IOWA

LEGISLATIVE GUIDE SOURCES Maine School Management Association materials www.mbf.org/fundamentals_for_effective_lobby.htm Ohio Environmental Council “Tips for Effective Lobbying “ 1207 Grandview Avenue Columbus, Ohio Iowa General Assemble Web Site www.legis.iowa.gov Specialty Equipment Market Association “A Guide To Lobbying Your Elected Officials” SEMA Washington Office 1317 F St. Washington, D.C. 20004

STRIKE OR STRIKE THROUGH TABLE OF CONTENTS The deletion of language from a bill of resolution.

STRIKING EVERYTHING AFTER THE ENACTMENT CLAUSE THREE BRANCHES OF IOWA GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT LEGISLATIVE BRANCH An amendment which replaces an entire bill or resolution. Composition of the General Assembly Leadership Positions STUDY BILL Committees A bill developed for committee consideration. Once a study bill is EXECUTIVE BRANCH approved by committee, the bill is given a Senate file (SF) or House Governor file (HF) number. Lieutenant Governor Secretary of State SUBCOMMITTEE Auditor of State A group of members of a standing committee appointed by the Treasurer of State Attorney General chairperson to study and report on a specified subject or bill. Normally Secretary of Agriculture the subcommittee is composed of two members from the majority Executive Branch Agencies party and one member from the minority party. JUDICIAL BRANCH SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW Additional funds appropriated for the current fiscal year that are in Chamber of Origin addition to the original appropriation. Second Chamber Final Legislative Actions VETO Governor’s Actions An action taken by the Governor to prevent the enactment of an CALLING A LEGISLATOR OUT OF THE CHAMBER entire bill. The Legislature may override the veto if two-thirds of the FUNDAMENTALS OF EFFECTIVE LOBBYING members of each chamber vote to pass the bill again. IOWA GENERAL ASSEMBLY WEB SITE VETO MESSAGE A memorandum attached to a bill which was vetoed or item vetoed MAPS OF THE CAPITOL Ground Floor explaining the Governor’s reasons for vetoing or item vetoing of the First Floor bill. Second Floor Third Floor WELL The area of a chamber directly in front of and including the presiding GLOSSARY officer’s bench, where the chamber’s staff is located. CONTACT INFORMATION SOURCES

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS A nonmember officer of a chamber responsible for maintaining order, regulating access to the chamber, and carrying out the request of the

presiding officer of the members. SESSION LAWS A book published after each regular session of the Iowa Legislature containing all the bills and joint resolutions approved during the session. SPEAKER The presiding officer of the House of Representatives elected by its members. The Speaker is from the Majority Party. SPECIAL ORDER Setting a matter of business for action at a special time and day. SPECIAL SESSION Session called by and relating to matters specified by the Governor or called by a petition signed by two-thirds of the members of both chambers. Iowa AFL-CIO SPONSOR 2000 Walker Street The legislator or committee that requests a bill be drafted. Suite A STANDING COMMITTEE Des Moines A committee appointed with a continuing responsibility in a specific Iowa 50317 area of lawmaking.

STANDING LIMITED APPROPRIATION 515-262-9571 An annual appropriation of a specific dollar amount established in the Code of Iowa. [email protected] Iowalabornews.com STANDING UNLIMITED APPROPRIATION IowaAFLCIO (facebook) An annual appropriation made by statute, not specifying a dollar amount but based upon a formula or criteria stated in the Code of Iowa.

STATUTE A permanent or general Act approved by the Legislature. RESOLUTION (HOUSE OR SENATE) INTRODUCTION A resolution acted upon by only chamber, requiring the approval of a majority of those present and voting, and used for matters relation This Iowa Legislative Guide is a resource provided by the Iowa only to that chamber. AFL-CIO to our affiliates and their members. We hope that you find it beneficial as you contact your legislators. Please contact the Iowa REVERSION AFL-CIO for additional copies or with questions. Following the close of a fiscal year, all unencumbered or unobligated balances revert to the State treasury and to the credit of the fund from which the appropriation was made. THE THREE BRANCHES OF IOWA GOVERNMENT -Legislative Branch -Executive Branch REVENUE ESTIMATING CONFERENCE (REC) -Judicial Branch A group that estimated the General Fund revenue due the state for the current year and the next budget year. The REC meets quarterly, and the Governor and the Legislature are required to use the REC THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH estimated in preparing the state Budget. The REC is comprised of the The Iowa General Assembly is often referred to as the “Iowa Governor or designee, the director of the Legislative Services Agency Legislature” or simply the “Legislature.” Each General Assembly or designee, and a third person agreed to by the other two members consists of two years. The Iowa Constitution requires the legislative ROLL CALL VOTE session of each General Assembly convene yearly on the second A method of recording votes by printing the names of the members Monday in January. and their votes. Roll call votes are tabulated by voting machines in Even though the session may be more or less days, per diem each chamber. expenses extend up to 110 calendar days during the first year of the RULES General Assembly (odd-numbered years) and up to 100 calendar days Regulations and principles governing procedures adopted by each during the second year of the General Assembly even-numbered chamber for the duration of the session. years).

