This Week at the Statehouse – Week 10

This week, there was a lot of floor debate by both the Senate and the House. In addition, committee action continues to occur as lawmakers are trying to get their policy bills voted out of committee prior to the second funnel, which is April 5.  This is when Senate bills and joint resolutions must be reported out of House committees and House bills and joint resolutions must be reported out of Senate committees. This deadline does not apply to appropriations, taxes and government oversight legislation.

The House Ways and Means Committee amended and passed the sports wagering/fantasy sports betting bill (HF 648) this week, on a 16-9 vote. This bill will get a new bill number when it becomes a Ways and Means Committee bill (meaning it will not die during the second funnel).

An amendment was adopted by the House Ways and Means Committee that says sports betting does not include bets on the performance or non-performance of any individual athlete participating in a single game or match where a collegiate team from the state of Iowa is a participant. This would not allow any bets to be placed on an in-state college player, or on the opposing team’s players for that specific game; no matter if the game is played in Iowa or in another state.

The Board of Regents released a statement stating they were pleased this amendment has been added to the bill. Maintaining the integrity of our student-athletes is of paramount importance to the Board. This amendment is a positive step in that direction.

We will continue to monitor the language of the bill as it moves through the legislative process.  We want to ensure that the integrity of our student-athletes is maintained.

Upcoming Deadlines

April 5 is the Legislature’s second funnel date.

May 3 is the 110th calendar day of the session and the legislator’s daily per diem expenses end.