Under the Golden Dome
First Funnel Update
March 7, 2025
This week was the first legislative funnel deadline. This means a bill has to pass a committee in once chamber to remain alive for further consideration. This does not apply to budget or tax bills. The two chambers now have four weeks to debate bills on the floor and get bills from the opposite chamber through committee.
SF 418, the bill that removes gender identity from Iowa’s civil rights code, was signed into law by Governor Reynolds on February 28. It is effective on July 1. IMHCA opposed the legislation and there were over 2,500 Iowans at the Capitol on February 27 protesting it’s passage by the House and Senate.
Other notable bills that IMHCA is following on your behalf include:
• A constitutional amendment protecting a child from having to face their abuser in court
• Changes to the mental health loan repayment program. The governor has proposed one healthcare incentive program and doubling the funds. This would cover all the existing programs. The details on how the money would be equitably allocated and what, if any changes are made to the existing programs will be done through rulemaking by HHS.
• Authorization for school districts to form threat assessment teams including mental health professionals to better address school violence
• Changes to prior authorization to reduce the burden on providers
For a complete look at all the bills IMHCA worked on, including those that died in the first funnel, check out the full bill watch list below:
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HF4 – Health Benefit Plan Claims and Explanation of Benefits Act
House File 4 outlines the process for health care professionals to submit claims for reimbursement to a covered person’s primary health benefit plan before approaching any secondary plans. It also stipulates that if a covered person or their representative requests an explanation of benefits from the primary plan, it must be provided within thirty calendar days. The bill aims to streamline the claims process and ensure transparency in health care costs covered by insurance plans.
Registration: undecided
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.
Status: Dead
HF 13 – Annual Automatic Increases in Medicaid Provider Reimbursement Rates
House File 13 establishes a system for annual automatic increases in the reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers in Iowa. The Department of Health and Human Services is required to adjust the reimbursement rates every July 1, applying either the percentage increase in the consumer price index for the Midwest region or a 2.5% increase, whichever is lower. This measure aims to ensure that Medicaid providers receive fair compensation that reflects inflation and cost of living adjustments. The bill overrides any existing laws regarding inflation factors or indexing of these rates, thereby streamlining the process for annual adjustments. This initiative is intended to support the sustainability of Medicaid services and providers in the state.
Registration: For
Action: introduced, referred to health and human services. h.j. 40
Status: Dead
HF 61 – Health Services Price Transparency Act
House File 61 requires health care providers to disclose the prices for the twenty-five most common health services they offer, while hospitals must disclose prices for the seventy-five most common inpatient and outpatient services. This information must be made available in a single document on their websites and updated regularly. The price disclosures are to be provided prior to any discounts and assume no medical complications. Additionally, a disclaimer must accompany the price information, clarifying that the prices are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances. The legislation aims to improve consumer awareness and facilitate informed decision-making regarding health care services.
Registration: Undecided
Action: introduced, referred to health and human services. h.j. 62.
Status: Dead
HF 80 – Prohibition of Disciplinary Actions for Name and Pronoun Usage in Schools
House File 80 aims to protect the rights of employees, contractors, and students in Iowa’s school districts and charter schools by prohibiting disciplinary actions related to the use of legal names and the failure to use personal pronouns. The bill ensures that individuals can address others using their legal names as listed in school records without fear of punishment. Additionally, it allows individuals to refrain from disclosing or using personal pronouns in official communications without facing disciplinary measures. Violations of this legislation can lead to civil actions, including reinstatement and damages for affected employees. The bill defines ‘disciplinary action’ broadly, encompassing various forms of punishment, including termination and suspension.
Registration: Against
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.
Status: Dead
HF 90 – Iowa Continuing Education Requirements Reform
House File 90 aims to reform the continuing education requirements for licensed professionals in Iowa. It mandates that any continuing education credits must be directly related to the practice of the licensed profession. Additionally, it exempts practitioners with at least ten years of experience and a master’s or doctoral degree from renewal requirements, unless they hold an evaluator approval endorsement, which must be renewed every ten years. The bill also requires the Iowa Supreme Court to adopt rules for attorneys that align with these principles. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline and focus continuing education on relevant professional practices.
Registered: Undecided
Action: introduced, referred to state government. h.j. 100. subcommittee: lundgren, harris and srinivas. h.j. 170. subcommittee meeting: 02/06/2025 8:00am house lounge (cancelled).
Status: Dead
HF 163 – Iowa School Safety Enhancement Act
The Iowa School Safety Enhancement Act aims to improve school safety by requiring the creation of multidisciplinary threat assessment teams within school districts and accredited nonpublic schools. These teams are tasked with assessing and intervening when students exhibit behaviors that may pose a threat to safety. The bill also allows for the sharing of relevant information among covered entities, including schools and governmental agencies, to ensure that students at risk receive appropriate services. Additionally, the legislation provides immunity from civil liability for individuals who report potential threats in good faith. Overall, the act seeks to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to better protect students and staff in educational environments.
