Despite blizzard conditions disrupting Capitol visits, Iowa legislators pushed through Funnel Week, the first critical deadline that determines which bills move forward in the session. According to Rep. Craig Williams (R-Manning), more than 1,200 bills have been introduced in the Iowa House since the session began in January, with 190 filed last week alone. The intent of the legislative funnels is to trim the number of bills so only the most viable legislation advances. According to Williams, the Local Government Committee, which he serves on, advanced nine bills, including Gov. Kim Reynolds’ natural disaster bill, which creates programs for hazard mitigation and disaster recovery housing. Other measures focused on vehicle licensing, farm-to-market roads, and regional transit districts. Another of Williams’ committees, the Judiciary Committee, passed several measures on eminent domain, rental agreements for crime victims, and law enforcement compliance with immigration laws. A firearm bill (HSB 262) proposing to lower the legal carrying age to 18 also gained traction, citing constitutional concerns and recent federal court rulings. Additionally, discussions on property tax relief intensified, with proposals to cap levy rates and provide $426 million in taxpayer savings. Last week was a frenetic one for legislators, and Carroll Broadcasting will have more from Rep. Williams and his thoughts on the first funnel in upcoming newscasts.
