Category: Legislative Update

Governor Proposes Keeping School Mental Health Awareness Appropriation!

Included in her proposed budget for fiscal year 2021 is the continuation of an ISPA backed appropriation for school mental health training.

Last year lawmakers approved a new $2.1 million appropriation for mental health awareness training for educators and schools; for area education agencies to be used to identify a range of approaches to best meet the mental health needs of students and to strengthen community support for students; and for area education agencies to create a clearinghouse of mental health resources for use by schools and community providers.

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New Chairs For Key House Committees

Three new chairmen will lead House committees for the first time this upcoming Legislative Session.

Rep. Gary Mohr takes over as the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.  The House side of the joint House-Senate Infrastructure Appropriations Committee is now chaired by Rep. Jacob Bossman of Sioux City.

Rep. Bobby Kaufmann of Wilton now leads his chamber’s State Government Committee.

2020 Iowa Legislative Session Key Dates

• January 13 – First day of the 2020 Legislative Session
• February 21 – “First Funnel,” the day by which bills must be approved by at least one committee in the bill’s chamber of origin to remain eligible for further consideration this Legislative session.
• March 20 – “Second Funnel,” the day by which a bill must be approved by at least one committee in the bill’s non-originating chamber to remain eligible for further consideration this Legislative session.
• April 21 – 100th calendar day of the Legislative Session (Lawmaker per diem expenses end)