Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB670

Introduced
2/6/24  
Introduced
2/6/24  

Caption

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

Impact

By repealing the gender balance requirements, the bill allows appointing authorities greater discretion in selecting members for commissions and boards, potentially leading to appointments based solely on qualifications rather than gender representation. Supporters of the bill may argue that it promotes meritocracy, removing constraints that could limit the pool of candidates based on gender. However, critics might contend that this shift could lead to less diversity and representation among appointed positions, which has been a critical focus in recent years.

Summary

House Study Bill 670 (HSB670) proposes the repeal of gender balance requirements for appointive bodies in Iowa. This legislation suggests a shift in the way appointments to various commissions and boards are made, moving away from mandates that require gender representation to a more flexible approach. The bill represents a significant change in state law by eliminating existing Code section 69.16A, which outlines gender balance provisions for these appointive bodies.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HSB670 is likely to focus on the implications of removing requirements that have aimed to ensure a balance between genders in decision-making roles. Proponents of the repeal could assert that such regulations are unnecessary and could hinder the appointment of the most qualified individuals. In contrast, opponents may express concern that this legislation undermines efforts towards achieving gender equality in state governance and could reverse progress made in diversifying leadership positions within Iowa's governmental structures.

Companion Bills

IA SF2096

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

IA HF2540

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

Previously Filed As

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 SSB1037

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

IA SF136

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

IA HF2143

A bill for an act relating to the membership of the commission of veterans affairs.(See HF 2306.)

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.

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 HF386

A bill for an act relating to bodies of the state governmental structure under the purview of the department of health and human services.(See HF 566.)

IA HF566

A bill for an act relating to bodies of the state governmental structure under the purview of the department of health and human services. (Formerly HF 386.)

IA SF2317

A bill for an act relating to state and district judicial nominating commissions and county magistrate appointing commissions.

Similar Bills

IA SF2096

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

IA HF2540

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

CA AB13

Public Utilities Commission: membership: reports.

IA SF136

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

IA SSB1037

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

PA HB746

In Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, further providing for organization of commission; and, in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission.

MN HF68

Per diems increased for boards, councils, and commissions.

MN SF2205

Per diem increases for certain boards, councils and commissions relating to natural resources