2021 Legislative Session

State workplace safety regulators sent a letter last week to the Republican leaders of the Iowa Legislature that says conditions at the Statehouse “may expose workers to COVID-19 hazards.”

IPR Morning Edition host Clay Masters talks with IPR state government reporter Katarina Sostaric about some of the differences between the Iowa House and Senate when it comes to budget negotiations.

A week after House committees presented appropriations budgets, the Senate followed. There are a few differences between the two chambers and they must be resolved for the budget bills to pass. Two of the governor’s appointees are in danger of not being confirmed by the Senate. Confirmation requires two-thirds majority and if Democrats unite in opposition, an appointee will be removed from their position.

The Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday evening that expands protections for police, raises penalties for protest-related crimes, and makes other wide-ranging changes related to law enforcement.

IPR Morning Edition host Clay Masters checks in with IPR state government reporter Katarina Sostaric about some of the major issues at the Iowa Statehouse in the last week.

This week, the Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill allowing third-party services to deliver beer, wine, or liquor to a customer’s home. Grants to increase faster internet service received unanimous support in the Senate and House, and the House appropriations committee advanced budgets to be debated in the chamber.

Black Lives Matter activists protested at the Iowa Capitol Thursday against legislation that would increase police protections, raise penalties for protest-related crimes, and limit diversity and inclusion lessons. State troopers arrested an 18-year-old protester during the event.

The leader of the labor union representing Iowa corrections officers says a proposed budget increase for next year is not enough to provide safe working conditions in Iowa prisons.

The Iowa Department of Education has postponed its “Social Justice and Equity in Education Conference” in response to GOP-backed legislation that would ban teaching certain “divisive concepts” in government agency diversity training and school curriculum.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law at the very end of last week that will allow Iowans to buy or carry a concealed handgun without a permit.