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Iowa House panel advances bill limiting release of police mugshots

A subcommittee in the Iowa House passed a bill restricting public access to mugshots of arrested individuals until after conviction, with certain public safety exceptions. Lobbyists expressed concerns over potential issues in the bill’s language and recommended amendments. The bill aims to protect arrested individuals from judgment before legal proceedings. Continue reading Iowa House panel advances bill limiting release of police mugshots

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State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

South Dakota faces potential lawsuits from McCook Lake property owners due to severe flood damage linked to state flood diversion efforts. Residents allege inadequate warning and communication about the risks as authorities diverted floodwaters, resulting in devastation. State officials defended their actions while acknowledging the gravity of the situation and ongoing legal concerns. Continue reading State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

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Trump lawsuit targeting Register’s Iowa Poll is off base

Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against J. Ann Selzer and the Des Moines Register, claiming a poll showing Kamala Harris leading in Iowa constituted election interference. While Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds endorsed Ron DeSantis, asserting Trump couldn’t win, the lawsuit raises questions about the validity of these claims amidst conflicting poll results. Continue reading Trump lawsuit targeting Register’s Iowa Poll is off base

Iowa revokes license of nurse imprisoned for massive insurance-fraud scheme

The Iowa Board of Nursing revoked Elizabeth Hernandez’s nursing license after her indictment for a Medicare fraud scheme that cost insurers $192 million. Convicted of multiple federal charges, she collected $1.6 million through fraudulent telemedicine practices. Another nurse, Ashley Brown, settled allegations involving unnecessary prescriptions and kickbacks. Continue reading Iowa revokes license of nurse imprisoned for massive insurance-fraud scheme

Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises vs. Raimondo has overturned the 40-year precedent known as the Chevron doctrine, limiting deference to federal agency expertise. This ruling will impact farmers and ranchers in South Dakota, allowing them better standing to challenge agency rules. The decision is expected to lead to more consistency in regulations and an increase in lawsuits over federal regulations. Continue reading Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years

Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’

The Iowa Supreme Court upheld a jury’s $4.75 million award to Vagts Dairy for damages caused by electrical currents from a nearby gas pipeline. The dairy’s cattle suffered abnormal behavior, illnesses, and high mortality rates. The court’s decision rejected the gas company’s appeal, emphasizing the severity of the damages and supporting the jury’s verdict. Continue reading Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’

Iowa GOP reaction to Trump verdict misses the key point

Iowa’s top Republicans unanimously criticized the guilty verdict against Donald Trump, but none declared his innocence. The focus was on the trial being politically motivated, raising concerns about their views on the American legal system. State Auditor Rob Sand emphasized respect for juries, highlighting the importance of citizen judgment, which is crucial beyond political implications. Continue reading Iowa GOP reaction to Trump verdict misses the key point

Judge holds Iowa Department of Corrections in contempt for violating order

The Iowa Department of Corrections was fined $1,500 for contempt of court after violating a judge’s order on inmate access to adult materials. The inmates’ lawsuit alleged denial of access to content with nudity or sexual explicitness. The DOC’s actions were deemed willful, resulting in multiple violations of the court order. (Word count: 50) Continue reading Judge holds Iowa Department of Corrections in contempt for violating order

Your guide to which bills survived the first legislative ‘funnel’ (and which didn’t)

Most of the priority bills proposed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republican legislators made it through the first major deadline for the 2024 legislative session. But the details of many of those major bills are still subject to change in the coming weeks.

In her Condition of the State speech in January, Reynolds laid out goals to make significant changes to Iowa’s Area Education Agencies and the state’s mental health care system. She also announced plans to merge or cut many of the state’s boards and commissions.

Lawmakers moved bills on these issues, and many more, through the committee process in the past week. Most legislation had to be passed by a committee in at least one chamber by the end of “funnel week” to remain eligible for consideration during the session.

Here’s a rundown of some of the notable bills that survived – and some that did not – during the first funnel week: Continue reading Your guide to which bills survived the first legislative ‘funnel’ (and which didn’t)