The legislation to ban traffic cameras passed the House after lengthy debate. The vote, a 58-42 spilt, bans all traffic cameras and requires cities to remove them by July 1st. Of course, it remains to be seen if the Senate will take this bill up and if it will survive their vote.
One of the reasons the debate was so lengthy is that it was delayed by more than three hours after a letter containing a mysterious white powder was opened on the House Floor. Rep. Abdul-Samad's clerk opened the letter around 3:30pm and sent the Iowa Capitol into a lockdown. Preliminary testing noted the substance was not toxic and upon further testing the Capitol gave an "all clear" at around 7:50pm but debate had already resumed in the House Chamber.
HF 2229 is legislation that allows a veteran to request that their driver's license or non-operator's identification card be marked with the word "VETERAN" to indicate veteran status and it just passed the House. If you are an honorably discharged veteran you can take advantage of this upon renewal of your driver's license by presenting your honorable discharge papers.
Both chambers approved a bill that would give developers incentives worth up to $16.5 million to build the Dyersville Sports Complex at the site of the "Field of Dreams" movie. This package is much like incentives given the Iowa Speedway in Newton several years ago.
As this column is written on Wednesday debate is scheduled to take place late this afternoon on the Mental Health Reform Program. While it is my own opinion, it appears session could be wrapping up in the next couple of weeks. This would be a refreshing change from last year.
If you have concerns or questions I can be reached at the Capitol by emailing
steven.olson@legis.state.ia.us.
