Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF136

Introduced
1/25/23  
Refer
6/5/23  
Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive boards, commissions, committees, and councils.(Formerly SSB 1037.)

Votes

On January 25, 2023, SF136 was favorably reported out of the Senate State Government committee, with unanimous support noted during the voting process. The bill’s passage may reflect broad legislative agreement on the necessity to reform appointment practices while also raising questions about the balance between accessibility and representational equity in government bodies.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant for the structure and composition of various state boards and commissions. By removing the requirement for gender balance, appointing authorities may have greater flexibility in selecting members based on qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors, potentially leading to a reduction in the overall focus on gender representation. This could change the dynamics within these groups, as the previous mandate ensured a minimum number of female representatives on many such committees.

Summary

Senate File 136 addresses the repeal of gender balance requirements for appointive boards, commissions, committees, and councils in the state of Iowa. The bill's primary aim is to eliminate the Code section 69.16A, which established specific gender balance guidelines for appointments to these governing bodies. This change reflects a shift in the state's approach towards gender inclusivity in the appointment process, proposing that diversity can still be achieved without enforced gender quotas.

Contention

The repeal has generated discussions regarding its potential impact on equality and representation. Advocates argue that it allows for a broader selection of qualified candidates without regard to gender, potentially increasing effectiveness and operational efficiency. However, opponents of the bill raise concerns that this measure might lead to a regression in efforts towards equitable representation, particularly for women and minorities. There is a fear that without explicit requirements, the diversity of perspectives necessary for informed decision-making could diminish.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1037

Related A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive boards, commissions, committees, and councils.(See SF 136.)

Previously Filed As

IA SSB1037

A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive boards, commissions, committees, and councils.(See SF 136.)

IA HF2540

A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive bodies.(Formerly HSB 670.)

IA SF2096

A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive bodies. Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HSB670

A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive bodies.(See HF 2540.)

IA SF2385

A bill for an act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions. (Formerly SSB 3172.) Effective date: 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA SSB3172

A bill for an act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions.(See SF 2385.)

IA HF2574

A bill for an act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including transition provisions.(Formerly HSB 710.)

IA SF318

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council. (Formerly SSB 1086.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SF479

A bill for an act repealing energy conservation requirements for new construction.(Formerly SF 334.)

IA HF2306

A bill for an act relating to the membership of the commission of veterans affairs. (Formerly HF 2143.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

Similar Bills

IA SF2096

A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive bodies. Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SSB1037

A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive boards, commissions, committees, and councils.(See SF 136.)

CA AB1062

Postsecondary education: cross-enrollment: online education at the California State University.

IA HSB670

A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive bodies.(See HF 2540.)

IA HF2540

A bill for an act repealing gender balance requirements for appointive bodies.(Formerly HSB 670.)

CA SB1387

Gubernatorial appointments: report.

CA AB13

Public Utilities Commission: membership: reports.

CA AB877

Postsecondary education: Trustees of the California State University.