied or the action is dismissed. The bill forbids the county treasurer from offering for sale any parcel in which there is a pending action due to a municipal infraction or petition filed because of a nuisance or a petition because of an abandoned or unsafe building.nbsp; In addition, when a petition is filed by a government body under the Abandoned Property (657A) chapter of the Code, the chief clerk of court is to index the petition if the legal description is included. After filing the petition with the clerk, the governmental body is also to file the petition with the county treasurer and the treasurer is to include a notation of the pending action in the county tax collection system. The property is not to be offered for sale at a tax sale until the court is satisfied or the action is dismissed. This bill also allows refunds to tax certificate holders if a nuisance citation is filed by the city after the sale.nbsp; Senate File 2264 This legislation was introduced in response to a situation that arose in Ames. Currently, cities can review proposed subdivisions that are to be located within two miles of a city’s boundaries. The reason is that such subdivisions could eventually be annexed by a city, and if it that were to occur, it is advantageous for the subdivision to meet city requirements for public services such as sewers. One developer in Ames discovered a loophole: city review could be avoided if the subdivision consisted solely of condominiums. This legislation closes the loophole.

Appropriations

HF 2518     Public Employees’ Retirement Systems.  Makes changes to three of the four public employees’ pension systems.  Changes to the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) include changing the final average salary from the high three years to the high five years, increasing the age reduction penalty from 3% to 5% per year, and changing the vesting requirements from 4 years to 7 years.  These are effective July 1, 2012.  Changes are also made to the Peace Officers’ Retirement System and the Municipal Fire and Police Officers’ Retirement System.  There are three appropriations in this bill.  (passed House 51-43) to Senate

HF 2519     Federal Block Grants.  The Federal Block Grant portion of the bill provides the mechanism for the state to receive $6.3 billion in federal funds for FY 2011, which is estimated to be $96.7 million more than what the state received in FY 2010. The state is estimated to receive $190.8 million in federal block grant funds in FY 2011 and $6.1 billion in federal funds that state agencies are anticipating to receive in categorical grants in FY 2011. The bill also appropriates $25.3 million of the Education Stabilization and $22.6 million of the Government Services Stabilization Funds in lieu of $47.9 million in state aid appropriations for K-12 School Foundation Aid Formula. (passed House 53-41) to Senate

HF 2522     Economic Development Budget.  The bill provides more technical assistance to small businesses by increasing funding to the statewide MyEnterenet program at UNI, and the Small Business Development Centers at ISU.  The proposal to expand MyEntre.Net will be a live, online, competent and personable individual who has expertise to connect business owners with services and resources they need.  The increase to Small Business Development Centers would attempt to provide more one-on-one counseling to assist in small business growth.  The bill also backfills funding from the across the board cut made to Labor Services Division, and Workforce Centers.  (passed House55-43) to Senate.

HF 2525     Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget.  Appropriates $35.9 million in general fund dollars for the operations budget of the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Department of Natural Resources, and the vet diagnostic lab at Iowa State University (ISU).  This is a $341,000 cut from FY 2010.  The bill also includes $33 million for the environment first fund.  (passed House 53-44) to Senate

HF 2526     Health and Human Services Budget.  Appropriates a total of $954.34 million from the general fund to the Departments on Aging, Public Health, Human Services, and Veterans Affairs; and the Iowa Veterans Home.  In addition, the Health Care Trust Fund (HCTF) appropriates $107 million to health and human services programs.  The bill provides funding to programs and services to the most vulnerable Iowans including the elderly, children, disabled, and poor.  (passed House Appropriations 13-11) to House Floor.

