It’s hard to believe we just finished week 14. As we enter the last few weeks of the legislative session, much of the focus will shift to considering budget items including Appropriations and Ways and Means bills. This week, the House saw a significant number of bills on the floor and some highlights are below.

• Economic Relief for Iowans

I am thankful that some bills I co-sponsored to provide relief to families and people on fixed incomes have passed the Ways and Means Committee and will be eligible to be debated by the House. These bills include:

House File 963 would eliminate the sales tax on laundry detergent, House File 964 would eliminate the sales tax on toilet paper and House File 966 would eliminate the sales tax on dietary supplements. These are common household items that aren’t already exempt from the sales tax. Our goal is that these would provide relief to Iowa families.

House File 965 increases the adoption tax credit from $5,000 to $20,000. The heartbreaking reality is that the high cost of adoption can prevent a child from a loving family who wants to give them a home. This legislation is needed to encourage more strong families and set kids born into tough situations up for a successful, happy life.

House File 962 eliminates the income maximum threshold to qualify for the Iowa child and dependent care tax credit.

• Governor Signs County Supervisor Representation Bill

Last week, the Governor signed into law Senate File 75, which was the first bill that I filed. The new law requires counties with a regent university to adopt and use “plan three” for board of supervisor representation. Plan three requires counties to draw districts, similar to how legislative and congressional districts are, and require a supervisor to live in and be elected by the residents of that district. This legislation will improve representation at the county level.

By using Plan Three in these counties, the law promotes a more equitable representation structure. This is particularly important in areas with transient populations, as it allows for better representation of all county residents and not just the majority in the campus towns.

• Week 14 House Highlights

House File 1012: Governor’s Disaster Relief Bill – House File 1012 ensures the state is better prepared to provide relief to Iowans facing natural disaster in the future based on the lessons we have learned.

House File 969: Cancer Coverage and Screening for First Responders – Expands cancer coverage for our first responders who are exposed to carcinogens while they risk their lives to protect us.

House File 165: Civics Test for All High School Graduates — This bill requires high school students to pass a civics test based on the U.S. citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test in order to graduate.

Senate File 277: Chronic Absenteeism Fixes — This bill incorporates feedback from schools and parents on some changes that were necessary to this policy.

SF 460 — Home Inspectors — This bill outlines requirements for independent home inspectors including registration or licensure, written information provided to the customer, insurance coverage, and violations that constitute an unlawful practice.

House File 876 — Lead Service Line Disclosure — Adds lead service lines to real estate disclosures.

REAL ID Enforcement Date Approaching: What Iowans Need to Know

Starting on May 7, 2025, all travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card or another acceptable document (like a passport) to board domestic commercial flights. A REAL ID will also be required to access certain federal buildings or enter nuclear facilities. If you need clarification about entry into federal facilities, we recommend contacting the specific federal facility directly before your visit.

You do NOT need a REAL ID to: Drive; Vote; Purchase alcohol or cigarettes; Access hospitals; Visit the post office; Access federal courts; Apply for or receive federal benefits such as social security or veterans’ benefits

When to get a REAL ID:

Iowans who fly commercially or visit certain federal buildings should obtain a REAL ID soon to avoid any issues or delays after the May 7, 2025 enforcement date. Appointments are highly encouraged and can be scheduled through the Iowa DOT Service Selector (or go to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website at IowaDOT.gov and search appointments).

If you are not flying or visiting a federal facility that requires a REAL ID until later in the year, you can wait to get your REAL ID. We strongly recommend getting it two months in advance of when you need to use it.

How to Check If You Have a REAL ID:

Check the upper-right corner of your driver’s license or ID. If there is a gold star, you have a REAL ID. If the upper-right corner is blank or reads “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES,” then your ID is not REAL ID-compliant. For examples, visit the Iowa DOT REAL ID page (or go to the DOT’s website at IowaDOT.gov and search REAL ID).

Need a REAL ID? Here’s How to Get One:

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant credential, visit the Iowa DOT REAL ID website (or go to the DOT’s website at IowaDOT.gov and search REAL ID) for details on required documentation. This site will put together a checklist for you on the documents you need. To meet the federal requirements, just remember 1-1-2. You will need:

1 document that proves your identity and date of birth.

1 document that proves your social security number.

2 documents that prove Iowa residence and residential address.

*Name change documents (if applicable, marriage certificate/divorce decree, etc.)

Please reach out to me about any questions, concerns or suggestions at brett.barker@legis.iowa.gov.