(DES MOINES) -- On Tuesday, March 16, Iowa House Republicans passed House File 744, a bill to protect free speech in schools, through the Iowa House with bipartisan support.

HF 744 provides additional free speech protections for students and staff in K-12 schools and college campuses. It prohibits faculty and staff from intentionally violating the free speech of students and allows disciplinary measures if violations occur. And, it requires free speech training at all Regent universities for students and faculty.

(DES MOINES) -- On Thursday, March 11, Iowa House Republicans passed House File 797 to expand the injuries covered under the 411 system for law enforcement and firefighters.

Under current law, 411 law enforcement officers and firefighters are covered if they sustain a single-instance injury while on the job. However, they are not covered if they acquire an injury over time through the course of their employment.

(DES MOINES) -- On Tuesday, March 9, Iowa House Republicans took additional action to address Iowa's child care crisis with the passage of House File 606 and House File 712. 

HF 606 creates additional tax incentives for employers to invest in an onsite daycare option for employees. This legislation passed the House with a vote of 86-6.

HF 712 creates a child care incentive for developers to construct more child care centers. This bill passed the House overwhelmingly with a vote of 91-2.  

(DES MOINES) -- On March 3, 2021, the Iowa House of Representatives passed a COVID-19 relief package, Senate File 364 with an amendment, to deliver $128 million in tax relief to Iowa taxpayers and businesses affected by COVID-19. 

SF 364 exempts pandemic-related grants and unemployment benefits from state income tax.  Representative Brian Lohse (R-Bondurant) of House District 30 floor managed the legislation.

(DES MOINES) -- Upon passage of Senate File 413 on the House Floor, Speaker Grassley released the following statement.