www.iowamotortruck.com

March 11, 2016 | Week 9 Summary

Funnel Begins to Narrow Legislature's Focus.

March 10 marks the second legislative deadline, or funnel, of the session. By this date all bills, with the exception of appropriations and tax bills, must have passed one house and a committee of the opposite house. Many of the issues we have been following - and opposed to - have been caught by the funnel are dead for the year.

But before we go into what's dead, let's take a look at what's still alive.

Still Alive.

Coupling

It appears the pressure put on by small and big business across the state telling legislators to couple with section 179 of the internal revenue tax code is having an impact.

On Thursday both the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees passed legislation that would couple Iowa tax code with federal tax code.

The Governor has now indicated he would support the one-year coupling and has gone so far as to move back Iowa's tax filing deadline for certain categories of filings, in an apparent anticipation that coupling would pass and be sent to his desk.

The legislation could be debated as early as next week.

Overweight/Oversize

Legislation has advanced to allow vehicles operating under the correct permit to have a gross weight not to exceed forty-six thousand pounds on a single tandem axle of the tractor and a gross weight not to exceed forty-six thousand pounds on a single tandem axle of the trailer if each axle of each tandem has at least four tires.

CDL Testing Community Colleges and Other Third Parties (HF 2348)

The legislation has not advanced, but that is simply because the Iowa DOT and the community colleges have determined the community colleges currently have the authority to perform testing, as well as training. However, since the Iowa DOT withdrew their support of the legislation, the provisions allowing new third party testing is still not allowed (except for those provisions enacted two years ago).

Death by Funnel.

The following bills are now considered dead for the session:

Wage Theft (SF 398)

This bill would require you have an agreement in writing as to how your employees are to be paid.

Prohibition on Questions Regarding Felonies (SF 2240)

SF 2240 would prohibit asking potential employees about felony convictions until such time a job offer is to be made.

Wage Discrimination (SF 2193)

It would prohibit an employee from requiring employees to not disclose wages or benefits with other employees. It would also prohibit an employer from seeking wage information from a potential employee during the interview process. It would require an employer to post the minimum rate of pay in all job advertisements.

Accommodations for Pregnancies (SF2252)

It requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant and new mothers.

Prenatal Care (SF2097)

It requires employers to provide paid time for prenatal care.

Insurance Mandates (SF 2204)

SF 2204 requires health insurance plans to cover eating disorder treatment.

SF 2254requires employer health insurance plans with more than 50 employees to cover autism treatment.

Passing Bicycles

Legislation would require vehicles passing a bicycle to move into the right lane as is currently required when passing a motorized vehicle.

Other bills that died in the first funnel (meaning they failed to come out of committee in the House of origin) include legislation to:

increase the speed limit on Iowa's interstate system and secondary roads
an increase in farm truck weights to 96,000 pounds
Allowing overweight vehicles to travel portions of the interstate
Prohibition on advance notice of drug testing
Prohibition on driving in the left lane at a speed less than 10 mph below the posed limit
Headlights on during inclement weather

April 19 Funding Deadline.

The funding for the Iowa legislature ends on April 19. The remaining days of the session will see a dramatic shift in focus from policy bills to spending priorities. With the fall elections looming, it is in the best interest of both parties to adjourn on time and the next few weeks will signal if that is doable.

Funding for K-12 is the next appropriations stumbling block. The Governor's budget called for a 2.45% increase in education spending, and the House passed a bill setting the increase at 2%. The Senate Democrats have called for 4%, if a compromise can be reached soon in the 3% range, maybe that April 19 deadline is possible.

2016 IMTA Platinum Sponsors

Dave Scott

IMTA Lobbyist

Brenda Neville

IMTA President