SAVING CLAUSE Ordinarily a restriction in an Act which is intended to save rights, Composition of the General Assembly pending procedures, penalties, or similar legally acquired The General Assembly consists of two Chambers: entitlements from being affected by the Act. SENATE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE -There are 50 Senate districts. Each Senate district is composed of A nonmember officer of the Senate appointed to direct the two House districts. parliamentary and clerical functions of the Senate. -State Senators serve 4 year terms

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -There are 100 House districts. Two House districts compose one Senate district. -House of Representative members serve 2 year terms.

RECESS Leadership Positions A break in the daily legislative session.

The leadership positions in the General Assembly consist of members REDISTRICTING of the Legislature chosen at their respective party caucuses shortly Redrawing the boundaries of U.S. Congressional and Iowa legislative after election day every second year. districts to reflect changes in the state’s population. Senate Leadership Positions Include: REFERRAL -Majority Leader The sending of a bill to a committee. -President of the Senate -President Pro Tempore REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS -Assistant Majority Leaders The established sequence of deliberation set up for each legislative -Minority Leader day. -Assistant Minority Leaders REGULAR SESSION House Leadership Positions Include: The period each year when the Legislature considers all areas of -Speaker of the House legislation. It begins the second Monday in January. Legislators are -Speaker Pro Tempore reimbursed for per diem expenses for up to 110 calendar days during -Majority Leader the first regular session and for up to 100 calendar days during the -Assistant Majority Leaders second regular session of a General Assembly. -Minority Leader REPEAL -Assistant Minority Leaders A method by which an earlier lawmaking action of the Legislature is revoked or annulled. Committees REPRINTED BILL Every General Assembly considers hundreds of proposed new laws, A version of a bill that has been amended and passed by a chamber as well as changes to existing laws. These proposals, called bills, with the amendments incorporated into the bill. Reprinted bills are may originate in either the Senate or House. In each chamber, a bill printed on pink paper. must be reviewed and approved by a committee before it is consider RECIND by the chamber as a whole. The committee chairperson, appointed Annul an action previously taken. by the majority party, presides over the committee’s meetings and decides which bills will be discussed and voted on. After debating a RESOLUTION bill, if a majority of committee members vote to pass the bill, the bill A formal expression of opinion or decision (not to be confused with a bill). then goes to the floor for consideration. Committee and subcommittee meetings are open to the public.

PREFILED BILL Standing Committees A bill that a legislator requests to be drafted during the interim between legislative sessions. The bill is introduced and given a The standing committees of the Iowa General Assembly are: number on the first day of the next legislative session. SENATE HOUSE PREVIOUS QUESTION Agriculture Administration and Rules A motion to close debate and bring the pending question before the Appropriations Agriculture chamber or a committee for an immediate vote. Commerce Appropriations Economic Growth Commerce PROCEDURE Education Economic Growth Rules and traditional practices of a chamber. Ethics Education PRO TEMPORE Government Oversight Environmental Protection A member of the House or Senate who acts in the absence of the Human Resources Ethics regular presiding officer. Judiciary Government Oversight Labor and Business Relations Human Resources QUORUM Local Government Judiciary The minimum number of members required to be present in order for Natural Resources and Environment Labor a legislative body to conduct business. A quorum is 50 percent of the Rules and Administration Local Government membership. State Government Natural Resources QUORUM CALL Transportation Public Safety The procedure used to determine if a quorum exists. Veterans Affairs State Government RATIFY Ways and Means Transportation To approve and make valid. Veterans Affairs Ways and Means READING Presentation of a bill before either chamber by the reading of the title. Subcommittees A part of the enactment process. Once a bill is assigned to a committee, the committee chairperson REAPPORTIONMENT appoints a subcommittee. The subcommittee is usually composed Reallocating the number of congressional seats among the states to of three members of the standing committee of which two members reflect changes in the nation’s population. are from the majority party and one member is from the minority party. The subcommittee reviews the bill in detail and reports its RECEDE conclusions to the full committee. The committee may recommend The motion made by a chamber to agree with the other chamber and to pass the bill, to pass the bill with amendments, to refer the bill to not insist upon its amendments previously adopted. another committee for study, to postpone the bill indefinitely, or to send the bill to the floor for debate with no recommendation. Legislative Council PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY The Legislative Council serves as the executive committee of the A question posed to the presiding officer of a chamber or chair of a General Assembly. During interim between sessions, decisions committee for clarification of a procedural point. affecting the General Assembly, its facilities, personnel, and PASSAGE OF A BILL operations are made by the Legislative Council. This Council Favorable final action on a measure before either chamber. Requires oversees the operation of the two central nonpartisan legislative a constitutional majority in each chamber. agencies. It establishes an interim study agenda and appoints study committees. The Legislative Council is bipartisan and consists of 24 PER DIEM Senators and Representatives who serve 2 year terms commencing in A per diem is a payment a legislator receives for attending official January of each odd-numbered year. legislative meetings or for conducting official legislative business. POCKET VETO Administrative Rules Review Committee An instance in which the Governor takes no action within 30 days on The Administrative Rules Review Committee is bipartisan and is a bill submitted to the Governor within or after the last three days of a composed of five members of the House and five members of the regular session. The bill cannot become law without the Governor’s Senate. This committee meets for the purpose of selectively approval. reviewing rules, whether the rule is proposed or is in effect. POINT OF ORDER

