11 May 2015

Gov. Branstad signs three bills into law.

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following three bills into law:

House File 397 is an Act defining occasional work for purposes of the state child labor law.

House File 585 is an Act establishing an address confidentiality program in the Office of the Secretary of State for a victim of domestic abuse, domestic abuse assault, sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking and providing for a fee and including effective date provisions.

House File 615 is an Act relating to the establishment, operation, and dissolution of rural improvement zones.

04 May 2015

Gov. Branstad signs 14 bills into law

By Office of the Governor of Iowa
(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following bills into law:

House File347: An act relating to the licensure of child care programs operated or contracted for by a school district or accredited nonpublic school and including effective date provisions.

House File 447: An act requiring wireless communications service providers to provide call locations in circumstances of emergency, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.

House File 507: An act relating to certain delinquent accounts for wastewater, sewer system, storm water drainage, and sewage treatment services.

House File 548: An act requiring the Iowa Utilities Board to adopt administrative rules relating to the safety of distributed electric generation facilities.

House File 583: An act relating to the control of effluent from animal truck wash facilities, by requiring certain permits, regulating storage and application of effluent, and making penalties applicable.

House File 599: An act relating to the division of assets and liabilities of school districts involved in a reorganization or dissolution and including applicability provisions.

House File 621: An act relating to the administration of the streamlined sales and use tax agreement by the department of revenue.

Senate File 75: An act relating to the use of blue and white lighting devices and reflectors during snow and ice treatment and removal, making penalties applicable, and including sunset date provisions.

Senate File 199: An act making changes to the campaign finance laws relating to independent expenditures and making penalties applicable.

Senate File 385: An act relating to the expungement of not-guilty verdicts and dismissed criminal-charge records, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

Senate File 404: An act relating to the certification and regulation of shorthand reporters.

Senate File 415: An act related to elections administration.

Senate File 479: An act concerning the apportionment of certain gross receipts of a broadcaster for purposes of Iowa income tax, and including retroactive applicability provisions.

Senate File 487:  An act regulating the sale of portable electronics insurance, including requiring licensure, providing for fees and penalties, and including effective date provisions.

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15 Apr 2015

Gov. Branstad signs three bills into law

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following three bills into law:

House File 488: An Act relating to the programs of the Iowa commission on volunteer service by establishing an Iowa reading corps and specifying uses of funds.

Senate File 267: An Act relating to privileged communications between certain peer support group counselors and officers.

Senate File 426: An Act relating to privileged communications between health care provider or health facility and a patient following an adverse health care incident.

A photo of the governor signing House File 488 today can be downloaded here. The photo can be attributed to the Governor's Office.

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03 Apr 2015

Gov. Branstad signs 14 bills into law

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES)  -  Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad today signed the following bills into law:  

   

House File 131: an Act concerning the definition of beer for purposes of beer brewers and wholesalers.  

   

House File 202: an Act relating to licensure of retired volunteer dentists and dental hygienists.  

   

House File 266: an Act regarding disposal of yard waste in landfills operating a methane collection system.  

 

House File 371: an Act relating to allowable disclosures of radon testing results.

House File 372: an Act relating to court appointed special advocates and the confidentiality of information regarding a child receiving foster care.

House File 445: an Act relating to payment of costs for educational services for children residing in certain psychiatric hospitals or institutions.

Senate File 130: an Act making changes to certain limitations within the National Guard Educational Assistance Program. 

Senate File 131:  an Act relating to information the Board of Educational Examiners is required to review regarding applicants for license renewal.

Senate File 134: an Act concerning bonding requirements for a wine direct shipper license.

Senate File 150:  an Act increasing the criminal penalty for a sexually violent predator who escapes or attempts to escape from custody.

Senate File 198: an Act relating to the regulation of certified public accountants and certified public accounting firms.

Senate File 223: an Act relating to support of the poor by certain relatives.

Senate File 323: an Act concerning lottery games and revenue for support of veterans.

Senate File 440: an Act relating to interstate contracts for substance abuse and mental health care and treatment.

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02 Jun 2014

Branstad, Reynolds announce Yankee Doodle Drive Against Hunger

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, today, with representatives of the Des Moines Symphony, the Food Bank of Iowa, Bank of the West, Hy-Vee, and Casey's announced the official start of the sixth annual Yankee Doodle Drive Against Hunger.

"The Yankee Doodle Drive Against Hunger is a wonderful campaign that raises awareness and collects much-needed non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Iowa," said Reynolds. "I am honored and proud to be a partner with community businesses to shed a light on the importance of eliminating hunger in central Iowa."

The public is encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at area Bank of the West locations, area Hy-Vee locations or at the Des Moines Symphony's 20th Annual Yankee Doodle Pops. In addition, the Office of Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will today accept donations from the public at their office in the State Capitol.

Yankee Doodle Pops will be held on the State Capitol grounds on July 3, 2014, at 8:30 p.m. All donations from the food drive will benefit the Food Bank of Iowa. The drive runs until July 7, 2014.