SF 2366      FY 2010 Supplemental.  Amends the FY 2010 budget, de-appropriate funds from the Judicial and Legislative Branch budgets, and provides supplemental funding in other areas of the budget impacted by the across the board cuts. The bill appropriates an additional $51.1 million for the FY 2010 general fund budget.  The bill also makes $17 million in net reductions in other fund changes through transfers and reductions in spending to the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund for FY 2010.  (passed House55-43 and Senate concurred 32-18) to Governor

SF 2367      Administration and Regulation Budget.  Covers 13 departments, agencies, and offices.  Spending increased from FY 10 estimated due to a transfer of $2 million from DHS to DIA and increases created by state reorganization that will lead to overall savings.  Includes auditor, treasurer, secretary of state, governor; departments of administration, commerce, ethics and campaign finance, human rights, inspection and appeal, management, and revenue; drug policy office, and  rebuild Iowa office (Passed House Appropriations 14-11) To House Appropriations Calendar

SF 2377      Judicial Branch Budget Bill. Appropriates a total of $150 million to the Judicial Branch for operations and salaries.  That total includes $1.5 million for jury and witness fund. (passed House 55-41) MTR

SF 2578      Justice Systems Budget.  Appropriates a total of $484 million from the general fund for FY 2011 to the Attorney General’s Office; the Departments of Corrections; Inspections and Appeals; Public Defense; and Public Safety; the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy; Board of Parole; and the Civil Rights Commission.  This represents an increase of $18.5 million compared to net FY 2010.  (passed Senate 31-17) to House Calendar

  Commerce

HF 2111     Unemployment Tax Collection.  Requires Secretary of State to notify the Department of Workforce Development prior to approving a filing for reinstatement by a dissolved company, to ensure any back taxes are paid. (Signed by governor)  Effective July 1, 2010

HF 2409     IFA Paperwork Reduction.  Repeals Iowa Finance Authority  requirement that banks file a paper report, as data is available online. (Passed Senate 48-0) Sent to Governor

SF 2224      Condominium Meetings.  Requires meetings to be open to all members with notice delivered at least seven days in advance.  (Passed Senate 46-2) Sent to Governor

SF 2348      Real Estate Closing Agent Licensing.  Division of Banking bill that requires licensing of providers of real estate closing services who is not the lender, seller, purchaser, or borrower.  (Passed House 96-0) Sent to Governor

  Economic Growth

HF 2195     Arts Projects at State Buildings.  The Department of Administrative Services would now contract for expenses related to acquiring fine art.  The Department of Cultural Affairs would still report on the financial assistance spent for arts projects.  The estimated costs for fine arts would no longer be included in the amount calculated for arts purposes in national surveys.  Signed by Governor, effective July 1, 2010.

HF 2449     Veteran Owned Business Assistance.  Under the current list of  primary duties of the Department of Economic Development, the department is to encourage and assist small businesses.  The bill would add small businesses owned and operated by disabled veterans to the list.  Signed by the Governor, effective July 1, 2010.

  Environmental Protection

HF 823       Green Cleaning in Schools.  Creates a green cleaning program for schools using state resources to establish green cleaning procedures in school facilities.  (Passed Senate 28-20) to Governor

HF 2418     Periodic Review of Air Quality Monitors.  Requires the DNR to review the location of air quality monitors and create procedures to maintain attainment of federal air quality standards.  (Passed Senate 37-11) to Governor

HF 2437     Septic System Inspection Clarifications.  Clarifies requirements on when a septic system inspection is required and expands exclusions to situations that are similar or logically connected to exclusions currently in code.  (Passed Senate 44-6) to Governor

  Human Resources

HF 2283     Background Checks for Child Care Providers.  Removes the requirement of a federal background check every four years for child care providers and other individuals subject to the law.  The bill now authorizes DHS to adopt rules regarding a national background check for child care providers and all others subject to the check. (signed by Governor, effective July 1, 2010)

HF 2403     Uniform Controlled Substance Act.  Updates the state uniform controlled substance act with federal guidelines.  (signed by Governor, effective July 1, 2010)

SF 153        Physician Assistants to Form LLC.  Allows physician assistants to form an LLC in the State of Iowa.  In addition, the allowance does not expand the scope of practice for a physician assistant.  All physician assistants must perform medical services under the supervision of a licensed physician. (passed Senate 40-8) to Governor

SF 393        Child Abuse and Obscene Materials.  Expands the definition of child abuse to when a parent or guardian knowingly forces a child to view obscene materials.  If the child is likely to suffer harmful effects of being forced to view obscene materials, then the child can be adjudicated as a child in need of assistance (CINA). (passed House 95-0) to Governor