Registration: Undecided
Action: introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 01/30.
Status: Alive
HF 303 – Prior Authorization Reform and Exemption Program in Health Benefit Plans
House File 303 amends existing laws regarding prior authorizations by requiring utilization review organizations to respond to urgent and nonurgent requests within specified timeframes. It mandates annual reviews of prior authorization requirements to eliminate those that do not justify their administrative costs. Additionally, the bill establishes a pilot program for health carriers to exempt a subset of health care providers from prior authorization requirements, aiming to streamline processes and improve health care access. Health carriers must provide detailed information about the exemption program on their websites and report on its outcomes by January 15, 2027.
Registration: for
Action: bill renumbered from HSB 19. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 02/10. read first time, attached to sf 231. s.j. 336. amendment s-3015 filed. s.j. 412.
Status: Alive
HF 312 – Legislation on Psychiatric Deterioration Treatment Orders
House File 312 amends existing laws to allow courts to order treatment for individuals experiencing psychiatric deterioration, defined as an inability to recognize the need for mental health treatment and a likelihood of worsening conditions without intervention. The bill outlines specific criteria for psychiatric deterioration, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment to prevent serious mental impairment. It also makes conforming changes to various sections of the Iowa Code related to mental health treatment and hospitalization procedures. The intent is to enhance the legal framework for addressing mental health crises and ensuring appropriate care for affected individuals.
Registration: undecided
Action: bill renumbered from HF 123. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 278. read first time, referred to health and human services. s.j. 337. subcommittee meeting: 03/10/2025 12:30pm room 217 conference room.
Status: Dead
HF 313 – Amendments to Involuntary Commitment Hearing Procedures
House File 313 introduces significant changes to the procedures surrounding involuntary commitment hearings in Iowa. It allows physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to provide testimony on behalf of licensed physicians and mental health professionals, provided certain conditions are met. The bill outlines the necessary sworn statements required for such testimony and clarifies the circumstances under which the presence of the examining physician or mental health professional may be waived. Additionally, it ensures that the respondent’s attorney must assess the respondent’s capacity to waive their right to be present at the hearing. These changes aim to streamline the process and ensure that qualified professionals can contribute to the hearings even if the primary examiner is unavailable.
Registration: undecided
Action: bill renumbered from HSB 85. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 278. read first time, referred to health and human services. s.j. 337. subcommittee meeting: 03/10/2025 12:00pm senate lounge.
Status: Alive
HF 330 – Expansion of Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment
House File 330 aims to align Iowa’s insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder with the latest diagnostic standards set by the American Psychiatric Association. The bill removes the previous age limit of 21 years and eliminates the maximum benefit cap of $36,000 per year for treatment. Additionally, it ensures that coverage for applied behavior analysis is available without restrictions on the number of visits. The changes are intended to improve access to necessary treatments for individuals with autism, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive mental health care. The new provisions will take effect for policies renewed or issued after January 1, 2026.
Registration: for
Action: bill renumbered from HF 5. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 286. read first time, referred to commerce. s.j. 337. subcommittee: driscoll, trone garriott, and warme. s.j. 421.
Status: Dead
HF 383 – Legislation to Reschedule Crystalline Polymorph Psilocybin
House File 383 aims to amend the current classification of crystalline polymorph psilocybin, also known as COMP 360, by removing it from Schedule I of controlled substances once it receives approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill stipulates that the drug will be rescheduled based on FDA recommendations and its listing in the federal Controlled Substances Act. Following this rescheduling, it will become lawful to prescribe, distribute, and market the drug. This change reflects a shift in the legal status of psilocybin, which is currently categorized as a hallucinogenic substance with significant penalties for possession. The bill highlights the evolving perspective on certain controlled substances and their potential therapeutic uses.
Registration: undecided
Action: bill renumbered from HF 14. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 317.read first time, referred to health and human services. s.j. 337. subcommittee: klimesh, pike, and wahls. s.j. 394.
Status: Alive
HF 385 – Legislation on Discharge Procedures for Involuntarily Committed Persons
House File 385 amends existing laws regarding the discharge of involuntarily committed individuals from treatment facilities. It mandates that prior to discharge, facilities must refer patients to an administrative services organization for evaluation and case management, assess suicide risk, and provide a 30-day supply of prescribed medications. Additionally, a comprehensive discharge report must be provided, detailing follow-up appointments and aftercare plans. The bill also requires administrative services organizations to coordinate post-discharge care and report quarterly on outcomes. These changes aim to enhance continuity of care and support for individuals transitioning out of treatment.
