Mid-Session Legislative Updates
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Mid-Session Legislative Updates
Iowa Academy Members,
Our public policy team would like to provide you with some updates regarding state legislation. The Capitol has been very busy, and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is creating a lot of interest in nutrition from legislators. Now, more than ever, it is important to be reaching out to your legislator, telling them who you are and what you do as a dietitian, and why it is critical that they consult dietitians, the nutrition experts, when drafting legislation.
Reimbursement Discussions with Wellmark
On February 10th, our Public Policy Team and Kate Walton (one of our lobbyists) met with Wellmark representatives to discuss the issues dietitians are experiencing with being recognized as credentialed providers to bill insurance. We had a productive discussion and have followed up with Wellmark since the conversation, but we are continuing to await answers from their team.
Updates on Legislation
First, our team wants to provide some context as to why we register “Undecided” on bills that you may think we should register “Against”. This is a strategic move recommended by our lobbyists to help keep dialogue open with legislators from both parties. Registering “Against” on a bill could discourage a legislator from being open to a conversation with you.
Also to note, second funnel was on Friday, March 20th. This date determined the fate of many bills that do not have appropriations (funding) attached to them. See the full session timeline here.
Here is a list of bills that we are currently monitoring and their status as of 3/11/26. We will put a couple of highlights here, but we encourage you to read the bill and send any questions you have to policyeatrightiowa@gmail.com.
HF 2676 - House MAHA Bill - Passed full House, Now attached to SF 2367 and eligible for full Senate debate - This bill is especially concerning and two steps away from becoming law! It has also been placed on the “unfinished business” calendar, which means it is still alive and did not die with the funnel.
Concerns for each area (as applicable) are listed in italics.
Nutrition continuing education requirement for doctors - We feel that nutrition therapy is best left to dietitians, and instead of requiring more of doctors, we should be increasing access to dietetic services.
Summer EBT funds are tied to the waiver allow the state of Iowa to continue to restrict SNAP purchases - We want Summer EBT to be accessible, regardless of the state’s SNAP waiver status. Families should have access to those additional funds to feed their children when school is not in session, and summer meal programs can only reach families who are able to attend when the meal service is happening.
Allows over-the-counter access to ivermectin
Bans artificial dyes and certain ingredients in school meals - This is already happening in the industry, and it creates extra red tape to regulate this.
Requires nutrition education in schools; however, this education must share the importance of, nutritional benefits, and the role of “animal-based protein, dairy, vegetables, and fruit” in a balanced diet. - We know that nutrition is nuanced, and a one-size-fits-all approach is not an effective public health strategy. Children should receive nutrition education that is free of restriction, fear, or shame.
Directs the Department of Education to apply for a waiver from USDA within 90 days of enactment to exempt Iowa from “sodium limits, whole grain requirements, and fruit and vegetable variety stipulations”. It also appoints a committee of stakeholders to develop differing guidelines for Iowa that prioritize the food groups IN THIS ORDER: animal-based protein, dairy products, vegetables, and fresh fruit or dried or frozen fruit (when fresh isn’t seasonally available). - Changes are coming to school meal programs due to changes in the Dietary Guidelines. It is best for Iowa to wait and see what changes come from the federal government before creating additional rules and confusion around implementation.
Reduces the amount of instructional time that can be done from a screen used by the student.
Includes a psychology interjurisdictional compact
Requires 30 minutes of physical education for all students, every day - There are certainly facility and staffing limits that will not permit this in school districts.
Reinstates the Presidential Fitness Test
Requires children to participate in at least one extracurricular activity outside of school - Schools are required to document what the child will participate in and an estimated number of hours and will receive no additional funding to do so.
SF 2367 - Senate MAHA Bill - Passed Senate HHS Committee, now eligible for full Senate floor debate - Two steps away from becoming law! It has also been placed on the “unfinished business” calendar.
A strike and replace amendment (S-5062) was filed that replaces the full text of the bill with the HF 2676 language
It is critical to be reaching out to senators NOW and tell them to vote NO on this bill.
HF 851 - School Nutrition Meal Standards Modifications Bill - Has been reassigned a Senate Agriculture subcommittee (Driscoll, Zimmer, Zumbach). This bill has died with the funnel.
HF 2716 - Welfare Reform Bill. This bill has now been defeated for this session.
Most concerning portion of the bill surrounds residency: Allows HHS if allowed by federal law to require 12-months residency for FIP, Medicaid and SNAP. Requires verification of citizenship. Restricts food assistance to citizens and qualified aliens.
Here is more information and data from the Iowa Hunger Coalition, if you want to learn more.
SF 2422 - Welfare Reform Bill - Passed full Senate and House HHS Committee. Eligible for floor debate.
The Iowa Hunger Coalition successfully lobbied to remove a harmful provision that would have directed the state to share the immigration status of non-applicant SNAP household members to the federal government. While there are still some concerns with the bill, it largely codifies current SNAP policies and the harm has been reduced.
The Ask: Vote NO on SF 2422 due to language creating redundancies of federal law at the state level.
Our Public Policy team and lobbyists are working hard to communicate with legislators on these issues. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at policyeatrightiowa@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
The Iowa Academy Public Policy Team:
Tina Bauermeister, Consumer Protection Liaison
Pam Eaton, State Policy Representative
Kaitlyn Scheuermann, Public Policy Coordinator
Kara Wiggins, Nutrition Services Payment Specialist
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