The Thompson Times: End of Summer Update

Many of us are likely wondering how the summer passed so quickly. Since the end of legislative session, several bills were signed into law.  Many constituents ask if I am enjoying some "down time" with the legislative session finishing early May. My answer is generally, "It is a different kind of busy." Throughout the summer there have been many connections with constituents.  The topics range from congregate meals (meals on wheels) human trafficking, local Agri-business, parades, pancake breakfasts, mental health, hospital concerns, community development, rural business grand openings, county fairs, veterans’ coffees and more. Every connection and conversation is important so we can work to keep our community safe and growing.

Several of the new laws this past session were implemented throughout the summer.  Below are those I have responded to and feel others may appreciate clarification.

Iowa Utility Board Pipeline Decision

After months of testimony, the IUB approved the permit for Summit Carbon Solutions to build a 688-mile liquefied carbon dioxide pipeline through 29 Iowa Counties. The 507-page decision can be found on the IUB website along with all documents related to this petition. Some of the Points of interest are:

•Other State Agency Approval - Pages 65 and 477 outline the requirements for Summit Pipeline to receive agency approval in North Dakota and South Dakota, as well as approval from Minnesota and Nebraska for specific sections of the pipeline, prior to beginning construction in Iowa. (August 23, 2024-- South Dakota Supreme Court sided with landowners over Summit)

•Insurance Coverage -- IUB's decision would require Summit to have at least a $100 million insurance policy to cover all damages.

•Eminent Domain -- The public-use determination will be further discussed.  Iowans, farmers or city dwellers, should be protected from eminent domain (unwanted confiscation of property for private gain).

•Ethanol industry-- 53% of Iowa corn crop is used for ethanol production. Protecting our ethanol production and still protecting landowners is essential. There are proven alternative options to carbon capture than building the Summit pipeline. 

There will likely be several years of court proceedings before a final decision.

Speed Cameras now under new State Regulations 

As of July 1, 2024, speed cameras are now operating under a new state law. For a city or county to operate an automated traffic enforcement (ATE) system under the new requirements, they would have to show the speed and safety issues at the camera's location and how utilizing the speed camera is necessary to improving traffic safety at that location. The new law also sets a standard for all speed cameras. Penalties cannot be imposed if a driver is less than 10 miles an hour over the speed limit. The law also sets out a statewide fine schedule.

HF-2264 Public Funds to Religious Groups for Public Benefit

Allows counties or townships to appropriate or loan public funds to religious groups to fund or support programs that would benefit the public such as food banks or homeless shelters. Religious groups are not allowed to require any religious services, participation, or education in order for a person to receive the benefit of the program.

State Identifies $66 Million in Maintenance Needs at Iowa State Parks

Iowa state parks have pending maintenance projects costing a total of almost $67 million, according to a list produced by the Dept. of Natural Resources. As part of the new budget for infrastructure projects, DNR was required to submit to the Legislature a list of maintenance projects identified in the 83 Iowa State Parks. This provision was included in the budget bill after media reports said over $100 million of maintenance was needed within the park system. The list gives Iowans and the Legislature what is needed to improve our state parks system.

Mental Health Rate Increases Announced

This past session, the legislature appropriated $2.1 million in increased state funding towards mental health Medicaid rates. This builds on the previous session which appropriated a $13 million increase.

New Truancy Laws

The following provides a summary of district responsibilities regarding new truancy laws. The Iowa Department of Education has complete details on their website.

Definitions: 

Chronically absent means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the days or hours in the grading period established by a public school.  

Truant is defined as any child of compulsory attendance age who does not qualify for the specified exemptions listed below, fails to follow the school board's attendance policy, lacks a reasonable excuse for their absence, and has been absent from school for at least 20% of the days or hours in the grading period. 

 Set school board policy that includes: 

• The number of days or hours of required attendance 

• Reasons considered to be acceptable excuses for absence from school related to absenteeism and truancy. The policy may exceed the requirements in state code. 

•Local truancy determinations and required actions are not applied to a student, who based on local discretion, meets one of the six exemptions:

1. Completed requirements for graduation or obtained a high school equivalency diploma. 

2. Excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge.  

3. Attending religious services or receiving religious instructions. 

4. Unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reason(s). 

5. Individualized Education Program (IEP) that affects attendance. 

6. Section 504 plan under the Federal Rehabilitation Act that affects attendance. 

New Special Minor's Driving License Questions

One of the new provisions of the law is that a minor licensee can have up to three residences from which they can drive. This was created to account for joint custody situations and other instances where the limits under the current law do not address.

QUESTION: What happens when a minor spends their summer at a farm with a parent?   

ANSWER:  The DOT says they can use the Special Minor's License. It allows a minor living or working on a farm to drive up to 25 miles from their residence to do farm work if it is one of the three residences the student has listed. 

Some parents have asked if non-school sanctioned teams like club volleyball, and USSSA baseball teams are an "extracurricular activity". The DOT says NO.  The extracurricular activity must be offered by the school for the minor is affiliated with to be allowed to use their license to drive to it.

REMINDER TO VOTE:

Be a responsible citizen -- VOTE.

Election Day: November 5, 2024

Early Voting Begins: October 16th

Request For Absentee Ballot: Started August 27th

(A written application for a mailed absentee ballot must be received by the voter’s County Auditor no later than 5:00pm 15 days before the election.)

Read the instructions sent with the ballot on returning the ballot.