Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers appear close on a budget deal for the state’s judicial branch. The state House approved a budget yesterday that gives the judiciary a budget of more than $167 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. That’s an increase of nearly $6 million over the current year.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Republican-majority Iowa House has approved legislation that would change collective bargaining rules. House lawmakers included the provision in a broad spending bill they approved yesterday. State employees would have to pay 20 percent of their health insurance premiums under the proposal.

MONTICELLO, Iowa (AP) — A snowstorm has delayed repair on a ruptured propane line in eastern Iowa that caused the evacuation of several homes. Crew and equipment hired to fix the line were delayed in Minnesota by poor road conditions. The strong winds are helping disperse the spewing gas. Authorities say a farmer on a tractor struck the above-ground pipeline Wednesday near Monticello.

CLARKSVILLE, Iowa (AP) — One man has been killed and two others injured in a two-vehicle crash in northern Iowa. The roadway was wet with slush at the time of the accident yesterday on Highway 188 near Clarksville. Edward Eilers died after his northbound SUV was struck by an oncoming van. The accident is being investigated.