Connecting Public Dollars to Charitable Services

This week several pieces of Local Government legislation were passed by the Iowa House. House File (HF) 2264 helps connect public dollars to charitable services that benefit local communities provided by religious groups. Counties and townships are not allowed to directly appropriate public funds to institutions, schools, or associations under ecclesiastical or sectarian management, so HF 2079 would allow public funds to be given to these groups for projects and programs that benefit the public. These programs are meal services, homeless shelters, etc. The bill specifies that the group receiving the funds cannot require participation in religious services or educational programs to receive benefits.

This bill is another tool for local governments to use public dollars to help those in their communities who need assistance. HF 2269 provides more freedom for local governments to set salaries as they see fit for assessors who are filling an unexpired vacancy. The legislation clarifies Iowa Code so that when an assessor leaves the position before the term has expired, the local conference board may establish a new salary for the newly appointed assessor. There could be scenarios where the experience and qualifications of the assessor could be significantly different, making it appropriate to adjust the salary.  HF 2446 provides for a military service filing fee waiver on specific documents for qualified businesses that have a veteran or enlisted member as an interest holder in the business. 

HF 2249 proposes to add unlicensed fur trapping privileges for youth under 16 years of age if they are accompanied by an adult with a fur harvesting/trapping license. 

HF 2185 removes the requirement that the name and address of a vehicle’s previous owner be listed on a motor vehicle title. DOT and county treasurers, however, would maintain this information in their records with other information related to that vehicle.  HF 2539 increases fines for violations of Open Meeting laws and removal from office for a repeat offense. Requires all elected and appointed members of governmental bodies to complete an education course for Open Meeting and Public Information law compliance.