Des Moines Register

13 hours ago | desmoinesregister.com | Marissa Payne

Iowa House ethics committee reprimanded lobbyist group "Bitches Get Stuff Done" for falsely labeling Rep. Samantha Fett a "former stripper" online. Rep. Fett filed an ethics complaint stating the false claim could negatively impact her professional career. The duo registered as lobbyists admitted to posting the claim based on an unverified tip and refused to name their source.

13 hours ago | desmoinesregister.com | Marissa Payne

The Iowa House passed bills to exempt "everyday items" like toilet paper and vitamins from sales tax. An expanded child care tax credit passed with broad support, eliminating the income threshold and increasing refundability. A new radon mitigation tax credit aims to address high radon levels in Iowa homes, a known cause of lung cancer. These measures are projected to reduce revenue to the state general fund by over $150 million through the coming fiscal years.

1 day ago | desmoinesregister.com | Marissa Payne

Iowa House Republicans advanced a bill that could allow raw milk sales in grocery stores and farmers' markets. The bill removes or alters several restrictions enacted in a 2023 law that legalized direct-to-consumer raw milk sales. Proponents argue for consumer choice, while opponents cite health risks and regulatory concerns. Raw milk producers express mixed opinions, seeking clearer regulations for retail sales.

1 day ago | desmoinesregister.com | Marissa Payne

Iowa lawmakers passed a bill requiring the University of Iowa's medical and dental schools to prioritize Iowa residents, aiming for 80% in-state enrollment. The bill mandates annual reports on admissions data and includes specific application question requirements, raising concerns from critics about legislative overreach. While intended to address Iowa's physician shortage, the policy is projected to decrease university revenue due to lower out-of-state tuition.

1 day ago | desmoinesregister.com | William Morris

Three former nurses at MHI Independence, an Iowa mental health hospital, allege unsafe working conditions led to serious injuries, including, for one of them, a miscarriage. The nurses claim inadequate security, staffing shortages, and lack of crisis intervention training contributed to the incidents. They have filed tort claims against the state, alleging negligence by senior officials at the hospital and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.