Governor Signs ABI-supported Bills

Following adjournment of the 2018 legislative session, Gov. Reynolds and her staff have been carefully reviewing and signing bills that passed during the session. This week, she signed several bills into law that included legislation ABI supported throughout the session. Legislation pertaining to water quality, opioids, WIOA and equipment rental sales obtained her signature.

Below is a brief description of the bills signed into law this week:

• HF 2377: This is the opioid omnibus bill that passed unanimously in both chambers. ABI supported the comprehensive legislation, which addresses opioid abuse, will help reduce workplace accidents and will help prevent opioid addiction and overdoses. ABI’s Workplace and Product Safety Committee Chair, Rex Butler, attended the bill signing in Dubuque this week. Click here to read the press release from the Governor.
• HF 2440: Water quality legislation. The legislation adds industries named in the nutrient reduction strategy to the definition of “eligible entity” for purposes of the revolving loan fund created in SF 512, comprehensive water quality legislation that also passed this session. The legislation gives industry a seat at the table in water quality discussions as they evolve and move forward. ABI has worked hard to include industry since the beginning of the water quality discussions, and we appreciate the bipartisan support of this legislation.
• SF 2353: WIOA conformity. Conforms local workforce boards to federal law in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The legislation expands membership of the local boards, requires the chair to be a business representative and requires the makeup to be over 50 percent business representation. It also changes who will appoint members of local workforce boards from the Governor to local government officials. The legislation also makes clear what entity is responsible for sector partnerships. ABI position: For.
• HF 2478: This bill makes clear that equipment dealers who purchase and lease construction equipment do not have to pay sales tax on the purchase of the equipment, as each time the equipment is leased, sales tax is collected. ABI position: Undecided.