The end is in sight for the 2023 session. House and Senate Republicans have announced joint budget targets, signaling that they’re on the same page on ironing out spending for the next fiscal year — a measure that must be passed for lawmakers to end the session.
Here’s what you need to know about what happened last week at the Legislature.
After overnight debate, the Senate passed a bill to relax some child labor laws
Shortly before 5 a.m. Tuesday, Senate Republicans passed a bill that expands what work teens can participate in and the hours they can work. Top state officials would also be able to grant exemptions to participate in certain occupations that are currently illegal for teens, if it’s part of a work-based learning program.
Unlike earlier versions, mining, logging and working in meatpacking plants still wouldn’t be allowed under any circumstances in the Senate bill.
The bill now goes to the Iowa House for consideration.
Lawmakers continued to pursue a bill that would weaken the role of the state auditor’s office
Republicans in the Iowa House passed a bill Thursday that would limit the state auditor’s ability to get information from state agencies and officials while investigating the potential misuse of taxpayer dollars. Under the legislation, the state auditor would be unable to take state agencies or officials to court if they refuse to provide records the auditor considers necessary for an investigation.
Democrats have called the bill a political power grab,saying it targets the only Democratic statewide elected official in Iowa, Rob Sand. GOP supporters say Sand has sought information outside the bounds of what the auditor’s office should access and that the legislation aims to protect Iowans’ personal information.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
Follow along for live updates as bills are introduced and advanced through the Iowa Legislature.
