2018

RATINGS
of IOWA

ACUConservative @ACUFoundation | #ACURatings Conservative.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Chairman........................................................2 IA Senate Vote Descriptions.................................................. 6

ACU & ACUF Board Members...............................................3 IA Senate Scores.............................................................................. 9

Selecting the Votes........................................................................3 IA House Statistics.........................................................................11

2018 Winners & Losers.................................................................4 IA House Vote Descriptions...................................................12

IA Senate Statistics.........................................................................5 IA House Scores..............................................................................15

 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Fellow Conservative,

The American Conservative Union Foundation is proud to present our ratings of the 2018 meeting of the Iowa Legislature. Like our
Ratings of Congress, which date back 47 years, our state ratings are meant to reflect how elected officials view the role of government
in an individual’s life. We begin with our philosophy i.e., conservatism is the political philosophy that sovereignty resides in the person,
and then apply our understanding of government (its essential role is to defend Life, Liberty and Property).

Because our ratings are designed to educate the public about how consistently elected officials adhere to conservatism, we carefully
examine the entire docket of legislation introduced in each state every year. We select the most meaningful bills and publish
the results after the dust has settled. ACUF state ratings—launched in 2011 with ratings for five states—have become a nationally
recognized resource for evaluating over 8,000 elected officials comprising each of America’s 99 state legislative chambers.

Each election cycle, citizens choose leaders whose vision for the state most closely matches their own, hoping that candidates’
promises will be kept. ACUF’s ratings measure whether those promises were fulfilled or forsaken. With nearly a decade of data on
state legislators’ voting records and average scores for every legislative chamber, citizens in every state can assess how effectively their
lawmakers have applied conservative philosophy to the role of government.

We at ACUF believe, as Ronald Reagan once said, that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We hope
that by providing this unique tool, these ratings will empower Americans to exercise their right to protect our unique American
democracy from tyranny.

Sincerely,

Matt Schlapp
Chairman
American Conservative Union Foundation

TO SEE MORE ACU RATINGS, PLEASE VISIT:

acuratings.conservative.org
ACUConservative @ACUFoundation | #ACURatings Conservative.org

2
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

ACUF ACU
Executive Committee Executive Committee
Matt Schlapp Ron Christie
Matt Schlapp
Chairman Secretary
Chairman
Millie Hallow
Charlie Gerow Ed Yevoli SELECTING THE VOTES
Vice Chairman At-Large
Vice Chair
Carolyn D. Meadows Dan Schneider ACU researched and selected a range of bills
Van D. Hipp, Jr.
2nd Vice Chair Executive Director before the Iowa Legislature that determine
Treasurer
Bob Beauprez a member’s adherence to conservative
Kimberly Bellissimo
Treasurer principles. We selected bills that focus on
Secretary
Ronald Reagan’s philosophy of the “three-
Dan Schneider legged stool”: 1) fiscal and economic: taxes,
Executive Director Board Members budgets, regulation, spending, healthcare,
and property; 2) social and cultural: 2nd
Jackie Arends Ed McFadden amendment, religion, life, welfare, and
Board Members
Larry Beasley Priscilla O’Shaughnessy education; and 3) government integrity:
José Cárdenas voting, individual liberty, privacy, and
Kimberly Bellissimo Ron Robinson
Gordon Chang transparency. This wide range of issues
Morton C. Blackwell Mike Rose are designed to give citizens an accurate
Jonathan Garthwaite
Jamie Burke Peter Samuelson assessment that conveys which of Iowa’s
Charlie Gerow elected leaders best defend the principles of
José Cárdenas Sabrina Schaeffer
Niger Innis a free society: Life, Liberty and Property.
Muriel Coleman Terry Schilling
Adam Laxalt
Sean Fieler Matt Smith
Willes K. Lee
Alan M. Gottlieb Chris Turner
Mary Matalin
Van D. Hipp, Jr. Bill Walton
Carolyn D. Meadows
Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser Thomas Winter
Thomas Winter

The ACUF
Francis Finnegan Fred McGrath Luke Schneider
Legislative
Larry Hart Tyler Muench
Ratings Team

3
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

2018 WINNERS & LOSERS

90-100% AWARD FOR CONSERVATIVE

EXCELLENCE 80-89% AWARD FOR CONSERVATIVE
ACHIEVEMENT

SENATE HOUSE SENATE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE

ZUMBACH n/a LOFGREN TAYLOR, R. COWNIE ROGERS

SMITH HAGENOW GRASSLEY VANDER

LINDEN
SEGEBART PAUSTIAN DEYOE
FRY

<= 10%
BREITBACH KLEIN WINDSCHITL
COALITION OF THE WILLS
RADICAL LEFT BROWN HIGHFILL HUSEMAN
KAUFMANN
KAPUCIAN GASSMAN LANDON
SENATE HOUSE CARLIN SIECK WATTS

n/a n/a CHAPMAN BEST PETTENGILL

CHELGREN HEARTSILL DOLECHECK

ROZENBOOM BACON SHEETS

SCHNEIDER HOLT UPMEYER

JOHNSON, C. MOORE KERR

SCHULTZ HOLZ FISHER

WHITVER HAGER GUSTAFSON

ZAUN

EDLER

FEENSTRA

GARRETT

GREENE

BEHN

GUTH

4
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

IOWA SENATE STATISTICS

REPUBLICAN AVERAGE DEMOCRAT AVERAGE

81% 33%
OVERALL
AVERAGE

61% IOWA SENATE CONSERVATIVE RATINGS

RED = REPUBLICANS BLUE = DEMOCRATS

22

20

18
LOWEST
REPUBLICAN 16

COSTELLO
# OF 14
STATE

71%
12
SENATORS
10

6
HIGHEST
4
DEMOCRAT
2

BOWMAN 0

50%
0-9% 10-19% 20-29% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89% 90-100%

