This bill outlines appropriations for the fiscal year 2025-2026, focusing on veterans' affairs, health and human services, and related programs. It allocates significant funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs for administration, the Iowa Veterans Home, and a home ownership assistance program for veterans. The Department of Health and Human Services receives substantial funding for various initiatives, including aging and disability services, behavioral health programs, and child support services. Key provisions include monthly reporting requirements for expenditures from the Iowa Veterans Home and a mandate for local area agencies on aging to match state funds. The bill also emphasizes behavioral health services, with dedicated funds for children's behavioral health systems and integrated substance use disorder care, while stipulating that funds for medical assistance programs cannot be used for abortions unless authorized.

Additionally, the bill appropriates a total of $39,672,838 for health program operations and the autism support program, with specific allocations for the state poison control center and the administration of the health insurance premium payment program. It establishes a reimbursement methodology for nursing facilities under the Medicaid program and includes provisions for child protective services, state child care assistance, and early intervention programs. Notably, it amends section 256I.11 to create an early childhood Iowa fund, ensuring that funds for this initiative do not supplant other appropriated moneys for child care and preschool tuition. The bill also introduces non-reversion provisions for unencumbered or unobligated funds, allowing them to remain available for future expenditures, and modifies the transfer of funds from the beer and liquor control fund to the general fund, reducing the amount allocated to the behavioral health fund. Overall, the bill aims to enhance health and social services in Iowa while ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 231.56A, 8.33, 123.17