Meggers

For many in our caucus, there is nothing we have heard louder or clearer than the call from landowners to protect their private property rights from eminent domain abuse by CO2 pipeline projects.

This week we passed two bills containing many policies to provide those protections. This is not about opposing the pipelines, but about opposing the use of eminent domain to construct the pipelines. Pipeline companies should not be able to use the heavy hand of government to abuse landowner rights for private gain.

House File 943 truly gets at the crux of the issue. This bill prohibits the taking of agricultural land for a pipeline transporting liquified carbon dioxide.

House File 639 contains a number of policies aimed at protecting landowners, including:

Requires hazardous liquid pipelines to have insurance to cover potential damage, including injury and property value reduction.

States that if individuals face increased insurance, or are unable to get insurance, due to the pipeline, the pipeline owner must provide insurance or reimburse the individual for additional costs.

– Provides stronger safeguards to ensure that only legitimate public uses are recognized to request eminent domain.

– Mandates that all members of the Iowa Utilities Commission must be present during hearings related to public utility regulation, electric transmission lines, and pipelines.

– Allows Iowans who are impacted IUC action to intervene in actions. Many Iowans have been prohibited from speaking even though they will be impacted by IUC actions.

Senate File 22: Distracted Driving

This week, we passed SF 22 to make our roads safer for all Iowans. We all know the dangerous distraction our phones can be. We have all seen drivers driving down the road distracted by their cellphones, endangering themselves and others.

Currently, Iowa law prohibits texting and driving. But there are many other reasons drivers may be using their phone. In addition to being completely unsafe, this makes the texting and driving law almost entirely unenforceable for Iowa law enforcement. SF 22 changes Iowa’s texting while driving ban into a ban on using electronic devices while driving. Drivers can use their device hands-free.

There are a number of common sense and necessary exemptions to the ban. For example, drivers can use their phones for the purpose of receiving safety-related information or reporting an emergency situation and public safety or health care professionals are exempt while performing official duties requiring their device.

If a driver violates this law, they are guilty of a simple misdemeanor, must pay a $100 fine, and it would be considered a moving violation. Law enforcement officers are to issue warnings to anyone in violation of this law from July 1 until January 1st, 2026. Beginning on January 1,2026. Law enforcement will be issuing tickets.

Protecting Human Trafficking Victims, Stopping Human Smuggling

Unchecked illegal immigration has led to a large amount of human trafficking and smuggling throughout the country. House Republicans are working to address this issue and protect people with House File 572, a bill to criminalize the smuggling of people in Iowa. By clearly defining the actions that constitute human smuggling and imposing strict penalties, this bill will protect vulnerable individuals and enhance public safety across the state.

House File 572 defines what qualifies as smuggling, including using vehicles transport individuals while concealing them from law enforcement, encouraging illegal entry into the country, or guiding individuals onto private property without consent. By categorizing smuggling as a class “C” felony, the legislation makes it clear human trafficking and smuggling will be dealt with harshly in Iowa. If a person being smuggled is put at risk of serious harm, if minors are involved, or if firearms used, the crime is a class “B” felony. In the most severe cases, where smuggled individuals suffer serious injury or become victims of sexual abuse, the offense can be classified as a class “A” felony. This tiered approach deters potential offenders and ensures that those who engage in the most dangerous forms of smuggling face the consequences of their actions.

House File 572 is essential for addressing human trafficking, and illegal immigration. By criminalizing smuggling of these people, the state can better protect vulnerable individuals who may be at risk of being exploited for labor or other illicit purposes. The legislation empowers law enforcement to take decisive action against those who engage in smuggling, thereby safeguarding potential victims and promoting a safer environment for all. Additionally, the bill enhances public safety by targeting individuals who may contribute to broader criminal activities associated with smuggling, such as drug trafficking and violence. By holding smugglers accountable, the legislation aims to reduce the risks posed to communities and create a more secure environment for all.

The bill has passed the house with bi-partisan support, it is currently assigned to a subcommittee in the Senate and will need to move through committee before next week to survive the second funnel.

If you ever have any questions, feel free to email me at joshua.meggers@legis.iowa.gov or visit my Facebook page at Joshua Meggers for Iowa House. Feel free to come visit me within the Capitol at any time!

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Joshua Meggers, a Republican from Grundy Center, represents District 54 in the Iowa House.