NEWS 3.22.23

New story:

Transgender kids in Iowa are now barred from starting gender-affirming medical treatments and from using K-12 school bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed those two bills into law today.

The use of puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for gender transition is now banned for minors. But those already receiving such care have 180 days to end their treatment in Iowa.

And Iowa law now bars transgender students from using K-12 school bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity.

At a news conference yesterday (Tuesday), Reynolds said she believes she’s protecting transgender kids from inconclusive science and unknown long-term physical effects. Opponents say these laws are bad for transgender kids’ mental health and will make them less safe.

The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors heard from citizens concerned about CO2 pipelines. SPM’s Sheila Brummer reports. * audio file found above

Legislative update:

The Iowa House passed a bill today that would bar the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines unless landowners along 90% of the route voluntarily sell part of their land for the pipeline.

The bill that passed was amended and would put fewer restrictions on carbon pipelines than the original version.

But Republican Representative Steven Holt of Denison, the bill’s lead sponsor, says keeping the 90-percent threshold before using eminent domain is very important. He says eminent domain shouldn’t be used at all for the pipelines.

“But I believe that I must advance legislation that protects landowners to the greatest extent possible, has a chance of being signed into law, and takes into account the reality that the use of eminent domain for these CO2 pipelines is already allowed in Iowa code.”  

The bill would also expand protections for farmers whose land is damaged by pipelines.

It passed with a vote of 73 to 20, with bipartisan support and opposition. Some of the lawmakers who voted against it say the bill doesn’t go far enough to protect private property rights.

United Food & Commercial Workers Local 222

Students who disrupt class or attack teachers would receive in-school suspensions under a bill passed in the Iowa House today.

The bill (HF 604) initially required a student to be moved out their classroom permanently if they are removed for violent behavior three times within a school year.

An amendment now makes that optional. The bill directs schools to consider alternative placements such as therapeutic classrooms.

Democratic Rep. Sue Cahill of Marshalltown voted in favor of the bill but says it puts too much emphasis on discipline instead of ways to improve student behavior.

“I fully support the safety of our teachers and their ability to take actions if they have injuries caused by student behavior, but I do think that the one size fits all is difficult.”

Under the bill, teachers can take complaints to the State Office of the Ombudsman if they believe district leaders are ignoring violent incidents in school.

Republican Rep. Skyler Wheeler says it’s meant to help teachers keep classrooms safe.

The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 89-6.

Iowa officials say they will not participate in the Center for Disease Control’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior survey.

The biennial survey asks kids about their drug use, sexual behavior, mental health and other behaviors.

Iowa will not participate in this year’s survey. State officials say that’s so they can focus on the state’s Iowa Youth Survey to monitor at-risk behavior.

But child advocates say they’re concerned about the move.

Anne Discher is the executive director of Common Good Iowa. She says the Iowa Youth Survey doesn’t ask questions about students’ gender identity unlike the CDC’s survey.

“It's really the only one that allows us to see the specific needs of trans kids. So we're doing away with the opportunity to really have fine grade data around health and mental health that includes trans kids.”

Not all states participate in the CDC’s survey. Colorado, Florida and Idaho say they are also opting out of it starting this year.

The Iowa Senate passed a bill today to strengthen Iowa’s distracted driving laws.

Current law bans texting and driving, and police officers say it’s nearly impossible to enforce. The bill would ban all cell phone use while driving except for hands-free phone use. It would raise the fine for a violation from 45-dollars to 100-dollars.

The bill passed nearly unanimously with three Republican senators voting no. Opponents of the bill didn’t speak during debate. It’s not clear if the House will pass a bill to reduce distracted driving this year.

Debate that began Tuesday on a bill in Nebraska that seeks to ban gender-affirming care for minors quickly grew contentious on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature. The bill would outlaw gender-affirming therapies such as hormone treatments and gender reassignment surgery for those 18 and younger. An amendment she introduced Tuesday would drop the ban on hormone treatments and ban only gender reassignment surgery for minors. But opponents kept up their objections. That included Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who staged a nearly three-week filibuster of every bill that came before lawmakers to protest the trans bill.