2018 ACUF PERCENTAGE

5
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa
IOWA SENATE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS
1. SF 2257 Clarifying the Definition of Independent Contractor. This bill
is meant to protect the “gig economy” (online platforms like Uber,
Grubhub, or Handy, which connect consumers to service providers)
by clarifying that those who provide services through those platforms
are classified as independent contractors and not employees. This
classification eliminates burdensome and costly labor regulatory
requirements. ACU supports the ability of contractors to negotiate
their own arrangements for compensation and supported this bill. The
Senate passed the bill on February 19, 2018 by a vote of 48-1.
2. SF 2344 Protecting Free Speech and Association on College Campuses.
This bill requires that all public institutions of higher education adopt
policies that protect students’ and faculty members’ First Amendment
rights of assembly and speech. Additionally, the bill ensures campuses
are open to all guest speakers and that student groups cannot be
denied benefits or privileges based on their beliefs. ACU supports the
protection of First Amendment rights and supported this bill. The
Senate passed the bill on February 28, 2018 by a vote of 29-20.
3. SF 2148 Banning the Use of Red Light and Speed Cameras. This bill
bans the use of automated traffic cameras for speeding and red light
enforcement. ACU opposes these devices that are used primarily
to produce revenue and has serious concerns about the ability of
these systems to invade privacy by tracking people’s movements and
supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 5, 2018 by a
vote of 32-18.
4. HF 2286 Preventing Localities from Restricting and Taxing Real Property
Transfers. This bill prevents counties and cities from charging fees for
or adopting ordinances that restrict the transfer, sale or refinancing
of land or property. ACU supports protecting property owners from
unnecessary regulations and costly fees and supported this bill. The
Senate passed the bill on March 5, 2018 by a vote of 41-8.
6
5. SF 2293 Interfering in Motor Vehicle Franchise Agreements. This bill
triggers state involvement in negotiations between automobile dealers
and manufacturers in order to help dealers charge higher prices.
Specifically, the bill forces manufacturers to compensate dealers
for warranty and recall work at retail market prices. ACU believes
manufacturers and dealers should be free to negotiate their own
private contracts and opposes this government interference that will
result in higher consumer costs and weaker consumer warranties and
opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 6, 2018 by a vote
of 50-0.
6. SF 2231 Expanding Second Amendment Rights on Snowmobiles and
ATVs. This bill allows operators of snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs) to lawfully carry a firearm without a permit while traversing land
the operator has rented or land belonging to someone for whom the
operator has provided services. Previously, operators of such vehicles
needed to obtain a permit to carry a firearm on any property other
than their own dwelling, land or place of business. ACU supports the
founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and supported this bill. The
Senate passed the bill on March 7, 2018 by a vote of 48-1.
7. SF 2333 Easing Regulations on Arcade Prizes. This bill raises from $100
to $950 the monetary cap on prizes that businesses operating arcades
(such as Chuck E. Cheese and Dave & Buster’s) can offer customers.
ACU supports this regulatory reform that benefits both consumers and
businesses and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March
20, 2018 by a vote of 44-5.
8. HJR 2009 Enshrining the Right to Bear Arms in the State Constitution.
This resolution proposes an amendment to the Iowa constitution to
affirm that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental individual
right. In addition, the resolution declares that any restriction of this right
shall be subject to strict scrutiny. ACU supports the founders’ belief in
the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and supported this
resolution. The Senate passed the bill on March 21, 2018 by a vote of 34-
15 (State constitutional amendments must be passed by two successive
legislatures and approved in a referendum. This vote is the first of the
two required passages of the legislature.)

