Under the Golden Dome

Every seat in the House and half in the Senate are up for reelection later this year. Twenty-two legislators are choosing not to come back. In the final days of a general assembly, many give "retirement" speeches on the floor. This week Wally Horn, Bob Dvorsky, Mark Chelgren, and Rick Bertrand are honored with Senate resolutions. In the House, those leaving aren't presented with resolutions, but they are given the floor to address their colleagues. Clel Baudler is the only representative to do

There are only a few days before per diems stop for legislators. It's the goal for the session to end by the 100th day -- April 17th -- but with two different tax codes in the works and no fiscal year 2019 budget, it's likely the session will continue longer. This week a public hearing on a House tax code received praise and pushback from around three dozen Iowans. Support ranges from it stimulates the economy to it adds "gravy on our taters." This is a reference to the federal tax breaks that

There are only a few days before per diems stop for legislators. It's the goal for the session to end by the 100th day -- April 17th -- but with two different tax codes in the works and no fiscal year 2019 budget, it's likely the session will continue longer. This week a public hearing on a House tax code received praise and pushback from around three dozen Iowans. Support ranges from it stimulates the economy to it adds "gravy on our taters." This is a reference to the federal tax breaks that

At this point, it's common to hear bills being enrolled. This means both chambers have approved a bill and it awaits the governor to sign it in to law or veto. Because the chambers are controlled by the same party as the governor, vetos are highly unlikely. One of the bills awaiting the governor deals with electronic eavesdropping. It passed the House then the Senate where it was amended. As it returns to the House, suddenly Democrats have privacy concerns. Surveillance devices recording video

At this point, it's common to hear bills are enrolled. This means both chambers have approved a bill and it awaits the governor to sign it in to law or veto. Because the chambers are controlled by the same party as the governor, a vetos are highly unlikely. One of the bills awaiting the governor deals with electronic eavesdropping. It passed the House then the Senate where it was amended. As it returns to the House, suddenly Democrats have privacy concerns. Surveillance devices recording video

On Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds talks about firing the Director of Iowa Finance Authority, Dave Jamison. She says he was terminated for credible allegations of sexual harassment. She reiterates her zero tolerance policy, but reveals very little about the allegations due to privacy concerns for the victims. In November, Reynolds said a Senate Republican report about past sexual harassment should reveal additional information about past claims while protecting personal information. Reporters ask the

On Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds talks about firing the Director of Iowa Finance Authority, Dave Jamison. She says he was terminated for credible allegations of sexual harassment. She reiterates her zero tolerance policy, but reveals very little about the allegations due to privacy concerns for the victims. In November, Reynolds said a Senate Republican report about past sexual harassment should reveal additional information about past claims while protecting personal information. Reporters ask the

Last year Rep. Matt Windschitl authored a bill greatly expanding gun rights in Iowa. It includes making it legal to carry a concealed pistol in the Capitol with a permit, and a stand your ground provision allowing people to use deadly force if they feel threatened. This year he authored a resolution to add to the state constitution an amendment that would make it more challenging to pass gun restrictions in the future. He floor-managed a three hour debate in the House, where it passed. It also

Typically, Monday mornings at the Capitol aren't the most active day, but nothing was typical about last Monday morning. Around 10 a.m. a post from a Democratic-leaning blog, Iowa Starting Line, contained pictures and a video of Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix in a Des Moines bar. He is sitting close to a woman lobbyist and at one point it looks like they briefly kiss. Hours later, Sen. Dix resigned from the senate. Jack Whitver was elected as the new minority leader and Charles Schneider as the

As President Trump imposes larger tariffs for metal, he reaffirms his opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement. Many agricultural products from Iowa go to Canada and Mexico. As Trump repeatedly says he's willing to start a "trade war", Gov. Reynolds is worried about a backlash. The governor says the president's actions will have unintended consequences for Iowa farmers and manufacturers. However, she does support making some changes to NAFTA. Getting an individual healthcare plan in

Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Jerry Foxhoven as the director of the Department of Human Resources in June. All of the governor's appointments must be confirmed by the Senate. These appointments first must pass a Senate committee, and when Foxhoven's appointment came up for a vote all Democrats voted against. It passed the committee, but to be confirmed Foxhoven must be voted by two-thirds of the full Senate body. They'll probably vote sometime in April. Most of the governor's appointments are

During Gov. Kim Reynolds' weekly press conference, she talks about the shooting in a Florida high school that killed 17 people. She reintroduces a Department of Homeland Security public campaign "If You Something, Say Something" as a result of the murders in Florida. Because the crime was committed with a gun, she is asked questions about what firearm control or expansion she supports in the Iowa legislature. She says she doesn't want to comment right now on potential bills until they have

This is the final week for most bills to pass a committee and become eligible for debate in a chamber. It's known as "funnel week." Exceptions are for bills in appropriations, ways and means, government oversight, and administrative rules, which is why most budget bills are approved at the end of a session. On this show, we focus on two bills. One that passed and one that didn't pass through the senate judiciary committee. Both are among the most controversial bills that come before lawmakers,

The human brain has opioid receptors that process pain and pleasure. An opioid drug like morphine, oxycodone, or Percocet is often prescribed to alleviate physical pain from a surgery or physical injury. Opioids are addictive. In 2017, about 200 people died in Iowa from an opioid drug overdose. On this show, two bills to help curb opioid drug abuse are moved out of subcommittees. One will require doctors and pharmacies to use an electronic prescription system. There is concern some areas of the

Dozens of subcommittees occupy a lot of space and time at the Capitol at this point during the session. These three panel members are a more informal discussion about a bill to determine what needs to be modified, removed or added. Often members of the public offer their input during these meetings. In this program we visit the senate lounge, where two subcommittee meetings are happening a few feet from each other. We focus on the State Government subcommittee’s discussion about a bill that