Planned Parenthood of North Central States operates clinics in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and the Dakotas and, since Roe v Wade was overturned last summer, those clinics have seen a 13% increase in patients coming in from outside the five-state region.

Planned Parenthood’s director of public affairs in Iowa, tells Radio Iowathere’s also been a 40% increase in second-trimester abortions since last June as patients travel farther and Iowa’s 24 hour waiting period for an abortion took effect.

Republican lawmakers, including Governor Reynolds, have said they’re waiting for the Iowa Supreme Court to decide whether a ban on abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy that passed in 2018 may take effect before considering other abortion restrictions.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is applauding President Joe Biden’s signing of legislation this week that orders federal intelligence officials to declassify information on the origins of COVID-19.

Grassley, a Republican, hesitated to say if we’ll ever know the full story of how the pandemic began, but he says this is a big move forward in determining any possible links to China. He did state he believes the virus came from a lab in Wuhan.

Grassley notes that this is so-called Sunshine Week, which promotes transparency in government.

Gov. Kim Reynolds is leading a push to speed up year-round E15 in gas stations.

Reynolds, along with other Midwest governors, wants the EPA to allow gas stations to sell the fuel by this summer.

Right now, the EPA wants to make the change in 2024.

The higher blend ethanol fuel is currently banned during the summer because of smog concerns.

The governors say the delay could mean higher prices at the pump.

Submitted news releases:

Gov. Reynolds Signs Several Bills into Law  

DES MOINES – Today, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the following bills into law:

HF 337: A bill for an act relating to the use of certain refrigerants.

HF 202: A bill for an act relating to explosive materials including blasting agents, detonators, and destructive devices, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

HF 113: A bill for an act relating to the state public defender pilot project for child welfare legal representation.

SF 154: A bill for an act exempting hydroexcavation equipment from certain size, weight, load, and permit requirements on highways.

SF 157: A bill for an act authorizing certain persons to administer the final field test of an approved driver education course.

HF 133: A bill for an act relating to refund payments made in connection with motor vehicle debt cancellation coverage.

HF 205: A bill for an act relating to the distribution of certain barrel tax revenues collected on beer.

HF 257: A bill for an act relating to third-party testers who administer the knowledge and driving skills tests required for a commercial learner’s permit or commercial driver’s license.

SF 538: A bill for an act relating to prohibited activities regarding gender transition procedures relative to minors, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

SF 482: A bill for an act prohibiting persons from entering single and multiple occupancy restrooms or changing areas and other facilities in elementary and secondary schools that do not correspond with the person’s biological sex and including effective date provisions.

• Consumers can still apply for LIHEAP through April 30, 2023.
• Local community action agencies may have additional resources.
• 211 Iowa is a resource for assistance with utility payments, housing, and other information that may provide financial relief to customers. 
• For nonpayment of a bill, all Iowa utilities must provide written notice to a customer at least 12 days prior to disconnection. Customers who have defaulted on a payment agreement may be disconnected with 24 hours’ notice.
• Notice must include the reason for disconnection and the final date payment is due.
• Notice must include the "Customer Rights and Responsibilities" language from 199 of the Iowa Administrative Code. 
• If a customer’s rental unit is subject to disconnect the utility must attempt to contact the landlord at least two days prior to the disconnection.
  
• 199 IAC 19.4(15) Service Supplied by Gas Utilities
• 199 IAC 20.4(15) Service Supplied by Rate-Regulated Electric Utilities
• 199 IAC 27.4(2) Regulation of Electric Cooperatives and Municipal Electric Utilities
  

March 20-26 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

Lincoln – National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, a week-long health observance dedicated to inspiring dialogue, education, and sharing resources about drug use and addiction, is March 20-26.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 14 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder.

“This week-long health observance provides an opportunity to spread awareness, share information on resources, and improve prevention in communities across Nebraska,” said Tony Green, Interim Director of the Division of Behavioral Health. “There is treatment available and recovery is possible. By spreading awareness, normalizing the conversation about substance use, and sharing resources in regards to prevention, treatment, and recovery, we can take steps towards reducing stigma and empower individuals to seek help and find support, while strengthening our communities.”

