In This Issue
State Policy Update
Legislation
Important Dates

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March 3, 2017  

State Policy Update
First Funnel
Today marks the first "funnel", one of a few deadlines set in place to keep the legislative process moving. By the end of the day today bills must be passed out of committee from their respective chamber (Ex. Senate files must be passed out of their Senate committee and House files must be passed out of their House committee) in order to continue in the legislative process. 

If bills are not passed out, they are considered "dead" and cannot be debated or voted on. Exceptions to this rule are Appropriations bills, Ways and Means bills, government oversight bills, and bills from leadership.

The bills no longer being considered after the funnel have been removed from the Legislation section below. 
Legislation
House File 231  Relates to the powers and programs of the economic development authority.  Passed the House 95-0, passed the Senate 50-0, and was signed by the Governor. 

House File 473 Makes changes to the administration of and application for high school equivalency programs and assessments. Placed on the House debate calendar.

Senate File 104 Modifies the tax incentives under the high quality jobs program. Referred to Senate Ways and Means Committee and assigned to a subcommittee with Feenstra, Edler, and Petersen.

Senate File 349 Changes the amount of tuition qualified students may receive from the college student aid commission. Passed the Senate 50-0 and was referred to the House Education Committee.
Important Dates
March 3           First Funnel 
Final date for House bills to be passed out of House committees, and Senate bills out of Senate committees.

March 31         Second Funnel
Final date for Senate bills to be passed out of House committees and House bills to be passed out of Senate committees.

April 28           Target Adjournment Date
100th calendar day of the session and the date per-diem expenses will end.

This update is a bi-weekly publication intended to share information and resources regarding legislative activities, events, and bills related to workforce issues in Iowa. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Gracie Brandsgard at gbrandsgard@sppg.com or 515-237-0340.