State Sen. Eric Giddens (D-Cedar Falls)

As the ranking member of the Senate Commerce committee, which handles utilities regulation, I want to highlight a good piece of legislation we are currently working on in the Senate. House File 617 will ensure our utilities are providing the most reliable electricity service to Iowa customers at the lowest feasible cost.

Here’s how: Currently, Iowa’s investor-owned utilities can petition the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) to recover the cost of new infrastructure through their electricity rates. However, larger conversations on modernizing our electrical grid modernization and incorporating increasing renewable electricity have not taken place. This bill directs the IUB to conduct an independent review of costs that are used to determine investor-owned utilities’ electricity rates.

The goal is to determine if revised ratemaking procedures would more accurately reflect a utility’s cost of providing reliable service to its customers in Iowa. Ultimately, this will ensure that consumers get the most possible benefit from renewable energy projects and other upgrades to the electricity grid.

I’m happy to be part of this effort to support renewable energy and make sure that Iowa continues to lead the transition to a clean energy economy. I’ll do my best to keep you updated on some of these lesser-known but still highly consequential bills and the work we are doing here at the Capitol, so stay tuned for more updates from me!

Military Friendly Panthers

UNI was recently awarded gold status as a top Military and Veteran Friendly school in recognition of the support and resources UNI’s veteran organizations provide to the university’s veteran and military population. UNI has also earned a Military Spouse Friendly School designation for its efforts in creating sustainable and meaningful education paths for military spouses.

More opportunities for young deer hunters

A bill passed in the Iowa Senate this week that allows hunters under 18 to purchase licenses and hunt during all established deer hunting seasons, expanding their options beyond the September 17-to-October 2 youth season. It now moves on to the House for further consideration.

Don’t Device and Drive

Hands-free legislation aimed at preventing distracted driving cleared the Iowa Senate this week. Senate File 547 bans using an electronic device while driving, but allows the use of one-touch or voice-activated features or devices. The change will help ensure drivers keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road, keeping all of us safer. Offenders will be issued warnings for a short period after the law takes effect, and then face $100 fines for violations. The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

Stop human trafficking

A bill creating a new Human Trafficking Taskforce passed the Senate this week. The taskforce will create an annual report examining resources available for victims and law enforcement and what additional resources are needed. I’m hopeful this will become law soon.

Expand penalties for stalking

Senate File 201 enhances penalties for stalking when there is a technological device used to track a victim. We passed this bill in the Senate last week, advancing it to the House for further consideration. This bipartisan bill stems from the growing use of GPS devices in stalking crimes.

American Rescue Plan anniversary

March 11 marked the second anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act. This transformative legislation created millions of jobs, funded the vaccination campaign, and helped cut the child poverty rate by nearly half in 2021 — the lowest level on record.

Ban the panic defense

I’m happy to report that a ban on the LGBTQ panic defense is finally moving in the Senate. People have tried to mitigate or excuse violent attacks on gay and transgender victims by using this defense in court. This bipartisan legislation makes clear that Iowa will not excuse violence against someone simply because of who they are.

State Senator Eric Giddens represents Iowa Senate District 38 including Cedar Falls, Hudson, Traer, Dysart, Evansdale, Elk Run Heights, Gilbertville, Washburn, LaPorte City and Mount Auburn. Contact Sen. Giddens at 319-230-0578 or eric.giddens@legis.iowa.gov.