Here are some drug and alcohol facts that you should know:

• Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance, and the third most common cause of death in the United States.
• Over 50% of all traffic accidents involve alcohol or drugs.
• One packet of sugar is the same size as 16 methamphetamines “meth” doses.
• Nicotine in any form is highly addictive, and many who start using one form of nicotine, such as vaping, transition to another form of nicotine use such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or cigars.
• Alcohol is the number one substance of use and abuse in Nebraska based on treatment data.
• Even though an individual may know using drugs may be unhealthy for them, coping with trauma, enhancing performance, and experiencing the feeling of pleasure or a “high” are common reasons people may use drugs.
• The component of the cannabis (marijuana) plant that is psychotropic, or produces a “high” is called THC. Medical research shows that up to one in five medical marijuana users develop an addiction to cannabis (cannabis use disorder).
• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is commonly mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it.
• According to the CDC, approximately 1.6 million Americans are living with opioid use disorder.
• Opioid overdose deaths can be prevented with Naloxone, a medicine that can reverse the effects of an overdose within two to three minutes in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of an opioid overdose. More than one dose of Naloxone may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved.

There are many ways to find Naloxone. You can find an up-to-date list of free Naloxone providers on the Nebraska Pharmacist Association’s Stop-Overdose-Nebraska website at https://stopodne.com/. If you are interested in learning more information about Naloxone or are searching for resources, please visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Drug-Overdose-Prevention-Naloxone.aspx.

There are laws in Nebraska to protect individuals who are taking action to help individuals experiencing an opioid-related overdose in their community by administering Naloxone.

• Under Nebraska law, any person, who in good faith, administers naloxone to someone they reasonably believe is suffering an opioid-related overdose is protected from criminal or administrative actions.
• Under Nebraska law, a person who makes a good faith 911 call in response to a drug overdose of another person or for themselves remains at the scene until emergency personnel arrives, and cooperates with medical and law enforcement personnel is not in violation of the statutes prohibiting possession or distribution of a controlled substance or possession of drug paraphernalia if the only evidence of these crimes is obtained as a result of the drug overdose and the 911 call.
• Under Nebraska law, a bystander who provides care during an emergency has protection from payment of civil damages for any harm caused by the care or lack of care.

Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:

• The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; call, text, or chat 988
• Your faith-based leader, your healthcare professional, or your student health center on campus.
• Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660
• Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
• National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

· March 22, 2023
· DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Governor’s School Safety Bureau in partnership with the Department of Education, has launched a free and anonymous school safety threat reporting platform. The new platform is available to all public school districts and accredited non-public schools to help prevent violence, unlawful possession of weapons, self-harm and other forms of victimization and threatening behaviors in schools across the state.

· The rollout of the Safe+Sound Iowa app was announced and demonstrated in a joint press conferenceon Tuesday, March 21, with Governor Kim Reynolds joining the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Dike-New Hartford Community School District in providing an update on the progress made to enhance safety for students in school buildings across Iowa.

· These enhancements include emergency school radios, vulnerability assessments, critical incident mapping, active shooter response and first aid training, and the new Safe+Sound Iowa threat reporting platform. All of these efforts are part of a $100 million investment in school safety improvement initiatives that the Governor announced last June to help protect Iowa’s 500,000 students in nearly 1,500 schools.

· “There’s nothing more important to parents than knowing their children are safe at school from the time they arrive each day to when they return home. As Governor of Iowa, and as a grandmother to school-age children, it’s equally important to me,” said Governor Reynolds. “And now we need everyone’s help to make sure students and families are aware of the new Safe+Sound Iowa reporting app. It’s key to helping prevent violence and saving lives.”

· The funding builds upon the foundation of the Governor’s School Safety Bureau to support all schools in collaboration with law enforcement partners to provide prevention, training and response strategies. Added Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Stephan K. Bayens, "We have taken seriously our collective charge to strengthen and fortify school buildings, to dedicate experts and resources to training and to build tools that give students, faculty, staff and parents a free, easy, and anonymous resource to report threats."