Permanent Statutory Committees An action of a member that calls attention to a perceived breach of a chamber’s rules. The General Assembly has created several statutory committees which are charged with making recommendations to the Legislature. POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

They include those listed below: A procedure that allows a member to make personal comments on any subject while a chamber is in session. -Administrative Rules Review Commission -Communications Review Committee PRECEDENT -Iowa Commission on Interstate Cooperation The body of parliamentary law that has evolved apart from the rules. -Judicial Compensation Commission The individual precedents generally are interpretations of rulings by -Public Retirement Systems Committee presiding officers on specific rule.

Membership on Other Boards and Commissions PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE A member of the Senate, elected by majority of the Senators to serve Some executive branch boards and commissions include legislative as the presiding officer of the Senate. The President of the Senate is members as well as members of the general public. Legislators are from the Majority Party. generally assigned as ex officio, nonvoting members of commissions and serve as conduits of information between the General Assembly PRESIDING OFFICER and the boards and commissions. Person elected or designated to direct the activities of a chamber.

MEMBERS PRESENT THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH Those members of a chamber who are actually present at a daily session of the Legislature. Many votes are determined by a majority While the Legislative branch makes the laws in Iowa, the Executive of the members present unless a constitutional majority vote is Branch carries out the laws. The Executive Branch is headed by the required. Governor. MESSAGES FROM GOVERNOR GOVERNOR Official communications from the Governor printed in the journal. -Chief administrator of Iowa’s government -Appoints department and agency heads and other state officials not MESSAGES FROM SENATE (HOUSE) elected by the people of Iowa Official communications from the other chamber printed in the -Governor’s appointments are subject to approval by the Senate journal. -Serves a 4 year term MINORITY LEADER Veto Power of the Governor The member of the minority party in a chamber elected to be the The Governor has the option to use three types of vetoes: party’s leader. The Veto

MINORITY PARTY The veto indicates the Governor’s disapproval of an entire bill. The political party having less than a majority of the members in a Item Veto chamber. The item veto may be used only for bills which appropriate funds. It

strikes a specific item of an appropriations bill. MINUTES Pocket Veto A record of the actions taken at a meeting that serves as the official A pocket veto occurs when the Governor fails to take action within 30 record of the meeting. calendar days on a bill received within the last three calendar days of MOTION session. The entire bill fails to become law. A formal proposal offered by a member. Where To Find The Veto Messages MOTION TO RECONSIDER When the Governor vetoes a bill, a veto message explaining why the A motion which, if approved, allows a second vote on a previous veto was made is delivered to the chamber of origin with the bill and action. is filed with the Secretary of State. The Governor’s veto messages can be accessed on the Iowa General Assembly web site OPERATIONS APPROPRIATION www.legis.iowa.gov in the “Enrolled Bill” section. An appropriation of funds for the performance of the normal operating functions of a department or division. OTHER EXECUTIVE BRANCH ELECTED OFFICIALS OPINION -Lieutenant Governor - Treasurer of State -Secretary of State - Attorney General A formal expression of legal reasons and principles in response to an inquiry. -Auditor of State - Secretary of Agriculture

