“Today, I signed an Executive Order to officially launch our own Iowa DOGE Task Force to continue the work we began with our state government alignment,” Gov. Reynolds said. "This group will make recommendations on maximizing return on taxpayer investment, further refining our workforce and job training programs, and leveraging technology, such as artificial intelligence."

“In manufacturing, we continuously review and improve every day—moving layouts, switching machines for pieces to be made, and integrating technology—all which lead to better employee engagement," Schmitt said. "Establishing the Iowa DOGE taskforce is a natural next step in the continuation of all these principles. I trust that the outcomes of this taskforce will be felt by all Iowans.”

Education remains a top priority for lawmakers in the Iowa House of Representatives. House Study Bill 84 advanced out of subcommittee this week with a 2-1 vote, which would expand the law signed in 2023 that currently bans instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation through sixth grade. If passed, the prohibition would be extended through high school. The 2023 law is currently being challenged in courts as unconstitutional.

On February 7th, the Iowa Board of Education unanimously approved rules requiring schools to remove books depicting sex acts. The ban was included in the 2023 legislation. The approved rules require a school library program to only have “age-appropriate materials, and that supports the student achievement goals of the total school curriculum”. Schools are also not allowed to “provide any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender identity or sexual orientation to students in kindergarten through grade six.” The rules will go into effect April 9th, however schools have been expected to follow the law since the 2023 bill went into effect.

In the Senate, Senate File 138 was introduced by four Republican legislators to allow Iowa’s public schools to offer an elective social studies course on the Bible for students in grades 9-12. The bill advanced out of subcommittee with a 2-1 vote on Thursday.

The Governor’s proposal to limit cell phone use in K -12 schools received support from subcommittee’s in both the House and Senate. House Study Bill 106 and Senate Study Bill 1065 would direct the Department of Education to provide guidance to school districts regarding a cell phone restriction policy. The legislation is eligible for consideration by both the House and Senate Education Committees.

Employee Drug Testing: House Study Bill 26 makes changes to private sector employee drug testing to shift the burden of proof from the employer to the employee in legal action alleging that an employer has unfairly requested or required a drug or alcohol test. The bill advanced out of the House Labor and Workforce Committee with a 10-6 vote.

Workforce Housing Tax Credits: House Study Bill 129 increases the Workforce Housing Tax Incentive Program maximum from $35 million to $50 million and increases the allocation reserved for projects in small cities from $17.5 million to $25 million. The bill advanced out of subcommittee on Wednesday.

Hands-Free: House Study Bill 64 expands Iowa’s hands-free law to prohibit any use of an electronic device while driving unless the device is in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. HSB 64 advanced out of the House Transportation Committee with a unanimous vote.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers: House Study Bill 99 places additional regulations on pharmacy benefit managers and prohibits a PBM from reimbursing a pharmacy for an amount less than the national average drug acquisition cost or the Iowa average acquisition cost. The House Commerce Committee unanimously approved the bill on Tuesday. The Senate approved a companion bill in subcommittee last week.

Next week: The Senate will consider Senate File 167 again after the House amended the legislation on Thursday. SF 167 sets Supplemental State Aid (SSA) at 2.25%, the Senate previously approved 2% on February 11th. The legislature is required to adopt SSA 30 days after the Governor’s Condition of the State address.

The first funnel deadline where bills must be passed out of committee in their originating chamber to remain eligible is March 7.