Registration: undecided
Action: bill renumbered from HF 124. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 318. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 318.
Status: Alive
HF 509 – Hawki Coverage Expansion for Autism Treatment and Program Repeal
House File 509 introduces significant changes to the autism support program in Iowa. It prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from approving new applications for the program after July 1, 2025, while allowing continued treatment for those already enrolled until the program’s repeal on July 1, 2027. The bill also mandates the inclusion of applied behavior analysis services for autism treatment in qualified child health plans. Additionally, any remaining funds in the autism support fund upon repeal will be transferred to the Hawki trust fund. These changes aim to streamline autism treatment coverage under the Hawki program while phasing out the existing support program.
Registration: for
Action: bill renumbered from HSB 122. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 376
Status: Alive
HF 556 – Health Insurers’ Credentialing Process Reform
House File 556 introduces significant changes to the credentialing process for health insurers in Iowa. It mandates that health insurers respond to credentialing requests from physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, or physician assistants within 56 calendar days. If a request is denied, insurers are required to provide a written explanation for the denial. Additionally, the bill allows for an internal appeal process, followed by the option to appeal to the insurance division, particularly on grounds of network adequacy. These changes are intended to enhance transparency and efficiency in the credentialing process, ultimately improving access to health care services.
Registration: for
Action: subcommittee meeting: 03/03/2025 5:00pm rm 19. committee vote: yeas, 21. nays, 2. h.j. 525.
Status: alive
HF 573 – Amendments to Involuntary Commitment Procedures for Substance Use Disorders
House File 573 introduces significant changes to the procedures for involuntary commitment and treatment of individuals with substance use disorders in Iowa. It allows any interested person to file a verified application for commitment in any county, with jurisdiction transferred to the appropriate district court if the respondent is not located in the filing county. The bill also grants peace officers the authority to take respondents into custody for treatment in any county where they are found. Additionally, it mandates timely reporting from treatment facilities to the court regarding the respondent’s status and treatment recommendations. These changes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the involuntary commitment process.
Registration: undecided
Action: Bill renumbered from HF 139. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 416.
Status: Alive
HF 620 – Iowa Psilocybin Production and Administration Act
The Iowa Psilocybin Production and Administration Act introduces new regulations for the cultivation, testing, and administration of psilocybin, specifically targeting its use for patients with PTSD. It creates a licensing board to oversee psilocybin production establishments and qualified therapy providers, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. The bill outlines the requirements for inventory control systems, employee training, and patient management. Additionally, it sets forth penalties for violations and establishes a framework for reporting adverse events. The legislation aims to provide a structured approach to psilocybin therapy while ensuring patient safety and regulatory oversight.
Registration: watching
Action: introduced, referred to ways and means. h.j. 440.
Status: Alive
HF – 754 Iowa Health Care System Reform and Funding Model
House File 754 aims to enhance Iowa’s rural health care system by implementing a hub-and-spoke partnership funding model, which seeks approval from federal health services. The bill eliminates various health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs, consolidating resources into a new health care professional incentive program designed to recruit and retain health care professionals in underserved areas. The legislation also includes provisions for loan repayments and the management of funds related to these changes. By streamlining existing programs and focusing on incentives, the bill intends to improve health care delivery and access in rural communities. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment.
Registration: for
Action: bill renumbered from HSB 191. introduced, referred to appropriations. h.j. 03/05. introduced, referred to appropriations. h.j. 514.
Status: Alive
HJR 9 – Iowa Constitutional Amendment on Witness Confrontation Rights
House Joint Resolution 9 seeks to amend Article I of the Iowa Constitution by adding a new section that allows for the limitation of an accused’s right to confront witnesses who are children under the age of eighteen or who have mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental disabilities. The intent of this amendment is to enhance the protection of vulnerable witnesses during legal proceedings. If adopted, the amendment will be published and referred to the next general assembly for further consideration before being submitted to voters for ratification. This legislative change reflects a growing recognition of the need to safeguard the well-being of children and individuals with disabilities in the judicial process.
Registration: for
Action: bill renumbered from HSB 35. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 422
Status: Alive
HSB 84 – Prohibits inclusion of LGBTQ material through high school
House Study Bill 84 amends existing educational regulations in Iowa by extending the prohibition of programs, curricula, tests, surveys, and instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation to students in grades seven through twelve. Previously, this prohibition applied only to students in kindergarten through grade six. The bill aims to restrict discussions and teachings on these topics within the specified grade levels, impacting how schools approach education on human growth and development. The legislation reflects ongoing debates about educational content and parental rights in the context of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Registration: Against
Action: subcommittee: wheeler, levin and stone. h.j. 225. subcommittee recommends passage.
