(DES MOINES) -- Iowa House Republicans have released their Justice Systems budget bill containing a substantial increase in funding for the Department of Corrections.  The Iowa House's budget allocates more than $20 million new dollars to the Department of Corrections, covering nine prisons and nine community-based correctional facilities.  

(DES MOINES) -- On Thursday, March 25, Iowa House Republicans passed House File 813 a bill to expand parental choice in education by allowing for the creation of more public charter schools. 

(DES MOINES) -- Today, Rep. Gary Mohr (R-Bettendorf), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Revenue Estimating Conference's March meeting:

(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.