For more information on the Yankee Doodle Food Drive, visit www.foodbankiowa.org

# # #
27 Mar 2014

Gov. Branstad signs 34 bills into law

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following bills into law:

House File 381: an Act concerning horse racing, including the use of purse moneys for harness racing, advance deposit wagering, and restrictions on dosage amounts for phenylbutazone in certain horse races.

House File 2199: an Act relating to conformity with federal law concerning the voluntary shared work program under the state unemployment insurance law and including applicability provisions.

House File 2271: an Act relating to supplementary weighting for shared operational functions of school districts and area education agencies and including effective date provisions.

House File 2288: an Act relating to reporting and other requirements concerning the Department of Administrative Services and other state agencies. 

House File 2324: an Act relating to consumer lending transactions by modifying provisions applicable to certain loan charges and modifying designated monetary limits specified in the consumer credit code, and including applicability provisions.

House File 2326: an Act relating to payments from the indigent defense fund by the state public defender, including effective date provisions, and providing penalties.

House File 2346: an Act relating to solid waste.

House File 2365: an Act relating to employment, disciplinary, and other procedures for entities regulated by the Department of Inspections and Appeals, including applicability provisions.

House File 2368: an Act modifying security freeze provisions, and extending security freeze protection to specified individuals designated as protected consumers, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.

House File 2370: an Act relating to the supervisions of orthotist or prosthetist assistants.

House File 2378: an Act relating to the requirements for psychologist licensing.

House File 2379: an Act relating to crisis stabilization programs authorized by the Department of Human Services.

House File 2389: an Act relating to misconduct under the code of processional conduct and ethics of the Board of Educational Examiners and making penalties applicable. 

House File 2397: an Act concerning liability protection for volunteers on state lands.

House File 2408: an Act modifying notification requirements applicable to underground facility excavations where underground facilities are present. 

House File 2421: an Act relating to transfer of guardianship in child in need of assistance proceedings.

House File 2427: an Act relating to corn promotion, including special referendums, the assessment of a checkoff, and the creation of a task force, and making penalties applicable.

House File 2436: an Act relating to the administration of the streamlined sales tax agreement by the Department of Revenue.

Senate File 2276: an Act relating to adoption investigation and report requirements.

Senate File 2290: an Act relating to identification required for operation of a railroad train.

Senate File 2338: an Act concerning the excise tax on compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas used as special fuel.

Senate File 2313: an Act relating to the removal of clerks of the district court.

Senate File 2250: an Act relating to the licensing of vehicle recyclers.

Senate File 2131: an Act relating to standard valuation and standard forfeiture provisions for life insurance policies or contracts and including applicability provisions.

Senate File 2191: an Act relating to financing work within drainage or levee districts.

Senate File 2192: an Act relating to the definition of motorized bicycle. 

Senate File 2200: an Act relating to the Iowa Business Corporation Act by removing limitations imposed on shareholders making long-term arrangements affecting the affairs of the corporation, and by providing for the delivery of financial information to shareholders

Senate File 2228: an Act allowing a person with a special minor's license to drive to a school for the purpose of participating in extracurricular activities conducted under a sharing agreement with the student's school of enrollment.

Senate File 2255: an Act designating registered architects and licensed professional engineers employees of the state for specified purposes under the Iowa Tort Claims Act.

Senate File 2169: an Act relating to wills including witness testimony, distribution of property, and claims of personal representatives, and including retroactive and other applicability provisions.

Senate File 2120: an Act relating to the use of professional titles or abbreviations by advanced registered nurse practitioners.

Senate File 2104: an Act relating to the regulation of insurance company holding systems and providing assessments and penalties.

Senate File 2056: an Act relating to incentives for whole grade sharing and reorganization or dissolution by school districts.

Senate File 2240: an Act relating to nonsubstantive code corrections.

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06 Aug 2013

Branstad names Dr. Brad Buck as new Iowa Department of Education director

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named Dr. Brad Buck, 44, to be the next Iowa Department of Education director, calling him a visionary leader with the right skills to implement the landmark education reform package passed by the 2013 Legislature.

Buck has served as superintendent of the 1,300-student Saydel school district in rural Polk County since July 2011. He previously worked as a school administrator in the Waukee, Hudson and North Mahaska school districts from 1997 to 2011. Buck began his education career in 1992 as a science teacher at Parkview Middle School in Ankeny.  He is also a past president of School Administrators of Iowa.

"Dr. Buck's passion for giving all students a world-class education and his knowledge of how to better utilize teacher leadership to accomplish that goal played a critical role in his selection," said Branstad. "He understands the importance of collaboration as educators and parents work together to assure students are prepared to compete in the global economy."