9. SF 2117 Maintaining a Balanced Budget through Spending Cuts. This
rescissions bill makes $35.5 million in budget cuts to various state
services and programs in order to fix Iowa’s revenue shortfall and
maintain a balanced budget. ACU supports spending cuts rather than
tax increases to meet budget shortfalls and supports this bill as an
example of fiscal responsibility for other states to follow. The Senate
passed the bill on March 21, 2018 by a vote of 28-21.
10. SF 2349 Permitting Employers and Nonprofits to Bypass Obamacare
Health Care Mandates. This bill permits employers to purchase health
insurance for their workers through “association health plans,” which
do not carry costly and unnecessary Obamacare health mandates.
Furthermore, the bill declares that health benefit plans offered by
nonprofit agricultural organizations (such as the Iowa Farm Bureau
Association) are exempt from Obamacare mandates. ACU believes
individuals should be free to purchase the health care plan that best
fits their needs and has long opposed the mandates under Obamacare
that have crippled the health care industry and led to skyrocketing
costs and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 27,
2018 by a vote of 37-11.
11. HF 2253 Expanding Government Competitive Bidding Requirements.
This bill expands the state’s public construction competitive bidding
requirements to cover “lease-purchase agreements.” ACU supports
protecting taxpayers from waste by requiring competitive bidding for
government contracts whenever possible and supported this bill. The
Senate passed the bill on March 27, 2018 by a vote of 27-20.
12. SF 2347 Reforming Antiquated Alcohol Laws. This bill implements a
number of positive reforms governing bootlegging and the importation
of alcohol into the state. For example, individuals can now transport
up to 4.5 gallons of beer and 9 liters of wine into the state for personal
consumption, and the cap on personal liquor imports is raised from
one liter to 9 liters. ACU supports this regulatory reform that increases
competition and expands personal liberties and supported this bill. The
Senate passed the bill on March 27, 2018 by a vote of 47-1.
AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa
13. HF 2297 Easing Regulations on Boilers and Hot Water Heaters. This
bill eases inspection requirements of hot water boilers and expand
the exemptions to include those commonly found in residential
homes (i.e., those with capacities of 50 gallons to 120 gallons). ACU
supports reducing burdensome regulations that increase business and
consumer costs and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on
March 27, 2018 by a vote of 26-21.
14. SF 192 Mandating Licensure to Practice Applied Behavior Analysis. This
bill forces anyone who practices “applied behavior analysis” to become
licensed by the state. ACU opposes this licensing regime which
establishes unnecessary and burdensome standards for those who
assist individuals with autism, and other conditions, thus reducing
competition and raising caregiving costs and opposed this bill. The
Senate passed the bill on March 28, 2018 by a vote of 46-0.
15. SF 2169 Limiting Liability of Establishments Serving Alcohol. This bill
establishes a $250,000 cap for most non-economic damages for which
a licensed establishment serving alcohol is responsible in the event
an intoxicated customer causes serious injury or death to another.
Additionally, the bill only holds an establishment liable if the customer
was visibly intoxicated, as opposed to the previous standard which
stated the establishment “should have known the person was, or would
become, intoxicated.” ACU supports tort reform and placing reasonable
caps on damages to keep insurance and business costs in check and
supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 4, 2018 by a vote
of 32-17.
16. SF 481 Banning Sanctuary Cities and Requiring Cooperation with Federal
Immigration Authorities. This bill prohibits local governments from
establishing “sanctuary cities,” or regions where federal immigration
laws are not enforced. Additionally, local authorities are directed to
enforce all applicable immigration laws and cooperate with federal
authorities on detainer requests. ACU assisting the federal government
perform its constitutional role to enforce the nation’s immigration laws
and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 4, 2018 by a
vote of 28-18.
7
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa
17. SF 2407 Providing a Special Interest Tax Break to the Knoxville Raceway.
This bill guarantees the Knoxville Raceway a $1.8 million tax rebate by
building upon previous legislation passed in 2014. ACU does not believe
it is the proper role of government to subsidize raceways, and opposes
special interest tax breaks which weaken the tax base and result in
higher tax burdens on the rest of the population and opposed this bill.
The Senate passed the bill on April 30, 2018 by a vote of 30-8.
18. SF 2311 Protecting Utility Ratepayers from Costly Energy Efficiency
Programs. This bill updates the laws governing regulated public utility
companies, including capping the amount utility companies can spend
on energy efficiency programs. Under the bill, natural gas companies
cannot spend more than 1.5 percent, and electric companies more than
2 percent, of their revenue on energy efficiency programs. Additionally,
the bill provides an avenue for ratepayers to become exempt from the
energy efficiency programs and resulting costs. ACU opposes driving
up the costs of utilities and forcing individuals to pay for unspecified
energy efficiency programs, of which they may receive no benefits, and
opposed this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the
bill on April 30, 2018 by a vote of 28-20.
19. SF 359 Banning Abortions once a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected. This bill
requires a woman seeking an abortion to undergo and ultrasound
test and prohibits an abortion from occurring if a baby’s heartbeat is
detected (but with exceptions for medical emergencies). Furthermore,
the bill prohibits anyone from using or transferring a fetal body part.
ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the
practice and educating patients and supported this bill. The Senate
passed the bill on May 1, 2018 by a vote of 29-17.
8
20. HF 2234 Protecting Property Rights by Reducing Foreclosure Redemption
Periods and Extending Rent Collection Limits. This bill is designed to
increase property right protections by shortening the foreclosure
process and extending the statute of limitation period (from five years
to 10 years) in which landlords are able to collect unpaid rent. The bill
also shortens the period of time in which a homeowner can delay a
foreclosure sale, and reduces the amount of time a homeowner can
redeem their property (by paying owed debt) after a home has been
sold at foreclosure. ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property
Rights is a leading voice on these issues and works to ensure all
property owners have rightful title to their property and any generated
earnings. ACU supports these reform which help better protect
property owners from losses and supported this bill. The Senate passed
the bill on May 2, 2018 by a vote of 27-19.
21. SF 2417 Providing Corporate and Individual Income Tax Cuts. This bill
reforms the state’s tax code by providing nearly $2.86 billion in net tax
cuts over the next six years. Under the bill, all corporate and individual
income tax brackets are reduced, with the top corporate rate falling
12 percent to 9.8 percent, and the top individual rate falling from 8.98
percent to 8.53 percent (and to 6.5 percent by 2023). However, sales tax
exemptions are eliminated for subscription services, ridesharing, digital
purchases, and photography. Additionally, all online and out-of-state
retailers who have sales exceeding $100,000 are required to collect
sales taxes. ACU supports this pro-growth tax reform, which is the
largest net tax cut in state history, and supported this bill. The Senate
passed the bill on May 5, 2018 by a vote of 28-20.
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