Status: Dead
SF 156 – Bathroom bill for all state facilities
Iowa Senate File 156 introduces regulations concerning the designation and use of private spaces within public entity facilities. It defines ‘biological sex’ and ‘private space,’ requiring that such spaces be used exclusively by individuals of the same biological sex. The bill outlines exceptions for custodial, maintenance, medical, and assistance purposes, as well as provisions for children under ten. Violations of this law can result in misdemeanor charges, with increased penalties for offenses committed for sexual gratification. Additionally, state entities that fail to comply may face civil penalties, and residents can file complaints with the attorney general for enforcement.
Registration: Against
Action: introduced, referred to state government. s.j. 259. subcommittee: rozenboom, schultz, and staed
Status: Dead
SF 231 – Prior Authorization and Utilization Review Reform Act
Senate File 231 introduces significant changes to the prior authorization process for health care services in Iowa. It mandates that utilization review organizations respond to urgent requests within 48 hours and nonurgent requests within 10 days, with allowances for complex cases. Additionally, organizations must conduct annual reviews of prior authorization requirements and eliminate those that do not justify their administrative costs. The bill also requires detailed reporting on approval and denial rates for prior authorization requests, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency in health care delivery. Complaints regarding compliance can be directed to the insurance division, which will handle them confidentially.
Registration: for
Action: bill renumbered from SSB 1016. attached to hf 303. s.j. 336. amendment s-3014 filed. s.j. 412.
Status: Alive
SF 418 – Regulation of Sex and Gender Terminology in Law
Senate File 418 aims to clarify the definitions of sex and gender within Iowa law, asserting that ‘sex’ refers strictly to biological classifications of male and female as determined at birth. The bill removes references to gender identity in various legal contexts, thereby reinforcing traditional definitions of gender roles and relationships. It mandates that vital records reflect these definitions and prohibits discrimination based on sex while maintaining separate accommodations based on biological sex. The legislation also restricts educational curricula related to gender theory for younger students, emphasizing a biological understanding of sex over gender identity. Overall, the bill seeks to align state law with a specific interpretation of sex and gender, potentially impacting various sectors including education and healthcare.
Registration: against
Action: s.j. 397.explanation of vote. s.j. 397. Signed by governor
Status: Signed by Governor
SF 474 – Legislation on Youth Services and Behavioral Health Evaluations
The proposed legislation updates the definitions and requirements for psychiatric medical institutions for children, emphasizing the need for accreditation by recognized organizations. It introduces new provisions for behavioral health evaluations and physical assessments, ensuring that youth receive appropriate care without unnecessary legal barriers. The bill also clarifies the confidentiality of records and the conditions under which information can be disclosed. Additionally, it aims to streamline the licensing process for facilities providing services to youth with mental health and substance use disorders. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the quality of care and support available to youth in need.
Registration: undecided
Action: bill renumbered from SSB 1120. introduced, placed on calendar. committee report, approving bill. s.j. 395.
Status: Alive
SF 484 – Expansion of Hawki Coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis Services
Senate File 484 proposes to amend existing law to add coverage for applied behavior analysis services for children under the Hawki program. The bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval. It also requires the medical assistance advisory council to adopt rules that ensure these services are included as a benefit in qualified child health plans. This initiative is intended to enhance access to necessary behavioral health services for children, aligning with federal regulations under Title XXI of the Social Security Act.
Registration: for
Action: introduced, referred to health and human services. introduced, referred to health and human services. s.j. 391.
Status: Dead
SSB 1057 – Iowa Constitutional Amendment on Witness Confrontation Rights
The proposed amendment aims to enhance the protection of vulnerable witnesses, including children under eighteen and those with mental or developmental disabilities, by allowing the law to limit the accused’s right to confront them in court. This change seeks to balance the rights of the accused with the need to protect sensitive witnesses from potential trauma during legal proceedings. If adopted, the amendment will be published and referred to the next general assembly for further consideration before being submitted to voters for ratification. The resolution reflects a growing recognition of the need to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable individuals involved in the judicial process.
Registration: for
Action: committee report approving bill, renumbered as sjr 9.
Status: Alive
SSB 1177 – Rescheduling of Crystalline Polymorph Psilocybin in Iowa
Senate Study Bill 1177 aims to amend Iowa’s controlled substances law by removing crystalline polymorph psilocybin, also known as COMP 360, from Schedule I upon its approval by the FDA. The bill stipulates that once rescheduled, it will be lawful to prescribe, distribute, and market this pharmaceutical composition. Currently, psilocybin is classified as a hallucinogenic substance with severe penalties for possession. This legislative change reflects a shift towards recognizing the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, contingent on federal approval and recommendations.
Registration: undecided
Action: subcommittee: klimesh, rowley, and wahls.subcommittee: klimesh, rowley, and wahls.
Status: Dead