Iowa HF2595 mining regulation bill passes subcommittee

Iowa House Bill HF2595, a bill providing for the regulation of mining operations, passed out of subcommittee on April 7, 2026, with a recommendation for passage. The bill was introduced on February 19, 2026, and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. The legislation, formerly HSB 731, represents an effort to establish regulatory requirements for mining activities within Iowa.

Open Enrollment and Athletic Eligibility Requirements

Iowa House File 2591 passed both chambers unanimously (House 90-0, Senate 46-0) on March 2 and April 1, 2026, respectively. The bill modifies open enrollment procedures for Iowa students and establishes new interscholastic athletic eligibility requirements for transferring students. The legislation was sponsored by the Education committee and amended multiple times before final passage.

Iowa HSB769 Gold Star Driver's Licenses

Iowa House Bill 769 passed the House Ways and Means Committee, proposing to require gold star markings on driver's licenses and non-operator identification cards to indicate compliance with federal REAL ID Act standards. The bill was introduced and referred to the Ways and Means Committee, with a subcommittee meeting scheduled. If enacted, the Iowa Department of Transportation would be required to implement the gold star designation on credentials meeting federal security standards.

Iowa Veterans Services Appropriations Bill SF2466

Iowa Senate Bill SF2466 passed the Senate on March 10, 2026, by a vote of 34-12. The bill relates to veterans services and makes appropriations for veterans programs. It was previously designated SSB 3079 and has been referred to the Iowa House Veterans Affairs Committee for further consideration.

SSB3193 - Vapor Products and Alternative Nicotine Products Taxation

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3193 passed the Senate on April 6, 2026, proposing taxation and regulation of alternative nicotine products and vapor products. The bill was introduced by the Appropriations Committee in the 91st General Assembly and includes appropriations and effective date provisions. The legislation would establish new tax rates on vapor products and impose regulatory requirements on manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in Iowa.

HB4217 allows Illinois public defenders in suspension hearings

Illinois House Bill 4217 amends the Officers and Employees Article of the Counties Code to expand the scope of public defender representation. The bill allows public defenders who are already representing a client in a criminal case to also represent that same client in summary suspension or revocation hearings under the Illinois Vehicle Code. This removes a prior restriction that separated criminal defense representation from administrative driving privilege hearings.

Debt Management License Bond Doubling

Illinois HB4814 amends the Debt Management Service Act to double the required bond for license applicants from $25,000 to $50,000. The bill also establishes new fee caps for debt management service providers, allowing fees of up to 15% of monthly disbursements to creditors or $75/$100 depending on the number of creditors enrolled in the debt management plan.

Asset Purchase Agreement - Supernus Acquires Navitor Pharmaceutical Assets

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. filed an SEC Form 8-K exhibit disclosing an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire certain pharmaceutical compound assets from Navitor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Navitor Pharmaceuticals, LLC. The transaction, effective April 1, 2026, involves the purchase of intellectual property related to a CNS compound that Supernus has been developing in partnership with Navitor since 2020. The deal supersedes a prior Development and Option Agreement and Binding Memorandum of Understanding between the parties.

Executive Leadership Transition: Totzke Departure and Luthra Promotion

Mattel, Inc. announced that Steve Totzke, President and Chief Commercial Officer, will step down effective May 1, 2026, after 30 years with the company. Sanjay Luthra, previously Executive Vice President and Managing Director of EMEA and Global Direct-to-Consumer, has been promoted to succeed Totzke as Chief Commercial Officer. Totzke will serve as Executive Advisor through December 31, 2026, to facilitate transition.

Alaska SB185 - Insurance Rebates and Advertising

Alaska Senate Bill 185 passed the Senate on April 7, 2026, modifying the state's insurance code. The legislation addresses prohibited insurance rebates, expands exceptions under AS 21.36, grants additional powers to the director of the Division of Insurance, and establishes new restrictions on insurance advertising practices. The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee with a committee substitute adopted.