IOWA SENATE SCORES

IOWA SENATE VOTE DETAIL

HJR 2009
HF 2286

HF 2253

HF 2297

HF 2234
SF 2407
SF 2349
SF 2293
SF 2344
SF 2257

SF 2333

SF 2347

SF 2169
SF 2148

SF 2231

SF 2417
SF 2311
SF 2117

SF 359
SF 481
SF 192
ACU Votes 2018 2017 LIFETIME
Party Dist. Votes Cast % % AVG

Allen D 15 + - + + - + + + - + - + - - - - - + X - - 9 20 45% 43% 30%

BEHN R 24 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + + - + + + 18 21 86% 92% 91%

BERTRAND R 7 + + + + - X + + + X X X X X + + - - + X + 11 14 79% 89% 68%

Bisignano D 17 + X - + - + + - - - - + - - - - + + X - - 7 19 37% 17% 24%

Bolkcom D 43 + - + - - + - - - - - + - - - - - + - - - 5 21 24% 4% 7%

Boulton D 16 + - - + - + + - - - - + - - - - - + - - - 6 21 29% 13% 21%

Bowman D 29 + - - + - + + + - + - + - - + X + + - - - 10 20 50% 50% 24%

BREITBACH R 28 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 80%

BROWN R 26 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 91% 86%

CARLIN R 3 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + + - + + + 18 21 86% n/a 86%

CHAPMAN R 10 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + + - + + + 18 21 86% 91% 86%

CHELGREN R 41 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + + - + X X 16 19 84% 91% 83%

COSTELLO R 12 + + + + - + + + + + + - + - - + - - + + + 15 21 71% 92% 78%

Danielson D 30 + - - + - + + - - + + + - - + - - + - - - 9 21 43% 29% 16%

DAWSON R 8 + + - + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 16 21 76% 92% 84%

DIX R 25 + + + + - + X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 5 6 n/a† 92% 83%

Dotzler D 31 + - + + - + + - - - - + - - + - - + - - - 8 21 38% 8% 12%

Dvorsky D 37 + - - - - + + - - - - + - - - X - + - - - 5 20 25% 8% 6%

EDLER R 36 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 86%

FEENSTRA R 2 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 83%

GARRETT R 13 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 81%

GREENE R 44 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 91% 86%

GUTH R 4 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 90%

Hart D 49 + - - X - + + - - + - + - - + - - + - - X 7 19 37% 25% 17%

Hogg D 33 - - - - - + - - - - - + - - - - - + - X - 3 20 15% 8% 6%

Horn D 35 + - + + - + + + - + - + - - - - - + - - - 9 21 43% 17% 14%

Jochum D 50 + - - - - + + - - - - + - - - - - + - - - 5 21 24% 8% 9%

JOHNSON, C. R 32 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 86%

9
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

IOWA SENATE VOTE DETAIL

HJR 2009
HF 2286

HF 2253

HF 2297

HF 2234
SF 2407
SF 2349
SF 2293
SF 2344
SF 2257

SF 2333

SF 2347

SF 2169
SF 2148

SF 2231

SF 2417
SF 2311
SF 2117

SF 359
SF 481
SF 192
ACU Votes 2018 2017 LIFETIME
Party Dist. Votes Cast % % AVG

Johnson, D. I 1 + - - + - + - + - + - + - - - - X X + - - 7 19 37% 38% 63%

KAPUCIAN R 38 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 72%

Kinney D 39 + - - + - + + + - + - + - - + - - + - - - 9 21 43% 38% 30%

KRAAYENBRINK R 5 + + - + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 16 21 76% 92% 74%

LOFGREN R 46 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 86%

Lykam D 45 + - - + - + + - - - - + - X - - - + - - - 6 20 30% 17% 23%

Mathis D 34 + - - + - + + - - + - + - - - - + + - - - 8 21 38% 17% 15%

Mccoy D 21 + - - - - + + - - - - + - - - - - + - - - 5 21 24% 9% 8%

Petersen D 18 + - - - - + + - - - - + - - - - - + - - - 5 21 24% 4% 10%

Quirmbach D 23 + - + - - - - - - - - + - - - - + + - - - 5 21 24% 13% 12%

Ragan D 27 + - - - - + + - - + - + - - - - - + - - - 6 21 29% 25% 13%

ROZENBOOM R 40 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 95% 83%

SCHNEIDER R 22 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 84%

SCHULTZ R 9 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 86%

SEGEBART R 6 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 77%

SHIPLEY R 11 + + - + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 16 21 76% 95% 75%

SINCLAIR R 14 X + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + X + 15 19 79% 91% 82%

SMITH R 47 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 83%

SWEENEY R 25 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X - - + + + 3 5 n/a† n/a 100%

