Sweeney

SCAM!!! From our constituents and friends we have been hearing concerning reports, particularly the distressing stories of grandparents being targeted and scammed through kiosks. SSB 1142 , a bill aimed at consumer protection regarding digital financial asset transaction kiosks.

SSB 1142 focuses on implementing practical regulations: daily transaction limits, caps on excessive charges and mandated disclosures by kiosk operators. It’s a response to a growing concern. As our world becomes increasingly digital, the risk of theft and scams within these transactions has unfortunately risen.

Specifically, the goal here is to make these kiosks less appealing to those who prey on the elderly. By establishing these regulations, we’re working to curb the financial scams that have been exploiting vulnerabilities.

Given that digital transactions are now a routine part of daily life, it’s vital that we ensure a secure and protected environment. This bill represents a step towards fostering that safety, promoting confidence in the long-term use of these technologies.

With all the bills getting passed we did see some floor debate this week, which is always a key part of moving legislation forward. On Tuesday, we passed SF 275 in the Iowa Senate, and it’s a bill I’m particularly glad to see moving.

This bill allows the Department of Education to develop and run a Purple Star School initiative. Simply put, it’s about making sure our military-connected students are supported in our schools. You know, these children often face unique challenges, especially when their families move frequently due to military service.

Programs like the Purple Star designation are important. They recognize schools that are really going above and beyond to support these students and their families. It’s about creating a solid support system, a sense of stability, for children who might experience a lot of change.

It’s worth noting that nearly every state is either already doing this or working on it. So, for us in Iowa, passing SF 275 is about keeping pace and, more importantly, ensuring that our military families know they’re valued and that their children are taken care of right here at home. It’s about showing that we’re committed to supporting them, just as they’re committed to serving our country.

Senate File 418 has been a significant point of discussion, and I wanted to share some thoughts on it. This bill is about providing clarity within our state and local entities, refining definitions in Iowa’s code, and ensuring our civil rights protections truly focus on those inherent aspects of Iowans that are unchangeable.

A key aspect of this bill is its aim to protect Iowa women and girls, ensuring they feel secure in private spaces traditionally reserved for them. This is a concern I know many Iowans share.

There’s also the taxpayer element. We’ve passed legislation to exclude sex-change operations and hormone therapies from Iowa Medicaid coverage. While this has been challenged in court, with the Good v. Iowa Department of Human Services ruling, it’s worth noting that nearly $2 million has already been spent on these procedures. This has been a concern for many Iowans.

It’s important to be clear: this bill maintains protections for all Iowans in their daily lives. As Senator Schultz emphasized, the state has a duty to provide a stable and safe environment. We believe we’re on solid legal ground in Iowa to address this situation. Seeing the challenges faced in other states, we feel it’s in Iowa’s best interest to prioritize the protection of women, children and taxpayers. We believe we have a strong rational basis for these decisions.

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Annette Sweeney, a Republican from Iowa Falls, represents District 27 in the Iowa Senate.