Capitol Report - Week 17 2022

The Senate debated on Monday this week, and the House held no floor debate. On Monday, Governor Reynolds signed 26 bills into law. The complete list of bills signed can be found here.

The Senate passed eight bills, most of which were human resources related, including House File 2127. HF 2127 creates a new code subsection allowing child care providers to collect the difference between the state child care assistance reimbursement rate and the rate the provider would typically charge a private-pay family, provided the provider and family agree to the additional payments. HF 2127 is the second childcare-related bill to be sent to the Governor this session. In April, the legislature also approved House File 2198, which allows 16-year-olds to work in childcare centers without supervision and increases the adult staff member to child ratios.

The Iowa Legislature held the first inaugural slow-pitch softball game on Sunday, with Governor Reynolds throwing the first pitch. House and Senate Democrats raised money for the Iowa Food Bank Association, and House and Senate Republicans raised money for the Puppy Jake Foundation. Over $27,000 total was raised for the two organizations. Republicans defeated the Democrats with a final score of 27-16.

Next week: Senate and House leadership will continue to work towards a final agreement on the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and remaining policy priorities, including the Governor’s education bill.