SF 2156      IowaCare Program Extension.  Updates the Iowa Code to eliminate old provisions related to IowaCare.  Extends the IowaCare program so that it does not expire in July of 2010. (passed Senate 48-0) to Governor

SF 2266      Local Public Health Governance Act.  Provides for the structure, powers, and duties of the local boards of health.  The bill also provides an optional process for counties to merge and create a district board of health. (signed by Governor, effective July 1, 2010)

  Judiciary

HF 726       Unincorporated Nonprofit Associations.  Creates a new code chapter based on the “Revised Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act.”  (Passed Senate 48-0) to House

HF 734       Uniform Adult Guardianship.  Creates uniform adult guardianship and protective proceedings relating to establishing, transferring, and recognizing guardianships and conservatorships in cases involving multiple states.  (Passed House 98-0) to Governor

HF 2377     Probation Extension.  Allows a judge to extend a period of probation up to one year, including one year beyond the maximum period allowed by law.  (Passed Senate 48-0) to Governor

HF 2392     Abuse of a Corpse.  Transfers “abuse of corpse” provisions that do not deal with the sexual abuse of a corpse from Iowa Code Section 709 dealing with Sexual Abuse to Iowa Code Section 708 dealing with Assault.  (Passed Senate 48-0) to Governor

HF 2438     Attempted Enticement of a Minor.  Changes the penalty for attempted enticement of a minor to the same as actual enticement.  The penalty for attempted enticement is a felony under the bill. (Passed Senate 50-0) to House

HF 2473     Destruction of Land Surveyor Markers.  Expands the definition of criminal mischief in the third degree to include someone that intentionally injures, destroys, disturbs, or removes any marked placed by a licensed land surveyor.  (Passed Senate 50-0) to House

HF 2478     Limited Liability Company Regulations.  Amends current code regulations on limited liability companies under Code Chapter 489.  (Passed House 98-0) to Governor

HF 2483     Trusts and Estates.  Relates to trusts and estates and changes provisions relating to state inheritance tax, uniform transfers to minors, and medical assistance claims.  (Passed House 97-0) to Senate

SF 285        Magistrate Jurisdiction.  Makes changes to magistrate jurisdiction, specifying certain traffic offenses are simple misdemeanors that may be heard by a magistrate, and changes other offenses regarding simple misdemeanors to clarify magistrates can hear those cases.  (Passed Senate 49-0) to Governor

SF 431        OWI Rewrite.  Procedural rewrite from the Criminal Code Reorganization Interim for operating-while-intoxicated offenses.  (Passed Senate 49-0) to Governor

SF 2200      Transfer of Guardianship in Probate Court.  Allows a juvenile court to close a guardianship case once there has been an initial permanency hearing that places the child in the custody or guardianship of another person or agency and to transfer jurisdiction over the guardianship to the probate court.  (Passed Senate 50-0) to House

SF 2343      Appointment of Judicial Officers.  Gives the Judicial Branch flexibility in appointing and apportioning judges.  (Passed House 98-0; Passed Senate 49-0) to Governor

SF 2345      Judicial Omnibus Bill.  Makes changes to the administration of the judicial branch.  (Passed Senate 48-0) to House

SF 2352      Mental Health Hospitalization Notifications.  Creates procedures to notify law enforcement of mental health hospitalization discharges where there is an arrest warrant or pending arrest.  (Passed House 98-0; Passed Senate 50-0) to Governor

  Labor

SF 2286      Mixed Martial Arts Matches Regulated by the Labor Commissioner.  Currently, the commissioner regulates professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) matches.  Some professional MMA events escape regulation by claiming to be an amateur event, and enforcement mechanisms are weak.  Over the past year, at least two incidents with amateur fights, one involving a 17-year old who was not provided emergency medical care, have raised issues with this increasingly popular sport.   SF 2286 enhances enforcement of professional MMA events, and regulates amateur MMA events without any impact to the general fund.  A participant would now have to be 18 under the bill.  An event occurs if merchandise or refreshments are available for purchase.  (Passed Senate 48-0) to Governor