Taylor D 42 + - + + - + - + - + - + - - - X - + X + - 9 19 47% 17% 19%

WHITVER R 19 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 92% 92%

ZAUN R 20 + + + + - + + + + + + + + - + + - - + + + 17 21 81% 96% 82%

ZUMBACH R 48 + + + + - + + + + + X + X X + + X X X + + 14 15 93% 91% 79%

“+” Member voted with ACU’s position † Legislator did not vote on enough of the selected bills and as a result the 2018 percentage was
“-” Member voted against ACU’s position not rated. 2/3rds of the selected bills must be voted on to receive a score.
“X” Member was absent for vote
“E” Member was excused for vote

10
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

IOWA HOUSE STATISTICS

REPUBLICAN AVERAGE DEMOCRAT AVERAGE

80% 29%
OVERALL
AVERAGE

59% IOWA HOUSE CONSERVATIVE RATINGS

RED = REPUBLICANS BLUE = DEMOCRATS

35

30
LOWEST
REPUBLICANS 25

HEATON
# OF
20
STATE

MCKEAN
REPS
15

63% 10

0
HIGHEST 0-9% 10-19% 20-29% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89% 90-100%
DEMOCRAT
2018 ACUF PERCENTAGE

McCONKEY
47%

11
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa
IOWA HOUSE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS
1. HF 2297 Easing Regulations of Boilers and Hot Water Heaters. This bill
eases inspection requirements of hot water boilers and expand the
exemptions to include those commonly found in residential homes
(i.e., those with capacities of 50 gallons to 120 gallons). ACU supports
reducing burdensome regulations that increase business and
consumer costs and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on
February 19, 2018 by a vote of 57-40.
2. HF 2286 Preventing Localities from Restricting and Taxing Real Property
Transfers. This bill prevents counties and cities from charging fees for,
or adopting ordinances that restrict the transfer, sale or refinancing
of land or property. ACU supports protecting property owners from
unnecessary regulations and costly fees and supported this bill. The
House passed the bill on February 20, 2018 by a vote of 77-21.
3. SF 2333 Easing Regulations on Arcade Prizes. This bill raises from $100
to $950 the monetary cap on prizes that businesses operating arcades
(such as Dave & Buster’s) can offer customers. ACU supports this
regulatory reform that benefits both consumers and businesses and
supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 6, 2018 by a vote
of 66-30.
4. SF 220 Banning the Use of Red Light and Speed Cameras. The
Highfill (ACUF Lifetime 85%) Amendment to an automated traffic
enforcement bill bans the use of traffic cameras for speeding and red
light enforcement. ACU opposes these devices that are used primarily
to produce revenue and has serious concerns about the ability of
these systems to invade privacy by tracking people’s movements and
supported this amendment. The House defeated the amendment on
March 14, 2018 by a vote of 43-55.
5. HJR 2009 Enshrining the Right to Bear Arms in the State Constitution.
This resolution proposes an amendment to the Iowa constitution to
affirm that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental individual
right. In addition, the resolution declares that any restriction of this right
shall be subject to strict scrutiny. ACU supports the founders’ belief in
the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and supported this
resolution. The House passed the resolution on March 19, 2018 by a vote
of 54-42. (State constitutional amendments must be passed by two
successive legislatures and approved in a referendum. This vote is the
first of the two required passages of the legislature.)
12
6. SF 2231 Expanding Second Amendment Rights on Snowmobiles and
ATVs. This bill allows operators of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs) to lawfully carry a firearm without a permit while traversing land
the operator has rented or land belonging to someone for whom the
operator has provided services. Previously, operators of such vehicles
needed to obtain a permit to carry a firearm on any property other
than their own dwelling, land or place of business. ACU supports the
founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and supported this bill. The
House passed the bill on March 19, 2018 by a vote of 84-12.
7. SF 2117 Maintaining a Balanced Budget through Spending Cuts.
This rescissions bill cuts $35.5 million from various state services
and programs in order to fix Iowa’s revenue shortfall and maintain
a balanced budget. ACU supports spending cuts rather than tax
increases to meet budget shortfalls and supports this bill as an example
of fiscal responsibility for other states to follow. The House passed the
bill on March 20, 2018 by a vote of 59-41.
8. SF 2257 Clarifying the Definition of Independent Contractor. This bill
is meant to protect the “gig economy” (online platforms like Uber,
Grubhub, or Handy, which connect consumers to service providers)
by clarifying that those who provide services through those platforms
are classified as independent contractors and not employees. This
classification eliminates burdensome and costly labor regulatory
requirements. ACU supports the ability of contractors to negotiate
their own arrangements for compensation and supported this bill. The
House passed the bill on March 20, 2018 by a vote of 99-0.
9. SF 192 Mandating Licensure to Practice Applied Behavior Analysis. This
bill forces anyone who practices “applied behavior analysis” to become
licensed by the state. ACU opposes this licensing regime which
establishes unnecessary and burdensome standards for those who
assist individuals with autism, and other conditions, thus reducing
competition and raising caregiving costs and opposed this bill. The
House passed the bill on March 21, 2018 by a vote of 100-0.

