Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB1237

Introduced
4/29/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, and related provisions and appropriations, including aging and disability services; behavioral health, public health, community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care; administration and compliance; transfers, cash flows, and nonreversions; prior appropriations; the beer and liquor control fund, and the behavioral health fund; report on nonreversion of moneys; emergency rules; more options for maternal support program; and a hospital directed payment program; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 649.)

Impact

This bill is set to influence a variety of state laws relating to veterans' services and health care funding in Iowa. By allocating funds for programs such as the Medical Assistance Program, Maternal Support Program, and behavioral health initiatives, it aims to enhance the support available for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the bill’s provisions on nonreversion of funds are aimed at allowing appropriations for health services to be carried over into subsequent fiscal years, which may ensure more sustainable funding for ongoing programs, and potentially improve institutional capabilities in handling clients' health services needs.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1237 focuses on appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services in Iowa. It earmarks funding for a broad range of programs including veterans affairs, behavioral health, public health, aging and disability services, and community access programs. The bill specifies amounts allocated for salaries, support, maintenance, as well as funding for health-related services aimed at improving the wellbeing of Iowa residents. The provisions outlined in the bill reflect a comprehensive approach to address the state's varied health service needs, financial assistance programs, and emergency responses in health care operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention within discussions surrounding SSB1237 involve the allocation for substance use and mental health services in light of existing programs and financial constraints. Critics may highlight concerns over whether the appropriations sufficiently address growing needs in these areas amidst budgetary limitations. Additionally, there could be discussions about the prioritization of funding between urgent health care services and ongoing support needs, particularly regarding the implications for public health and emergency service provisions in the wake of fiscal constraints.

Companion Bills

IA HSB342

Related A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, and related provisions and appropriations, including aging and disability services; behavioral health, public health, community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; reimbursement rates; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care, administration and compliance; transfers, cash flows, and nonreversions; prior appropriations; the beer and liquor control fund, and the behavioral health fund; report on nonreversion of moneys; emergency rules; autism spectrum disorder; involuntary commitment hearing testimony; discharge of involuntarily committed persons; medical residency and fellowships; maintenance and costs of juvenile homes; and a hospital directed payment program; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 1049.)

IA SF649

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, and related provisions and appropriations, including aging and disability services; behavioral health, public health, community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care; administration and compliance; transfers, cash flows, and nonreversions; prior appropriations; the beer and liquor control fund, and the behavioral health fund; report on nonreversion of moneys; emergency rules; more options for maternal support program; and a hospital directed payment program; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1237.)

IA HF1049

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, and related provisions and appropriations, including aging and disability services; behavioral health, public health, community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; sex reassignment surgeries or associated procedures; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care, administration and compliance; transfers, cash flows, and nonreversions; prior appropriations; the beer and liquor control fund, and the behavioral health fund; report on nonreversion of moneys; emergency rules; and a hospital directed payment program; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 342.) Effective date: 06/11/2025, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2024.

Previously Filed As

IA SF649

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, and related provisions and appropriations, including aging and disability services; behavioral health, public health, community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care; administration and compliance; transfers, cash flows, and nonreversions; prior appropriations; the beer and liquor control fund, and the behavioral health fund; report on nonreversion of moneys; emergency rules; more options for maternal support program; and a hospital directed payment program; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1237.)

IA HF1049

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, and related provisions and appropriations, including aging and disability services; behavioral health, public health, community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; sex reassignment surgeries or associated procedures; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care, administration and compliance; transfers, cash flows, and nonreversions; prior appropriations; the beer and liquor control fund, and the behavioral health fund; report on nonreversion of moneys; emergency rules; and a hospital directed payment program; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 342.) Effective date: 06/11/2025, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2024.

IA HSB342

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, and related provisions and appropriations, including aging and disability services; behavioral health, public health, community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; reimbursement rates; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care, administration and compliance; transfers, cash flows, and nonreversions; prior appropriations; the beer and liquor control fund, and the behavioral health fund; report on nonreversion of moneys; emergency rules; autism spectrum disorder; involuntary commitment hearing testimony; discharge of involuntarily committed persons; medical residency and fellowships; maintenance and costs of juvenile homes; and a hospital directed payment program; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 1049.)

IA SSB1228

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for veterans and health and human services, and related provisions and appropriations, including aging and disability services, behavioral health, public health, community access and eligibility, health-related programs, reimbursement rates, family well-being and protection, state-operated specialty care, the beer and liquor control fund, and the behavioral health fund, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

IA HF2782

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, including aging and disability services, behavioral health, public health, and community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care; administration and compliance; transfers, cash flow, and nonreversions; report on nonreversion of moneys; more options for maternal support program; reimbursement rates review; mental diseases exclusion waiver; full-time equivalent dashboard; comprehensive family support program; federal community mental health services block grant; behavioral health expenditure report; opioid settlement fund; emergency rules; graduate medical education; and special population nursing facilities; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 777.) Effective date: Enactment, 07/01/2026. Applicability date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB777

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, including aging and disability services, behavioral health, public health, and community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care; administration and compliance; transfers, cash flow, and nonreversions; report on nonreversion of moneys; more options for maternal support program; reimbursement rates review; mental diseases exclusion waiver; community health centers reimbursement; full-time equivalent dashboard; comprehensive family support program; federal community mental health services block grant; child welfare and juvenile justice decategorization; commitment or hospitalization of certain persons with substance abuse disorders or mental illness; behavioral health expenditure report; and opioid settlement fund; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 2782.)

IA SSB3192

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, including aging and disability services, behavioral health, public health, and community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care; administration and compliance; prior appropriations; child welfare and juvenile justice decategorization; commitment or hospitalization of certain persons with mental illness or substance abuse disorders; child abuse prevention; creation of a comprehensive family support program; and repeal of expenditure projections for state child care assistance and adoption subsidy programs; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 2483.)

IA SF2483

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, including aging and disability services, behavioral health, public health, and community access and eligibility; the medical assistance program, state supplementary assistance, Hawki, and other health-related programs; family well-being and protection; state-operated specialty care; administration and compliance; prior appropriations; child welfare and juvenile justice decategorization; commitment or hospitalization of certain persons with mental illness or substance abuse disorders; child abuse prevention; creation of a comprehensive family support program; and repeal of expenditure projections for state child care assistance and adoption subsidy programs; and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 3192.)

IA SSB3140

A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, the medical assistance program, the Iowa health and wellness plan, and other programs under the purview of the department of health and human services and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2422.)

IA SF2422

A bill for an act relating to public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services, including the supplemental nutrition assistance program, Medicaid, and the Iowa health and wellness plan, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3140.) Effective date: Enactment, 01/01/2027.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.