10 New Laws That Will Impact Iowans Starting July 1

Summer is in full swing, and the 4th of July will be here before you know it. Speaking of July, that also marks the start of the fiscal year for the state of Iowa. That means new laws involving everything from fireworks to health care will go into effect on July 1st. Here are 10 of the big ones you should know about.

Changes to the Iowa Civil Rights Act

The Des Moines Register reports that the Iowa Civil Rights Act will no longer protect Iowans from discrimination based on their gender identity starting July 1st. Iowa becomes the first state in the nation to take away civil rights from a group of people that it previously protected.

Cell Phone Use While Driving

Drivers will have to put down those phones while driving. The Register reports that Iowa will join 30 other states that ban the use of cell phones or electronic devices while driving. Hands-free and voice-activated modes are still OK. While the new law takes effect on July 1st, law enforcement will issue warnings until January 1st, 2026.

No More DEI Programs

The Register reports that state agencies, local governments, public universities, community colleges, and school districts will face new restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, also called DEI. A new law bans state and local governments from spending money on DEI offices or employees.

Paid Parental Leave for State Employees

The Register reports that new parents working in state government will, for the first time, get paid time off when they have a child. State workers are now guaranteed four weeks of paid maternity leave and one week of paid leave after the child is born. It also gives four paid weeks to parents who adopt a child, according to the Register.

New Law for Purchasing a Handgun

Iowans can now buy and carry a handgun as soon as they turn 18 years old, according to the Register. The age limit was previously 21. Courts across that country have struck down laws in other states that require Americans to be 21 years old to buy a handgun.

Gender Affirming Surgeries and Hormone Therapy

As of July 1st, gender affirming surgeries and hormone therapies for transgender Iowans will no longer be covered under Medicaid, according to the Register. Medicaid will still cover mental health counseling to treat gender dysphoria.

Changes to Iowa's Fireworks Law

Just in time for the 4th of July, a new law states that cities and counties in Iowa can not limit or ban the use of fireworks on July 3rd and 4th, and on December 31st, according to the Register. In the past, many cities banned the use of fireworks within city limits despite the fact that citizens could legally purchase them.

Help for Struggling Iowa Pharmacies

The Register reports that a new Iowa law aims to help keep struggling pharmacies open. The law forces pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse pharmacies at the national average drug acquisition cost, and it prevents PBMs from banning Iowans from selecting a certain pharmacy if it is covered by their insurance, according to the Register.

Unemployment Tax Cut for Businesses

As of July 1st, a new law will cut in half the amount of wages that businesses pay unemployment taxes. It also lowers the current maximum unemployment tax rate from 7% to 5.4%. The move will reduce taxes on Iowa businesses by $1.2 billion over the next five years, according to the Register.

Verifying Voter's Identification and Citizenship

The Register reports that as of July 1st, election workers can challenge voters at the polls on the basis of their citizenship status. Current Iowa law already allows workers to challenge voters on their age and residency. If a registered voter's citizenship status is questioned, they must provide documentation confirming they are legally able to register and be designated as an active registered voter, according to the Register.