The Iowa Legislature has passed SF 2417, which takes a practical step toward making AI safer for kids and families. The bill requires conversational AI services to clearly tell minors they’re interacting with a machine, limits manipulative reward features, strengthens protections against sexually explicit content, and directs companies to respond responsibly when users show signs of self-harm. It also gives parents more tools to manage privacy and account settings, while making sure AI services don’t pose as licensed mental health professionals. The bill is now awaiting the governor’s signature.
SF 2428 is a good step toward safer, more orderly classrooms and better support for teachers. It strengthens discipline policies for serious and repeated disruptions, gives educators clearer authority to address classroom behavior, and adds due process protections for students. By pairing stronger classroom management tools with required review procedures and compliance safeguards, SF 2428 aims to strike a more workable balance for schools, staff, and students.
The Senate passed SF 2480, which provides $3 million annually to the University of Iowa Hospitals for pediatric cancer research. The bill now moves to the House, and I’m hopeful that we can get it done this session. I want to thank the parents of the children affected by cancer who tirelessly advocated for this funding.
The Senate unanimously passed two good bills last week. HF 2502 expands paid parental leave for state employees, so that any employee who works for the state will have access to four weeks of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. HF 2585 is an accessibility bill that will ensure access for those who are blind or visually impaired to prescription drug labels, bag tags, or medical guides that they can read at no additional cost.
Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more suffer injury and illness because of dangerous working conditions. Workers Memorial Day, celebrated on April 28, honors the men and women hurt or killed on the job and serves as a reminder that the fight for worker safety is not over. Click here to find an event near you.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) is encouraging Iowans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 25. The DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should be securely sealed in their original container. As part of the National Prescription Drug Take Back program, the DEA also collects vaping devices and e-cigarettes with their batteries removed. For more information or to find a site near you, visit dea.gov/takebackday.
Join the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce for Bike to Work Day on May 15 at 10 Pierce Street for a free commuter breakfast, health & fitness vendors, giveaways, and prize drawings from 6:30 to 8:30 am.