The Iowa Senate has just completed week six of the legislative session. The first funnel deadline concluded on February 16. This means all Senate bills and joint resolutions have to be reported out of Senate committees, and House bills and joint resolutions out of House committees.
The Patient’s Right to Save Act, Senate File 431, successfully advanced through committee this week. The legislation aims to encourage price transparency in healthcare by offering rewards to patients who actively seek more affordable, high-quality care. The proposed law tackles the escalating healthcare expenses by implementing measures such as mandatory cash rate disclosures from all providers, granting deductible credits for opting for lower-cost cash care, and allowing patients to benefit from savings within insurance companies after meeting their deductibles. Addressing the concerns of Iowans, the primary objective of SF 431 is to bring down healthcare costs, diminish premiums, and empower individuals seeking medical services.
Senate Study Bill 3159, which successfully cleared the committee this week, focuses on enhancing regulation and oversight of Iowa’s consumable hemp law. Despite widespread feedback, there appears to be confusion with Iowa’s medical cannabis law. It’s important to note that this bill exclusively impacts Iowa’s hemp law, established several years ago following the enactment of the federal hemp law in the Farm Bill. The legislation addresses concerns regarding THC-infused beverages and food, granting authority to the Health and Human Services department to regulate the sale of consumable hemp products. This includes establishing a THC potency level per serving and criminalizing the sale of these products to individuals under the age of 21.
In a separate development, Senate File 2311 underwent scrutiny in the State Government Committee this week, with the objective of expanding audit options for state entities. The bill empowers state departments to fulfill their annual audit requirements by engaging a certified public accountant and submitting the results to the state auditor. This aligns with the existing capabilities granted to counties, cities, and schools in Iowa. Extending this flexibility to state agencies is a move towards enhancing efficiency and transparency.
I encourage my constituents to contact me using my legislative email ([email protected]) with any comments, questions, or concerns. I look forward to another great week of representing the people of District 42