 In this edition:
- Gerd Clabaugh Reappointed as IDPH Director
- Post-Funnel Update
- Bill Tracking Update
- State Appropriations Process
- Budget Targets Reminder
- Legislation in the News
IDPH Director Reappointment
Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced that Gerd Clabaugh will continue to serve as the director of the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). Clabaugh was first appointed director in May 2014 by Gov. Terry Branstad. He has served the department in various other capacities including director of health policy, as well as serving as its deputy director, and interim director prior to his permanent appointment. Confirmation details will be posted in an upcoming edition.
IDPH is Iowa’s comprehensive public health agency with programs responsible for substance use disorders, tobacco cessation, maternal and child health improvement, chronic diseases, environmental health, as well as the lead agency in licensing Iowa’s health care workforce. Read a message from Director Clabaugh here.
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First Funnel is Finished
The Legislature operates under a schedule which sets deadlines for legislative action. This schedule is referred to as the “funnel." March 8 was the final date for bills and joint resolutions to be passed out of committees.
The next funnel week is at the beginning of April, with April 5 as the final date for Senate bills and joint resolutions to be reported out of House committees and House bills and joint resolutions out of Senate committees. After that, only the following bills and resolutions are eligible for consideration:
- Bills passed by both Houses
- Appropriations Bills
- Ways and Means Bills
- Government Oversight Bills
- Legalizing Acts
- Administrative Rules Review Committee Bills
- Committee Bills related to delayed or suspended Administrative Rules
- Bills co-sponsored by Majority and Minority Leaders of one House
- Conference Committee Reports
- Companion Bills sponsored by Senate and House Majority Leaders
- Concurrent or Simple Resolutions
- Joint Resolutions nullifying Administrative Rules
- Bills on the Veto Calendar
- Unfinished Business
The full session calendar can be found here.
Bill Tracking Update
See which bills we're tracking after the first funnel by checking out our LSA bill tracking tool here. Please note that bill numbers may continue to be updated early this week.
If you'd like to create your own tracker, there are a number of bill tracking tools available here. Videos on using these tools are posted here and here.
Budget Targets Reminder
In the last issue, we shared that the Senate and House Majority Leaders have provided their budget targets. Here's a reminder on where you can find that information and the Governor's recommended budget.
House Targets
Senate Targets
Governor Reynolds FY20-FY21 Budget (released last month)
Public Health Topics in the News
Topics on public health which have received media coverage and wide interest include bills on childhood health screenings, self-administering hormonal contraceptives, medical cannabidiol, sterile needle exchange, professional licensure, boards and commissions, mandatory reporter training, radon testing in schools, EMS requirements, tobacco cessation services, services for pregnant women and more.
Check out the bill tracker for topics of interest to you and your community.
Google "Iowa public health legislation" then click on the "news" tab to access the latest coverage.
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