The third week of the legislative session was in full swing, with a packed schedule of subcommittee meetings and a steady flow of visitors advocating for important causes. We had the privilege of meeting with students from Des Moines University, volunteer firefighters, epilepsy advocates, and many engaged constituents who took the time to visit the Capitol and speak with legislators. These conversations are vital in shaping policies that impact our communities, and we appreciate everyone who participated.
Celebrating National School Choice Week
This week, we joined families across the country in celebrating National School Choice Week. Education remains a top priority, and we are proud of the progress Iowa has made in expanding educational opportunities for all students.
Thanks to the Students First Act, passed in 2022, Iowa parents now have the ability to choose the best academic path for their children. This program has received overwhelming support and is helping families across the state. School choice not only empowers parents but also drives improvements in education by fostering competition and innovation, even benefiting public schools. We will continue to support policies that give every child the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or zip code.
Casino Moratorium
This week, the Senate Local Government Committee passed Senate Study Bill 1069 which creates a moratorium on new casino licenses in Iowa. The bill states that no more than 19 gambling licenses may be issued in the state until July 1, 2030. During this period, new licenses will only be available in counties where a casino or racetrack was already in operation as of January 1, 2025.
The bill also grants the Racing and Gaming Commission authority to allow a licensed casino to relocate within the same county, issue a new license if a facility is sold, or issue a new license if an existing one is surrendered or revoked. This measure is designed to ensure stability in Iowa’s gaming industry while giving policymakers time to assess the impact of current gambling operations on the state economy and communities.
Cracking Down on Ticket Scalping Bots
A bill addressing the use of ticket scalping bots is making its way through the legislature, aiming to protect consumers from unfair ticket-buying practices. The legislation would prohibit the use of automated programs, or bots, to purchase tickets in bulk beyond the posted limit. It would also prevent individuals from using multiple accounts, IP addresses, or email addresses to bypass purchasing restrictions and would block efforts to circumvent security features such as presale codes, waitlists, or sales limits.
To enforce these regulations, ticket sellers would be required to report known violations to the Attorney General within five days. The Attorney General would have exclusive authority to enforce the law, with penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. This legislation is an important step in ensuring fairness in ticket sales and making sure fans have a fair chance to attend their favorite events without facing inflated resale prices from scalpers.
This week, I was visited by local towing company owners who shared their thoughts on Senate Study Bill 1038.
Your voice is essential in shaping our policies and ensuring they reflect the needs of our community. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.
