Rep. Joel Fry, R-Osceola, released information on a few notable bills that were passed during the 2014 legislative session which went effect on July 1, 2014.
“I believe this session we were able to pass laws that give Iowans the opportunity to make family life more affordable, upward mobility more likely and employment easier to find,” Fry said. “I look forward to meeting with Iowans and gather their input for the next legislative session.”
According to Fry, the following is a brief list of bills that will take effect July 1:
Operational Sharing Incentives – House File 2271
This law creates new operational sharing incentives for school districts that share specific positions. It extends current sharing incentives but places new parameters on the program and adds new positions to be eligible. This will help make Iowa’s school districts more efficient.
Human Trafficking Protections – Senate File 2311
This law protects children who are involved in prostitution by allowing people under 19, who have been forced into prostitution, to be assisted by the Department of Human Services.
Volunteer Emergency Worker Tax Credit – House File 2459
This law increases the current tax credit for volunteer fire fighters and volunteer emergency medical services personnel from $50 to $100. It also adds reserve peace officers to the list of eligible recipients.
Adoption Tax Credit – House File 2468
This law creates an individual income tax credit for qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred in connection with the adoption of a child.
Home Base Iowa Package – Senate File 303
The Home Base Iowa Act is designed to attract veterans back to Iowa and ensure they have opportunities to be successful when they return.
This new law includes: exempting retirement pay received for military service from the state individual income tax, exempting military survivor benefits from income tax, allowing private sector employers to grant preference in hiring for veterans, requiring licensing boards provide credit towards licensure for veterans with appropriate military training, requiring community colleges, regent universities and private colleges file certain reports on education credits awarded to veterans, and expanding the disabled veteran property tax credit (Senate File 2352).
A more detailed list of laws can be found at www.iowahouserepublicans.com