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Lawmakers debate a bill limiting trucking company liability in crashes

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River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

Michelle Fields lost her husband to a trucking accident in 2017, leaving her to raise two daughters alone. She is advocating against a new bill that could limit non-economic damages in trucking-related incidents, arguing it puts a price on human life.

An Iowa Motortruck Association executive committee and board member and general counsel and chief risk officer at Hirschbach Motorlines Brian Kohlwes says the legislation will help lower insurance rates currently hindering their industry.

The two join River to River host Ben Kieffer and IPR Statehouse reporter Katarina Sostaric to share their views, along with Rep. Brian Meyer, a Democrat, and Republican Rep. Bill Gustoff.

Also, IPR education reporter Grant Gerlock gives context to state education funding approved last week.

Guests:

  • Grant Gerlock, IPR education reporter
  • Katarina Sostaric, IPR Statehouse reporter
  • Michelle Fields, trucking bill opponent
  • Brian Kohlwes, Iowa Motortruck Association executive committee and board member, general counsel and chief risk officer at Hirschbach Motorlines
  • Rep. Bill Gustoff, Republican from Saylor Township
  • Rep. Brian Meyer, Democrat from Des Moines
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.