10. SF 2349 Permitting Employers and Nonprofits to Bypass Obamacare
Health Care Mandates. This bill permits employers to purchase health
insurance for their workers through “association health plans,” which
do not carry costly and unnecessary Obamacare health mandates.
Furthermore, the bill declares that health benefit plans offered by
nonprofit agricultural organizations (such as the Iowa Farm Bureau
Association) are exempt from Obamacare mandates. ACU believes
individuals should be free to purchase the health care plan that best
fits their needs and has long opposed the mandates under Obamacare
that have crippled the health care industry and led to skyrocketing
costs and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 21,
2018 by a vote of 69-30.
11. SF 2293 Interfering in Motor Vehicle Franchise Agreements. This bill
triggers state involvement in negotiations between automobile dealers
and manufacturers in order to help dealers charge higher prices.
Specifically, the bill forces manufacturers to compensate dealers
for warranty and recall work at retail market prices. ACU believes
manufacturers and dealers should be free to negotiate their own
private contracts and opposes this government interference that will
result in higher consumer costs and weaker consumer warranties and
opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on March 22, 2018 by a vote
of 94-0.
12. SF 2347 Reforming Antiquated Alcohol Laws. This bill implements a
number of positive reforms governing the importation of alcohol into
the state. For example, individuals can now transport up to 4.5 gallons
of beer and 9 liters of wine into the state for personal consumption, and
the cap on personal liquor imports is raised from one liter to 9 liters.
ACU opposes restricting consumer choices to only in-state options and
supports this regulatory reform that increases competition and expands
personal liberties and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on
March 22, 2018 by a vote of 86-8.
13. HF 2253 Expanding Government Competitive Bidding Requirements.
This bill expands the state’s public construction competitive bidding
requirements to cover “lease-purchase agreements.” ACU supports
protecting taxpayers from waste by requiring competitive bidding for
government contracts whenever possible and supported this bill. The
bill passed the House on March 28, 2018 by a vote of 59-41.
AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa
14. SF 2169 Limiting Liability of Establishments Serving Alcohol. This bill
establishes a $250,000 cap for most non-economic damages for which
a licensed establishment serving alcohol is responsible in the event
an intoxicated customer causes serious injury or death to another.
Additionally, the bill only holds an establishment liable if the customer
was visibly intoxicated, as opposed to the previous standard which
stated the establishment “should have known the person was, or would
become, intoxicated.” ACU supports tort reform and placing reasonable
caps on damages to keep insurance and business costs in check and
supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 2, 2018 by a vote
of 61-36.
15. SF 481 Banning Sanctuary Cities and Requiring Cooperation with Federal
Immigration Authorities. This bill prohibits local governments from
establishing “sanctuary cities,” or regions where federal immigration
laws are not enforced. Additionally, local authorities are directed to
enforce all applicable immigration laws and cooperate with federal
authorities on detainer requests. ACU assisting the federal government
perform its constitutional role to enforce the nation’s immigration laws
and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 3, 2018 by a
vote of 55-45.
16. HF 2234 Protecting Property Rights by Reducing Foreclosure Redemption
Periods and Extending Rent Collection Limits. This bill is designed to
increase property right protections by shortening the foreclosure
process and extending the statute of limitation period (from five years
to 10 years) in which landlords are able to collect unpaid rent. The bill
also shortens the period of time in which a homeowner can delay a
foreclosure sale, and reduces the amount of time a homeowner can
redeem their property (by paying owed debt) after a home has been
sold at foreclosure. ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property
Rights is a leading voice on these issues and works to ensure all
property owners have rightful title to their property and any generated
earnings. ACU supports these reforms which help better protect
property owners from losses and supported this bill. The House passed
the bill on April 4, 2018 by a vote of 79-19.
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 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

17. SF 2311 Protecting Utility Ratepayers from Costly Energy Efficiency
Programs. This bill updates the laws governing regulated public utility
companies, including capping the amount utility companies can spend
on energy efficiency programs. Under the bill, natural gas companies
cannot spend more than 1.5 percent, and electric companies more than
2 percent, of their revenue on energy efficiency programs. Additionally,
the bill provides an avenue for ratepayers to become exempt from the
energy efficiency programs and resulting costs. ACU opposes driving
up the costs of utilities and forcing individuals to pay for unspecified
energy efficiency programs, of which they may receive no benefits, and
opposed this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the
bill on April 26, 2018 by a vote of 52-42.
19. SF 2417 Providing Corporate and Individual Income Tax Cuts. This bill
reforms the state’s tax code by providing nearly $2.86 billion in net tax
cuts over the next six years. Under the bill, all corporate and individual
income tax brackets are reduced, with the top corporate rate falling
12 percent to 9.8 percent, and the top individual rate falling from 8.98
percent to 8.53 percent (and to 6.5 percent by 2023). However, sales tax
exemptions are eliminated for subscription services, ridesharing, digital
purchases, and photography. Additionally, all online and out-of-state
retailers who have sales exceeding $100,000 are required to collect
sales taxes. ACU supports this pro-growth tax reform, which is the
largest net tax cut in state history, and supported this bill. The House
passed the bill on May 5, 2018 by a vote of 54-32.

18. SF 359 Banning Abortions once a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected. This bill
requires a woman seeking an abortion to undergo and ultrasound
test and prohibits an abortion from occurring if a baby’s heartbeat is
detected (but with exceptions for medical emergencies). Furthermore,
the bill prohibits anyone from using or transferring a fetal body part.
ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the
practice and educating patients and supported this bill. The House
passed the bill on May 1, 2018 by a vote if 51-46.

