Bill would change Iowa home electrical rules and require college courses

The bill would use an amended 2023 national electrical code and limit local electrical rules. The proposed code sets rules for electrical work in homes, including outlets, circuits, and ceiling fan boxes. Local governments could not adopt electrical rules stricter than the national code. Before adopting significant code changes, the electrical examining board would have to study consumer costs and submit its analysis for publication. The provisions would take effect upon enactment and end when the state adopts the 2026 national electrical code.

The Board of Regents would require history and government courses for undergraduates. The requirement would cover institutions governed by the Iowa Board of Regents and their undergraduate students. Each course would carry at least three credits and count toward a required social science or humanities course. Students in degree programs lasting three years or less would be exempt. Transfer students would receive equivalent credit for substantially similar past coursework. It would apply to undergraduates starting at a Regents college in an academic year beginning on or after July 1, 2028.

A private party could sue another private party for misusing a civil court process to pursue an improper purpose. The proposed claim would apply only to civil legal processes between private parties. The claim would not cover criminal cases or cases involving government bodies or officials acting in their official roles. To win, a plaintiff would have to prove the process was mainly used for an improper purpose, the other party willfully misused it, and the underlying case ended in the plaintiff's favor. It would apply to civil cases or proceedings resolved on or after the division's effective date.