(Des Moines, Iowa) – Griswold District 18 Republican Representative Thomas Moore, Thursday, issued a summary of bills that passed this week, and other matters discussed in the Iowa House.

Moore says 24-bills passed the House, with 21 passing with bipartisan support. Topping his list of bills that passed, was Teacher Empowerment (HF604), which passed Wednesday afternoon.

It includes teacher whistleblower protection, and lays out a 3 strike system for student discipline. First offense, meet with school counselor and one day of in-school suspension. Second offense, meet with school counselor and 5 days of in-school suspension. Third offense, remove student from that class and if in high school, not receive credit for that class.

In summary, Moore says, the bill includes authorizing the ombudsman to investigate complaints received by individuals who hold a license, certificate, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners, modifying the responsibilities of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, and authorizing teachers employed by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, or charter schools to remove disruptive students from the classroom.

Another bill that passed dealt with Eminent Domain. HF565 relates to the CO2 Pipeline utility construction project requirements, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

“It is my belief ,” Moore said, “that the pipelines will still go forward even with the increased regulations.. The bill requires a liquefied carbon dioxide pipeline company to get voluntary easements for 90% of the affected route miles before being granted the right to use eminent domain. It says the IUB (Iowa Utilities Board) shall not grant a liquefied carbon dioxide pipeline company the right of eminent domain unless 90% of the affected route miles have been achieved through voluntary easement. The company shall submit regular reports on its progress in acquiring voluntary easements as determined by the board.

Other bills that passed through the House the past few days include (But are not limited to):

·     HF253, which allows charter school students to participate in activities in their resident district if their charter school doesn’t offer an extracurricular activity. Charter school students will be counted as 1/10 of a pupil in the school district.

·     HF349 that makes changes to the probation code section. It allows a person on probation to earn credit for working, education, and staying in compliance with probation requirements.

·     HF595 increases penalties for fentanyl related crimes and for those who manufacture or possess controlled substances around a minor. It enhances the sentence for a person who causes the death of another through controlled substance use and doesn’t seek medical help. It also expands who can provide and possess opioid antagonists.

Representative Moore can be reached at tom.moore@legis.iowa.gov and (712) 789-9954.