  Local Government

HF 2318     Length of Service on City Development Board.  Repeals law limiting service on board to two six-year terms.  Also, shortens terms from six years to four years.  Signed by Governor, effective 3/10/10

SF 2254      County Treasurers.  Changes process in which charges for fence construction or repair work and water district assessments are handled so notification is given to the county treasurer rather than the auditor to enter the charges.  The amount due will then be collected in the same way as ordinary taxes. Also clarifies when filed documents can be destroyed by treasurers.  (Passed Senate 48-0)  To Governor

  Natural Resources

HF 2200     Loaded Detached Magazines.  Allow hunters to keep the detachable magazine on their shotgun or rifle (clips) loaded in their vehicle, as long as the gun is taken down (disassembled) or totally encased.  Attached magazines have to be unloaded.  This bill only pertains to long-guns, not hand-guns.  (passed House 92-6) Sent to Governor

  Public Safety

HF 426       Reserve Peace Officers – Accidents in the Line of Duty. (passed Senate 48-0) to Governor

HF 674       EMS to Report Wounds from Crime.  Certified EMS provider may report a gunshot, stab wound, or other serious injury that was received as a result of a criminal offense, or a motor vehicle accident or crash. (passed Senate 48-0) to House Calendar

HF 2286     Detention in a Brothel.  Strikes the criminal offense of detention in a brothel because brothels are illegal and the offense is covered under kidnapping and human trafficking.  Signed – Effective 7-1-10

HF 2287     Simulated Public Intoxication.  Separates the current offenses of public intoxication and simulated public intoxication into two different numbered paragraphs.  Signed – Effective 7-1-10

HF 2288     Cowl Lamps.  Strikes the current Code language which does not allow a vehicle to have more than two cowl lamps.  Signed – Effective 7-1-10

SF 2197      Penalties for Providing False Information & for Allowing Nude Dancing by Minors.  A person is guilty of a simple misdemeanor if they provide false identification information to a known peace officer, emergency medical care provider, or fire fighter.  Business owners who allow or permit minors to perform nude in a live act are guilty of a serious misdemeanor. (passed House 97-0) to Governor

SF 2305      Adam Walsh Act Clean-up.  Makes corrections to last year’s sex offender legislation, the Adam Walsh Act, SF 340. (passed House 97-0) to Governor

SF 2357      Domestic Abuse – Forfeiture of Firearms.  Persons convicted of domestic abuse, or that are subject to a permanent protective order, must forfeit their firearms. (passed Senate 36-12)

  Rebuild Iowa and Disaster Recovery

HF 2487     Recovery Zone Bonds.  These bonds were allotted to disaster-affected counties and certain cities as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but not all counties are using their allotment.  IFA is required to reclaim the unused allotments and redistribute them to counties or cities that will use the allotment.  (Passed Senate 49-0)  To Governor

HF 2529     Disaster Loss Deduction.  Allows disaster victims who mistakenly assumed the state would couple with federal tax laws in 2009 to pay the money they owe in income taxes without paying any penalty or interest.  Also allows others who mistakenly coupled with other 2008 federal law changes to repay without penalty or interest.  (Passed Ways and Means Committee 25-0) to House Calendar

  State Government

HF 788       Liquor Licensees Prohibiting Criminal Activity.  Requires that holders of certain liquor control licenses are responsible for prohibiting criminal activity in areas adjacent to the licensed premises as well as inside the establishment.  Provides for exceptions in cases where there is a limited number of personnel employed by the establishment.  (passed House 83 – 10)  to Governor

HF 2518     Public Employees Retirement Systems.  Makes changes to three of the four public employees’ pension systems.  Changes to the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) include changing the final average salary from the high three years to the high five years, increasing the age reduction penalty from 3% to 5% per year, and changing the vesting requirements from 4 years to 7 years.  These are effective July 1, 2012.  Changes are also made to the Peace Officers’ Retirement System and the Municipal Fire and Police Officers’ Retirement System.  (passed House 51 – 43) to Senate

  Transportation

HF 2456     Texting Ban.  Driver’s under the age of 18 years would not be allowed to use an electronic mobile device or an electronic entertainment device unless installed in vehicle. (House insisted) to Conference Committee

