IDVA Legislative Update

SF 2471

Sets the fee for a lifetime fur harvester license at $5 for Iowa residents who served on federal active duty and were disabled during military service. Read The Bill. 

HF 2491

Requires Regent institutions to waive all tuition and mandatory fees for veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rating of 100% and who applies and is admitted to the institution.  All other federal and state sources of assistance must first be exhausted.  This has already been signed by the Governor. Read The Bill. 

SF 2466  County Veterans Services Excellence Legislation Update

 The Legislature adjourned without passing reforms to increase transparency, consistency, and increased reporting to county commissions of veterans affairs and county boards of supervisors on the delivery individual federal VA benefits to Iowa veterans.  Iowa consistently ranks in the lowest tier nationally, currently 47th, in receipt of per capita individual VA benefits.  Despite a strong endorsement of the merits of the bill in both chambers as evidenced by a 97-16 record in the eight times this legislation passed various subcommittees, committees, and the full Senate, including the most recent 23-1 vote in the House Appropriations Committee, the bill was pulled from the calendar on the day in which it was to be voted on in the House due to efforts of those opposed.  This legislation is supported by the Governor, IDVA, the Iowa National Guard, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans-Iowa, along with many county veterans service officers, veterans, and family members across Iowa.  It additionally would have addressed two of the five 2026 legislative priorities of the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs.  A link to the Iowa Legislature website showing organizations registered opposed and in favor of the bill:  Iowa Legislature - Lobbyist Declarations .  Details on SF 2466