· The Governor’s School Safety Bureau is making Safe+Sound Iowa available to students, school staff, parents and concerned community members to help identify students in crisis before they hurt themselves or others. Reports of safety concerns can be made securely and anonymously in one of three ways:

· 1. Downloading and using the free Safe+Sound Iowa app
2. Going to SafeandSoundIowa.gov, or
3. Calling the Safe+Sound Iowa hotline at 800-224-6018

· Trained dispatchers monitor reports made through Safe+Sound Iowa 24/7 and immediately engage in two-way communication with those raising concerns to ensure the information is vetted. Dispatchers then share information with the appropriate local school safety contact, law enforcement or other community partners so outreach and support can be provided to the student in crisis.

· For schools participating in the Safe+Sound Iowa program, a variety of helpful marketing resources are available to help train faculty, staff and students in using the reporting tool.

· “In 80% of school shootings, at least one other person had advance knowledge of what was going to occur. That person with advance knowledge is most likely going to be another student or a teacher. That is why having a tool like Safe and Sound Iowa available in every school is so critical, because it gives every student and teacher a voice for their safety,” said Special Agent in Charge and Governor’s School Safety Bureau Chief Don Schnitker.

· Schnitker reiterated that Safe+Sound Iowa is a valuable resource in supporting schools, local law enforcement and other community partners in working together to prevent and protect against acts of violence. Schools may opt-in and introduce the platform at any time.

· “This launch is an important milestone for our schools and our state, but we want Iowans to know that our work is really just beginning. We want every school to be a Safe and Sound Iowa school, and we will continue the work to encourage more school participation in training and use of the app because our kids deserve to learn in an environment that values their safety.”

· ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

· The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.

UnityPoint Health Named ‘Top Place to Work in Healthcare’ for Second Consecutive Year

West Des Moines, Iowa (March 22, 2023) – For the second consecutive year, UnityPoint Health^® has been recognized as one of the top places to work in healthcare in the country by a national industry publication.

This week, Becker’s Healthcare included UnityPoint Health on their 2023 list of “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare”. The list highlights hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that are committed to advocating for diversity in the workplace, promoting work-life balance, and boosting employee engagement.

UnityPoint Health, which provides care across Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin, is the only health system in Iowa and Wisconsin to be named to this year’s list and is one of only a handful of health systems in Illinois to be included.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a top place to work for the second consecutive year,” said UnityPoint Health Chief Human Resources Officer Aaron Gillingham. “We have spent the last several years really focused on building a strong, values-oriented culture for our entire enterprise. This work was led by our amazing team members and has become a part of everything we do at UnityPoint Health.”

In naming UnityPoint Health to this year’s list, Becker’s Healthcare said, “Over the past several years, UnityPoint Health has made a concentrated effort to invest in its team members, not only through traditional benefits, but also through opportunities for personal growth and development, recognition and well-being resources.”

Being named to the 2023 Becker’s Healthcare list is the latest in a series of top workplace recognitions UnityPoint Health has received over the last two years.

For individuals interested in joining the UnityPoint Health team, search for open career opportunities at unitypoint.org/joinourteam.

Fly National Dance Competition to Visit Sioux City

Sioux City, IA – Fly National Dance Competition is making a stop for its annual dance competition tour in Sioux City on March 25, 20203 at The Sioux City Convention Center. The competition will host upwards of 200 dance routines from area dance studios.

Fly Dance competition held its inaugural season in 2020 before the pandemic caused the tour to come to a halt and switch to a virtual format. Since then, the tour has grown from 20 events in 2021, to 50 events in 2022 and 88 events in 2023. Other cities included in the Fly National Dance Competition tour include Los Angeles, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and San Diego among others. At the end of the 2023 season, Fly will have hosted over 100,000 routines.

Sioux City native, Kayla Kellen, grew up in the competition dance world. Noticing a lack of competition opportunities in the Siouxland area, Kellen set out to change that for future generations of Siouxland dancers. She contacted Fly and after a few months of planning, Fly hosted its first Sioux City event in 2022. Now an employee of Fly Dance Competition, Kayla is proud to see the competition back for the second year.

The competition kicks off at 8:00am and is scheduled to finish around 9:00pm. Admission is free for spectators.

Please visit www.flydancecompetition.com for a full list of tour dates and to learn more about the competition.