Fifth week is done, and first funnel is here. Friday is the deadline and that means it is do or die for bills that haven’t passed out of a committee.
State revenue rose in January, a surprising result after a full year of income tax reductions not to mention two blizzards keeping Iowans indoors for a good chunk of the month. Through the first seven months of the fiscal year, net General Fund receipts are 2.1 percent higher than in Fiscal Year 2023 according to the monthly revenue analysis from the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency. This figure is ahead of the latest forecast from the Revenue Estimating Conference. Last December, the three-member panel projected state revenue would decline by 1.3 percent for the fiscal year.
This week, the House Commerce Committee unanimously passed House Study Bill 640 related to Pharmacy Benefit Managers. PBMs are the entity between health insurers and drug manufacturers, who process prescription medication claims on behalf of the insurer or employer. This bill prohibits discrimination by PBMs against pharmacies, requires profits from spread-pricing to go back to the employer/insurer, and requires an appeals process for pharmacies that are unable to acquire drugs at the reimbursement rate from the PBM.
This week, the House Health and Human Services Committee advanced House Study Bill 502 unanimously. This bill provides for an enhanced rate for psychiatric medical institutions that care for children with specialized needs. The children’s mental health facilities often must turn away difficult children that require additional support because of cost. This bill will ensure that those kids with specialized needs like a history of aggression, diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disability, or those with sexualized behaviors are cared for and receive treatment. This bill also makes many regulatory changes that PMICS have noted as barriers to providing care. The legislature has prioritized expanding access to mental health care in Iowa over the last 6 years and will continue to work on this important issue.
The House Public Safety Committee has been hard at work on legislation before the first funnel deadline, HF 2080 allows a federal firearms licensee to enter into an agreement with an individual firearm owner to take possession of their firearms for a limited time. The FFL would also be protected from any liability when they legally return the firearms. This temporary agreement allows those suffering with a mental health crisis to have firearms held securely while they seek treatment.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of IDALS’ Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program was created by the Department and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively. To be included for recognition in 2024, completed applications must be postmarked or received by IDALS by June 1, 2024. The ceremonies honoring the 2024 Century and Heritage Farm families will be held on August 15, 2024, in the historic Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair. To apply, download and complete the application found on IDALS’ website.
You can reach me at Ray.Sorensen@legis.iowa.gov. Thank you, counties of Adair, Madison, Dallas, Clarke and Union, for allowing me to represent you at our Capitol.
OUR LIBERTIES WE PRIZE AND OUR RIGHTS WE WILL MAINTAIN!