Better utilizing teacher leadership is the centerpiece of Iowa's 2013 education reform package. Each of Iowa's 346 school districts has the option to adopt a teacher leadership system that will use the expertise of top teachers to improve instruction and raise student achievement.  Districts can apply for planning grants in September, and the teacher leadership systems will be phased in over the next several years. When fully in place in 2016-17, the price tag is expected to be $150 million annually.

Buck has a head start on understanding how to put a teacher leadership system in place. Working closely with the Saydel Education Association during the 2012-13 school year, Buck helped secure a federal Teacher Incentive Fund grant that will allow the Saydel school district to implement its own teacher leadership system starting this month.

"Brad Buck's strong record of service in Iowa school districts and willingness to think outside the box make him a great choice to lead the Iowa Department of Education at this point in time," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Buck said, "The Governor and Lt. Governor, the Legislature, and the Iowa Department of Education have cast a bold vision for school improvement efforts in our state. As importantly, they have recognized the importance of providing the necessary tools and supports needed to implement this work. I am excited and humbled to be chosen by the Governor to serve the students, families, and educators of Iowa in delivering on the promises contained in this legislation and making our education system the best performing in the nation."

Buck's official start date has not been finalized, but will be no later than September 1.  He and his wife, Traci, live in Urbandale and have 6 children.

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05 Aug 2013

Governor Branstad selected by fellow Governors to serve on the Executive Committee of the National Governors Association

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Governor Branstad today was named to the National Governor's Association (NGA) Executive Committee after being selected by his fellow governors at the NGA Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In this NGA leadership role, Governor Branstad will help provide guidance to the NGA's efforts to share best practices across states and add a strong voice to Federal policy discussions that impact the states.

"I am honored to have received the bi-partisan support and confidence of my fellow governors," said Gov. Branstad. "States often face similar challenges and by sharing best practices we can help improve government efficiency and customer service for our citizens.  The NGA also plays an important role in pushing back on Federal intrusion and unfunded mandates on the states."

The term runs through July of next year.

This past year, Branstad served as the Vice Chair of the NGA's Education and Workforce Committee which focused on state-driven education reform and innovative programs, like the Skilled Iowa initiative and the Iowa's STEM initiative, to help close the middle skills gap to fill high-demand jobs and raise family incomes through rewarding careers.

 

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22 Jul 2013

Lt. Governor Reynolds named Treasurer of National Lieutenant Governors Association

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today was unanimously named to the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) Executive Committee at the NLGA Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City, OK. Effective immediately, Lt. Gov. Reynolds will serve as Treasurer of the NLGA.

"I am honored to have received the confidence and bi-partisan support from my fellow Lt. Governors," said Lt. Gov. Reynolds. "I look forward to representing not only Iowa, but all states in the NLGA as we promote efficiency and effectiveness within state government while fostering interstate cooperation."

The term runs through July of next year.  Reynolds becomes one of the three top members of NLGA and will lead the group's financial transition to a new fiscal year. She takes over the role of treasurer from Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman of Connecticut.

Reynolds previously served on the NLGA's Finance Committee, International Committee and co-chaired the State Strategies in Energy Committee.

 

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18 Jul 2013

Governor Branstad to Lead Trade and Investment Mission to India in September

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - In an effort to strengthen Iowa's trade and investment relationship with one of the world's fastest growing economies, Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad today announced that he will lead a delegation of business leaders on a six-day trade and investment mission to India September 10-16.  The announcement was made today during a webinar on opportunities and challenges in entering the Indian market that featured the governor and U.S. Ambassador to India, Nancy J. Powell, a native of Cedar Falls.

"India's economy has transformed in the last couple of decades and is forecasted to be one of the world's largest economies in coming years," said Gov. Branstad.  "With India's tremendous growth and a burgeoning young and career-oriented middle class, it is an excellent opportunity to promote Iowa as a U.S. headquarters for Indian companies, particularly those in biotech, information solutions and advanced manufacturing, and also open new trade doors for Iowa small and mid-sized businesses."

The trade mission is being organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), with support from various organizations including the U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Service and the Confederation of Indian Industry.  Iowa mission delegates will visit Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, the country's major business and industry centers.

As part of the mission, the Governor, IEDA director Debi Durham and delegation will meet with potential investment and trade partners and government leaders in each of the cities.

While the itinerary is still being developed, Gov. Branstad is also scheduled to meet with business leaders who have expressed an interest in establishing an Iowa location and representatives from existing industry.  Iowa companies will participate in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs and attend daily briefings on doing business in India.  Prior to joining the mission in Mumbai, Gov. Branstad will make a brief stop in New Delhi to attend a luncheon hosted by the U.S. Embassy.

The IEDA works to stimulate foreign direct investment in the state, offers export assistance for small and mid-sized Iowa companies and coordinates international trade and investment missions and trade show opportunities for Iowa companies. Iowa companies interested in participating in the trade mission can contact Ms. Victoria Nwasike at victoria.nwasike@iowa.gov.

For more information on resources available to Iowa businesses that want to market their products or services globally, visit www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com.

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