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 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

IOWA HOUSE SCORES

IOWA HOUSE VOTE DETAIL

HJR 2009
HF 2286
HF 2297

HF 2253

HF 2234
SF 2349

SF 2293
SF 2257
SF 2333

SF 2347

SF 2169
SF 2231

SF 2417
SF 2311
SF 2117
SF 220

SF 359
SF 481
SF 192
ACU Votes 2018 2017 LIFETIME
Party Dist. Votes Cast % % AVG

Abdul-Samad D 35 X - - - - - - + - - - + - - - - + - - 3 18 17% 10% 10%

Anderson D 36 - + - - - - - + - - - + - - - - + - - 4 19 21% 5% 22%

BACON R 48 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - X X 14 17 82% 85% 78%

BALTIMORE R 47 X X + + X X + + - + - + + - + + - - + 10 15 67% 89% 81%

BAUDLER R 20 + + - + + + + + - + - - + - + + - X X 11 17 65% 70% 76%

BAXTER R 8 + + + + + + + + - + - - + + + + - + + 15 19 79% 90% 79%

Bearinger D 64 - + - - X X - + - + - + - - - + + - - 6 17 35% 30% 28%

Bennett D 65 - - + - - + - + - - X X - - - + + - X 5 16 31% 5% 19%

BERGAN R 55 - + + - + + + + - + - + + + - + + + + 14 19 74% 75% 74%

BEST R 12 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 80%

BLOOMINGDALE R 51 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - - + 15 19 79% 93% 86%

BOSSMAN R 6 + + + - + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 15 19 79% n/a 79%

Breckenridge D 29 - + - - - + - + - + - + - + - + + - X 8 18 44% 6% 25%

Brown-Powers D 61 - - - - - + - + - + - + - - - + + - - 6 19 32% 10% 25%

CARLSON R 91 + + + - + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 15 19 79% 90% 71%

Cohoon D 87 - + - - - + - + - - - + - - - + + - - 6 19 32% 10% 17%

COWNIE R 42 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 89% 82%

DEYOE R 49 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 81%

DOLECHECK R 24 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 81%

Finkenauer D 99 - + + - - + - + - - - + - - - + + - - 7 19 37% 11% 21%

FISHER R 72 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 83%

Forbes D 40 - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + X - - 8 18 44% 10% 26%

FRY R 27 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + E - + + 15 18 83% 90% 84%

Gaines D 32 - - - - - - - + - - - + - - - - X X X 2 16 13% 6% 9%

Gaskill D 81 - - - - - + - + - + - + - - - - + - - 5 19 26% 10% 19%

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 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

IOWA HOUSE VOTE DETAIL

HJR 2009
HF 2286
HF 2297

HF 2253

HF 2234
SF 2349

SF 2293
SF 2257
SF 2333

SF 2347

SF 2169
SF 2231

SF 2417
SF 2311
SF 2117
SF 220

SF 359
SF 481
SF 192
ACU Votes 2018 2017 LIFETIME
Party Dist. Votes Cast % % AVG

GASSMAN R 7 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 85% 80%

GRASSLEY R 50 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 81%

GUSTAFSON R 25 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 76%

HAGENOW R 43 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 83%

HAGER R 56 + + + + + + + + - X X X + - + + - + + 13 16 81% n/a 81%

Hall D 13 - + + - - + - + - - - + - + - + + - - 8 19 42% 25% 31%

HANUSA R 16 + + + - + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 15 19 79% 85% 79%

HEARTSILL R 28 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 86%

HEATON R 84 + + - - - + + + - + - - + + - + + + + 12 19 63% 80% 71%

Heddens D 46 - - X - - - - + - - - + - X - + + - X 4 16 25% 10% 15%

HEIN R 96 + + + - + + + + - + - + + + + + - - + 14 19 74% 90% 76%

HIGHFILL R 39 + + + + + + + + - + X X + + + + - + + 15 17 88% 90% 85%

HINSON R 67 + + + - + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 15 19 79% 90% 84%

HOLT R 18 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 80%

HOLZ R 5 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 89% 78%

Hunter D 34 - - - + - - - + - - - + - - - - + - - 4 19 21% 5% 20%

HUSEMAN R 3 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 89% 79%

Isenhart D 100 - + - - - + - + - - - + - - - - + - - 5 19 26% 10% 12%

JACOBSEN R 22 + + + - + + + + - + - + + - + + - + + 14 19 74% n/a 74%

Jacoby D 74 - + + X - + - + - - - + - - - + + - X 7 17 41% 11% 16%

JONES R 2 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + - + - + + 15 19 79% 90% 75%

Kacena D 14 - - + - - + - + - - - + - + - + + - - 7 19 37% 15% 26%

KAUFMANN R 73 + + + + X X + + - + - + + + + + - + + 14 17 82% 84% 75%

Kearns D 83 - - - - - + - + - - - + - - - - + - - 4 19 21% 6% 12%

KERR R 88 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 87%

KLEIN R 78 + + + X + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 15 18 83% 89% 83%

KOESTER R 38 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + - + - + + 15 19 79% 84% 78%

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 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

