Capitol Update

(May 10, 2025) This will likely be the second-to-last "Session Update," as we expect to wrap up our remaining work this coming week when we return to Des Moines on Monday.

This week, House and Senate Republicans reached a budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2026, setting a responsible spending target that reflects our shared priorities and continued commitment to Iowa taxpayers.

The total budget for FY 2026 is $9.425 billion, an increase of $478.1 million over the current fiscal year’s budget of $8.947 billion. This represents a 5.34% increase over FY 2025, balancing fiscal discipline with strategic investments in key areas that matter to Iowans.

In addition to the general fund allocations, several important priorities will be funded through the Sports Wagering Fund, including:

$14 million for Paraeducator Pay

$5 million for the Special Education Division within the Iowa Department of Education

$8 million for the Public Safety Equipment Fund

$1.5 million for the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for volunteer emergency responders

Some budget bills are expected to be passed through the Senate today but since the House is not debating today, it is expected that we will be moving them next week.

Governor signs Public Safely Bills

As session heads to overtime, the Governor is signing policy bills that have been successfully approved by both chambers. Below are recently signed bills that originated in the House Public Safety committee.

House File 793- Firefighter Regulations

House File 793 is a new law that will change the rules for firefighter training and certification. By Jan. 1, 2026, the Iowa Department of Public Safety will make new rules that prohibit anyone on the sex offender registry from becoming a certified fire fighter. This also means they cannot work as a non-certified fire fighter or a volunteer fire fighter.

SF 296- Emergency Care for Police Dogs

Senate File 296 allows emergency medical responders to provide immediate veterinary care to police service dogs that are injured while on duty. The law states that these responders can help a police dog if it has a severe injury and needs urgent care to stabilize its condition before a veterinarian can take over.

However, responders are not required to provide this care, and they won't be held responsible if they act reasonably and in good faith. They must first ensure that any human at the scene receives the necessary medical attention before helping the dog. Additionally, if the equipment they need for the dog is required for a human or is sent elsewhere, they cannot use it on the dog. Lastly, injured police dogs cannot be transported in emergency medical vehicles.

SF 106- Carrying Firearms on Snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles

Senate File 106 modifies the regulations regarding the possession and use of firearms while operating snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Iowa. The bill allows individuals to carry loaded firearms on their snowmobiles or ATVs without needing a permit, as long as they are on land that they own, rent, or possess, and their actions are lawful. The bill also makes changes to help non-ambulatory hunters.

Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has posted entry applications for the Aug. 11th Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade on the departmental website at dva.iowa.gov.

All veterans and supporters are invited to participate with an application.

This year's theme is the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War, and Vietnam veterans will be at the heart of the parade. Those who choose can ride at the front of the parade, but all will be recognized as group 'Grand Marshals' instead of the usual one or two select individuals normally assigned that honor.

A link to the application is in an 'alert' at the top of the department web page, and will appear on every page of the site. The deadline for entry applications is Aug. 1st. Interested groups can access the application from the web site, or download it directly with the button below.

Who: All Iowa Veterans & Supporters, especially Vietnam Veterans.

What: Annual Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade Entry Applications are available at https://dva.iowa.gov or the button below.

When: Application deadline is Aug. 1 for the August 11th parade

Where: Applications can be downloaded from dva.iowa.gov or the button below. The parade will be on the traditional route (main concourse south of the Grandstand) at the Iowa State Fair Grounds.

Iowa’s Pesticide Immunity Bill draws national criticism

I typically focus this newsletter on state-level issues and legislation directly affecting our House district, however, a recent national development underscored a concern I have long held and ties directly into an important debate we’ve had here in Iowa.

Over the past two years, I have publicly and strongly opposed a Senate-backed bill that would shield pesticide manufacturers from liability — even in cases where harm is alleged — so long as the pesticide was registered with the EPA and used according to label instructions. I oppose this legislation for many reason but especially because I believe this kind of blanket legal immunity is dangerous and fails to prioritize the health and safety of Iowans.

Just this week, former President Trump named Dr. Casey Means as the new U.S. Surgeon General. Dr. Means has made powerful, pointed remarks about policies like this — calling out Iowa specifically and those who support such immunity as placing corporate interests over public health.

Given how directly her comments speak to the issue we’ve been debating here at home, I wanted to share some of her words with you below. As always, I welcome your thoughts and remain committed to protecting the well-being of our communities.

“In the Iowa Senate vote that passed on March 26, advancing the pesticide liability shield (Senate File 394), the push was led by Republicans, including Mike Bousselot (R-Ankeny). Iowa has the second highest rate of cancer in the U.S. Iowa is one of the top five highest pesticide-using states."

“To the Republican (and Democratic) lawmakers supporting these pesticide liability shield bills: you are on the wrong side of history. Did you not get the memo on MAHA? What are you doing?”

"Over 170,000+ cases have been filed against Roundup alone, and all those cases for people whose lives have been destroyed by these chemicals will likely be dropped if this legislation goes through. Zero recourse.”

“Front groups for agrochemical corporations like “Modern Ag Alliance” — which was created by Bayer — A German company — are claiming these bills will “protect” American farmers and keep food prices low, which is a lie. They are using relentless advertising: billboards, full-page ads in the @nytimes and @WSJ, and paid marketing on social media to confuse the conversation.”

“This is the same playbook as the horrific 1986 Childhood Vaccine Liability Act, which shielded vaccine manufacturers from being sued for adverse effects and deaths from vaccines. What happened after that? A literal explosion in the number of vaccines on the CDC schedule (to over 70 vaccines per child) and a complete, full-court suppression of the science showing known harms.”

“I believe the same thing will happen with pesticides: we will see a massive increase in use, as these companies will have no risk...”

“What people don't understand is that the companies making most of the poisonous agrochemicals used in the United States are NOT U.S.-based companies — they are Chinese, German, and Swiss-owned companies...”

“Also, in case you weren’t aware, these pesticide companies ghostwrite papers claiming their chemicals are safe. Just like the tobacco industry did. Just like vaccine and pharmaceutical companies have done.”

** Note from Rep. Hayes: Senator Bousselot recently announced his exploratory campaign for the 2026 Governors race with support from former Gov. Terry Branstad. "I’m encouraged to see Mike Bousselot considering a run for Governor," said former Gov. Terry Branstad in a statement released by Bousselot’s office. "Mike has the work ethic, vision, and character necessary to lead Iowa to an even brighter future."

PBM Reform Update

There has continued to be extended and detailed discussion on the PBM reform bill — and especially whether to pass it out of the House with or without a proposed amendment by one of the members. It is my hope and intention to see this bill passed Monday.

Turning Thoughts Back Home

As the legislative session stretches into “overtime,” it is common for members to feel the pull of home and a desire to refocus on their districts. Personally, I am looking forward to returning to some of life’s simple joys — picking more asparagus while tending the garden, hatching chicks, spending time with family, and getting in long training runs as I prepare for the Dam to DSM half marathon. Of course, there’s plenty of work waiting for me both at home and throughout the district, but just being back logistically closer to home will allow me to enjoy these wonderful pleasures of life.

Reach Out Anytime

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have. I love to hear from you and want to represent you accurately!

Website: https://www.helenaforhouse.com

Email: helena.hayes@legis.iowa.gov

Phone: 515.281.3221