SF 2273      Electronic Vehicle Registration & Titling Study.  Requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a study on how to implement a uniform statewide system that will allow for electronic registration and titling.  The department must report back to the general assembly by December 1, 2010. (passed House 95-0) to Governor

  Veterans Affairs

HF 755       Injured Veterans Grant Program.  Expands eligibility for the Injured Veterans Grant Program to include veterans who have suffered an injury requiring at least 30 consecutive days of hospitalization at a military hospital. (Signed by Governor, effective July 1, 2010)

HF 2110     Military Spouse Unemployment Benefits.  Allows unemployment benefits for an individual who left employment because of the relocation of the individual’s spouse due to a military assignment in another area.  Benefits would be paid out of the Unemployment Trust Fund. (Signed by Governor, effective July 1, 2010)

HF 2197     Veterans Day Leave for Veterans.  Allows all veterans to have Veterans Day off from work.  Each veteran must request the holiday at least 30 days in advance and show proof of being a veteran.  The employer determines if the time off is paid or unpaid. (passed House 95-2) to Governor

HF 2321     Veteran Services to Incarcerated Veterans.  Requires city and county jail personnel to notify a prisoner, within 24 hours, that if a prisoner is a veteran of the US Military who has been discharged within the last five years, the veteran is entitled to a visit from a veterans service officer to determine if veteran services are required or available. (passed Senate 50-0) to Governor

HF 2384     Notification of Tax Assistance for Service Members.  Requires the Iowa National Guard to work with the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs to notify service members to contact the Iowa Department of Revenue regarding current or possible tax issues while deployed.  Notification must occur prior to and after deployment. (passed Senate 50-0) to Governor

HF 2414     Service in an Honor Guard Unit.  Expands the recognized military veterans units to perform honor guard services on public property to include the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Forces.  Currently, only the Iowa National Guard, reserve forces of the United States, and reserve officers training corps are allowed to perform honor guard services on public property.  (passed Senate 50-0) to Governor

SF 2274      Educational Benefits for Veterans and Families.  Extends educational benefits for service members residing in Iowa and on the Rock Island Arsenal for students of a community college or a state university in Iowa. (passed Senate 50-0) to Governor

SF 2318      Benefits for Service Members and Families. Requires the Department of Administrative Services to inform state employees and their families of their rights while the family member is deployed. Allows an active member of the peace officers’ retirement system to purchase service credit for military service that is not otherwise required to be recognized by federal law upon payment of the actuarial cost of the service purchase.  A service member’s obligation or liability to pay a premium for professional liability insurance coverage will be waived  during deployment.  Complies Iowa Code with federal regulations to enforce banking rate limitations for military personnel and their dependents. (passed Senate 50-0) to Governor  

SJR 2007    Preservation of USS Iowa.  Resolution to support the USS Iowa preservation by establishing a committee to support the preservation efforts.  The Department of Cultural Affairs will provide administrative support for the committee.  The BB-61 Fund is created to support the efforts of the committee. (passed Senate 49-0) to Governor

  Ways and Means

HF 2527     Tax Credit Reform.  Repeals three credits, suspends one, adjusts seven, and establishes an ongoing five-year review of credits. (Passed Committee 14-11) on House Calendar

HF 2529     Disaster Loss Deduction.  Allows disaster victims who mistakenly assumed the state would couple with federal tax laws in 2009 to pay the money they owe in income taxes without paying any penalty or interest.  Also allows others who mistakenly coupled with other 2008 federal law changes to repay without penalty or interest.                         (Passed Committee 25-0) to House Calendar

HF 2530     Auto Repair Paint. Exempts paint and other consumed supplies bought by auto body shops, if listed as separate items on the repair bill and the sales tax is applied to the retail price.  This will increases revenue by a small amount. 

                   (Passed Committee 14-11) to House Calendar

SF   2363    Department of Revenue Technical Bill.  Makes technical noncontroversial changes to various tax laws. (Passed Committee 25-0) on House Calendar

SF   2373    Utility Replacement Tax.  Makes changes in the utility replacement tax to take into account new cogeneration facilities. (Passed Committee 25-0) on House Calendar

       

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