IOWA HOUSE VOTE DETAIL

HJR 2009
HF 2286
HF 2297

HF 2253

HF 2234
SF 2349

SF 2293
SF 2257
SF 2333

SF 2347

SF 2169
SF 2231

SF 2417
SF 2311
SF 2117
SF 220

SF 359
SF 481
SF 192
ACU Votes 2018 2017 LIFETIME
Party Dist. Votes Cast % % AVG

Kressig D 59 - + + - - + - + - + - + - - - + + - X 8 18 44% 6% 20%

Kurth D 89 - - - - - - - + - - - + - - - - + - - 3 19 16% 5% 10%

LANDON R 37 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 79%

Lensing D 85 - - - - - - - + - - - + - - - - + - - 3 19 16% 5% 12%

LUNDGREN R 57 + + + + + + + + - + - - + + + + - + + 15 19 79% 85% 82%

Mascher D 86 - - - - - - - + - - - + - - - - + - X 3 18 17% 5% 12%

MAXWELL R 76 + + + - X X + + - + - + + + + + - - + 12 17 71% 75% 73%

Mcconkey D 15 - + + - - + - + - + - + - + + - + - - 9 19 47% 15% 36%

MCKEAN R 58 + + - - - + + + - + - - + + + + + - + 12 19 63% 75% 69%

Meyer D 33 - - X - - + - + - - - + - - - - X - - 3 17 18% 10% 16%

Miller, H. D 9 X X - - - + - + - + - + - - - E + - X 5 15 33% 11% 19%

Miller, P. D 82 - + - - - + - + - + - + - + - + + - - 8 19 42% n/a 42%

MOHR R 94 + + + - + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 15 19 79% 90% 84%

MOMMSEN R 97 + + + - + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 15 19 79% 85% 75%

MOORE R 21 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 85% 75%

Nielsen D 77 - - + - - + - + - - - + - - - + X - - 5 18 28% 15% 21%

NUNN R 30 + + X - + + + + - + - + + + + + - + X 13 17 76% 90% 78%

Oldson D 41 - - - - - - - + - - - + - - - - + - - 3 19 16% 5% 7%

Olson D 31 - - - - - + - + - - - + - - - - + - - 4 19 21% 25% 26%

Ourth D 26 - + - - - + - + - + - + - + - + + - - 8 19 42% 25% 27%

PAUSTIAN R 92 + + + - + + + + - + X X + + + + - + + 14 17 82% 88% 81%

PETTENGILL R 75 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 85% 83%

Prichard D 52 - + X - - + - + - + - + - - - + + - X 7 17 41% 16% 22%

RIZER R 68 + + + - + + + + - - X X + + + + - + X 12 16 75% 90% 78%

ROGERS R 60 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 85%

Running-Mar- D 69 - + + - - + - + - - - + - - - + + - - 7 19 37% 6% 17%

quardt

17
 AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Iowa

IOWA HOUSE VOTE DETAIL

HJR 2009
HF 2286
HF 2297

HF 2253

HF 2234
SF 2349

SF 2293
SF 2257
SF 2333

SF 2347

SF 2169
SF 2231

SF 2417
SF 2311
SF 2117
SF 220

SF 359
SF 481
SF 192
ACU Votes 2018 2017 LIFETIME
Party Dist. Votes Cast % % AVG

SALMON R 63 + + + + + + + + - + - - + + + + - + + 15 19 79% 90% 88%

SEXTON R 10 + + - - + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 14 19 74% 90% 73%

SHEETS R 80 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 80% 86%

SIECK R 23 + + + + + + + + - + - - + + + + X + + 15 18 83% 90% 78%

Smith, M. D 71 - + - - - + - + - - - + - - - + + - - 6 19 32% 10% 13%

Smith, R. D 62 - - + - - + - + - - X X - - - - + - - 4 17 24% 5% 14%

Staed D 66 - - - - - - - + - - - + - - - + + - - 4 19 21% 5% 13%

Steckman D 53 - + - - - + - + - - - + - - - + + - - 6 19 32% 10% 13%

TAYLOR, R. R 44 + + + + + + + X - + - + + + + + + + + 16 18 89% 85% 76%

Taylor, T. D 70 - + + - - + - + - - - + - - - - + - - 6 19 32% 5% 16%

Thede D 93 - + - - - + - + - - - + - - - - + - - 5 19 26% 5% 21%

UPMEYER R 54 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + X + + 16 18 89% 90% 82%

VANDER LINDEN R 79 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 85%

WATTS R 19 + + + + + + + + - + - + + X + + - + X 14 17 82% 90% 88%

Wessel-Kroeschell D 45 - - - - - - - + - - - + - - - - + - - 3 19 16% 5% 15%

WHEELER R 4 + + + + + + + + - + - - + + + + - + + 15 19 79% 89% 84%

WILLS R 1 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 78%

Winckler D 90 - - - - - - - + - - - + - X - - + - - 3 18 17% 5% 13%

WINDSCHITL R 17 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + + + - + + 16 19 84% 90% 83%

Wolfe D 98 - - + - - + - + - + - + - - - + + - - 7 19 37% 15% 23%

WORTHAN R 11 + + + + + + + + - + - + + + - + - + + 15 19 79% 90% 79%

ZUMBACH R 95 + + + - + + + + - + - + + + + + + - + 15 19 79% 89% 84%

“+” Member voted with ACU’s position † Legislator did not vote on enough of the selected bills and as a result the 2018 percentage was
“-” Member voted against ACU’s position not rated. 2/3rds of the selected bills must be voted on to receive a score.
“X” Member was absent for vote
“E” Member was excused for vote

18