Under the Golden Dome, Too

Guns, drugs and taxes: Legislature still busy as it creeps towards adjournment
 
     The House continued to work toward adjournment this week as we considered the last remaining budget bill, the Standings Appropriations bill, on the House floor. That being said, most of the budget bills will now be discussed in conference committee, where the House and Senate conferees will seek compromise on the differences between our proposals.
     Included in the Standings bill are a number of important policy items that we continue to work on this session. By maintaining a responsible budget and commonsense policy initiatives, this bill strengthens Iowa’s middle class, increases public safety across our state and protects Iowa taxpayers. 
     The bill includes a provision to combat the increased spread of dangerous synthetic drugs, by reorganizing and adding additional chemicals to the synthetic drug list. Our proposal also treats simulated substances and imitation substances the same for prosecution, which is key to stopping the spread of synthetic drugs throughout the state. 
     Also included in the Standings bill is legislation to help families save for higher education. Our proposal provides an extension for individuals to contribute to a child’s 529 College Savings account. Currently a contribution must be made during the calendar year to be deducted in that tax year. This legislation allows contributions to be made on or before the tax filing deadline.  
     We also included legislation to protect Iowans from income-tax identity theft. In 2014, for the fifth consecutive year, income-tax related identity theft was the leading identity theft complaint received by the Federal Trade Commission. Criminals are stealing an individual’s personal information and using it to file a fraudulent tax return. The fraud is often not discovered until the actual person goes to file their tax return and they are not paid their refund. Our proposal would require the Department of Revenue to proactively verify identities of individuals filing tax returns. The department would also implement procedures to prevent income tax returns from being filed via foreign internet service providers. 
     For the third time this year we passed legislation to the Senate to further improve and protect Iowans’ 2nd Amendment rights. Our proposal makes it simpler to renew an individual’s carry permit, includes better protecting the privacy of permit holders, and extends the validity of a permit to purchase from one to five years. The bill also gives parents the right to decide if and when to train their child on how to safely operate a gun. Finally, the bill legalizes the use of suppressors after all federal requirements have been met. 
     During these final negotiations, we will stay focused on doing what is in the best interest of our state.
     While we all wish the job at the Capitol was complete, we know we must take the necessary time to pass a fiscally responsible budget, while meeting the needs of Iowans. We are making progress in key areas and I am hopeful final resolution will soon be reached.   
 
     If you have any feedback or questions about the issues before us, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov or 515-281-4618.