Last week, the House passed HF 2104, a bill that will prohibit the use of eminent domain for a carbon dioxide pipeline. I supported this bill. The House has been working on this issue for four years. It’s early in the session, and I’m optimistic we can finally come to a resolution this year. Protecting property rights is essential.

Our committee work is in full swing, and I’ve already chaired or served on several subcommittees. This is the time when the public is able to weigh in on legislation. It’s the first step in the process of a bill becoming a law.

Last week, two bills passed the full Health and Human Services Committee. HF 505 addresses training for foster parents. HF 2055 allows epinephrine to be administered via newer delivery systems approved by the FDA. Current code for epinephrine in schools only includes injectable, which was the only delivery system at that time.

Both bills passed with bipartisan support.

Last session, the legislature passed House File 516, a bill that I sponsored and managed, to focus our state institution and medical school on growing the physician workforce for the entire state. This bill required the University of Iowa medical school and dental school to have at least 80 percent of their students be residents of Iowa, as well as priority admission to residents of Iowa who apply to these programs. This bill also required specific questions regarding upbringing and intent to practice in Iowa by applicants for these programs as well as residency programs at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

This bill also required an annual report by UI regarding the same schools and UIHC medical residencies’ demographic information and the first report can be found here: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/DF/1595916.pdf.

In the report, UI acknowledges that they have implemented the legislation, however, the information in this report was prior to enactment of the law. Future reports will show the progress made based on HF 516.

For the 2026 class, we are already seeing improvement with 317 Iowans being interviewed and 313 non-Iowans being interviewed.

The report also shows the number of individuals that are annually interviewed for residency and fellowship positions, with Iowans making up only 2 to 4 percent of those interviewed. The legislature will be monitoring progress on increasing that number to ensure that those that are willing to stay and practice in Iowa are being trained at our state hospital.

Last week was also busy with visitors at the Capitol. If you are planning to visit the Capitol, please let me know. I’d love to meet with you. It is truly my honor to represent Webster County In Des Moines.

State Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge, represents Fort Dodge and eastern Webster County.