Week Thirteen Capitol Report

April 8, 2022

This week, both the House and the Senate held floor debate on a number on bills on the unfinished business calendar as the legislature nears their 100^th day of session. The Senate passed Senate File 2383, the Governor’s workforce priority bill that would primarily create a state-wide building code. The Senate amended the bill, striking a number of divisions that various industries were opposed to, including the state-wide building code provision. The bill now consists of the following divisions:

· Division I: County and City Inspections

· Division II: Work-Based Learning

· Division III: Health Care Workforce Recruitment

· Division IV: Professional Learning – Military Spouses

· Division V: Fishing and Hunting Licenses – Military Veterans

· Division VI: Driver’s Licenses Fees – Veterans; Parking Fees – Veterans

· Division VII: Temporary Licenses – Insurance Producers

The bill received bi-partisan support in the Senate with a 48-0 vote, and was sent to the House for consideration.

The House passed Senate File 2370 with a 92-5 vote on April 5^th, sending the bill to the Governor for signature. SF 2370 expands existing aircraft repair and maintenance sales and use tax exemptions to include general aviation airplanes rather than just commercial airplanes. The goal of the legislation is to keep Iowa-based aircraft in Iowa for repairs rather than being sent to neighboring states where no such tax exists and help keep college graduates who trained in aircraft repair in Iowa.

On Wednesday, Governor Reynolds announced a $100 million investment in a new program called Destination Iowa. The program will provide grants to help communities fund quality of life and tourism projects.

“Communities in all corners of the state are creating unique destinations that give visitors a reason to explore and residents a reason to stay,” said Governor Reynolds. “Destination Iowa will help more communities across the state move forward in their efforts to boost tourism and economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for Iowans.”

Applications will be accepted starting May 9^th, more information on Destination Iowa can be found here. An informational webinar will be held on April 15^th.

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court with a 53-47 vote. Judge Jackson will fill Justice Stephen Breyer’s seat following his upcoming retirement. Judge Jackson currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Next week, the Senate is expected to work primarily on budget negotiations following the House sending over their final budget proposals this week.