Leaders above are elected to four-year terms. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT -Succeeds the Governor in case of death, impeachment, resignation, The geographic area of Iowa represented by a legislator. District removal from office, or other disability. boundary lines are determined on the basis of population. Each –Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected as a team. district is known by a number. A Senate district consists of two House –The Lieutenant Governor’s duties are assigned by the Governor. districts. SECRETARY OF STATE LEGISLATIVE LIAISON -Serves as the state commissioner of elections, maintains See Lobbyist. corporations’ records, registers trademarks, commissions public LEGISLATIVE SRVICES AGENCY (LSA) notaries, and preserves original documents such as the Iowa A nonpartisan legislative agency that provides bill drafting, legal and Constitution and Iowa land patents and deeds. fiscal research services, computer services, and assists the –Secretary of State Business Services Division is responsible for filing Legislature in the budgeting and appropriations process. a wide variety of documents including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, trademarks, business entity documents, and LEGISLATOR other statutorily required special filings. An elected member of the General Assembly, either a Senator or –Supervises Iowa’s 99 county auditors in the administration of Iowa’s Representative. election laws and prescribes uniform election practices and LEGISLATURE procedures. The Senate and House of Representatives collectively. The informal AUDITOR OF STATE name by which the General Assemble is known. –Required by law to annually examine the books, accounts, and LINE-ITEM records of every state department A term used to describe funds, requested and/or appropriated on a -Must conduct or arrange financial audits for every local detailed or itemized basis, such as personal services, travel, governmental body receiving state funds, including counties, cities, equipment, or other items. and school districts. –Office conducts reviews of government activities to help ensure they LINE-ITEM VETO are conducted in an effective, efficient and legal matter. The veto strikes a specific item of an appropriations bill. –In addition, the office works with government officials, certified LOBBYISTS public accounting firms conducting government audits, and individual An individual who encourages the passage, defeat, or modification of citizens. proposed legislation.

MAJORITY LEADER TREASURER OF STATE The member of the majority party in a chamber elected to be the -Treasurer is the keeper of the state’s treasury—the party’s leader. depository for funds that have been collected. –Treasurer receives all revenues from state agencies and the federal MAJORITY PARTY government and is responsible for all consequent bank relations. The political party having the most members in a chamber. IOWA CODE –The office is the investor and custodian of the state’s general fund, See Code of Iowa. the reserve funds and the road use tax fund. -The treasurer accounts for funds on a cash basis and balances ITEM VETO regularly with the Iowa Department of Revenue. An action taken by the Governor to prevent enactment of an item in -The treasurer redeems all proper warrants of the state and an appropriation bill. coordinates state bonding activity regarding the payment of state JOINT RESOLUTION projects such as prisons and the Iowa Communications Network. A resolution acted on by both chambers and requiring the approval of –The treasurer meets each month with the banking superintendent a majority of each chamber’s members and, in some cases, the and the state auditor to set interest rates to be paid on public funds Governor. Joint resolutions may appropriate money, enact temporary held in depositories. laws, propose amendments to the Iowa Constitution, ratify –They set guidelines and rates for the debt obligation of public bodies amendments to the U.S. Constitution, or make requests to Congress. in Iowa. JOINT RULES -The office prepares an annual report of bonded indebtedness of Operating regulations and principles jointly adopted by both state and local governments in Iowa. chambers for the duration of a General Assembly. ATTORNEY GENERAL JOINT SESSION -The Attorney General serves as head of the Department of Justice A combined meeting of the House and Senate, (usually taking place in and chief legal officer of the state. the House Chambers). Examples of joint sessions include the -The Attorney General represents the state and its agencies in court Governor and Chief Justice state addresses. cases, gives legal advice to state agencies, and issues written opinions on questions of law submitted by state officials. JOURNAL -The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division protects The official chronological record of a chamber’s proceedings, printed consumers from fraud and ensures fair competition in the daily in pamphlet form. The journals are indexed and bound at the marketplace. The division enforces laws that protect the buying close of each session. public from false or misleading advertisements or sales practices. LEGALIZING ACT -The office assists in fighting crime, alongside Iowa law enforcement A bill to ratify an action by a local government board or council that officers and county attorneys. The office monitors the criminal justice was contrary to existing law. system and recommends changes in state law or policy as they are needed. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL -The Farm Division serves as the primary legal counsel for nearly all A bipartisan group of Senate and House members that serves as the bureaus of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Legislature’s executive committee. During the interim between Stewardship. The division represents the interests of Iowa farmers in session, the Legislative Council makes decisions affecting the litigation in state and federal courts and works with other state Legislature, its facilities, personnel, and operations. attorneys general in multi-state investigations and litigation.

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE HEARING -Heads the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. A discussion where the public may express their views to legislator for -The office was established in 1923 to encourage, promote, and the the purpose of gathering information and ideas on a proposal. interests of agriculture and related businesses. HOUSE -Monitors the changing global conditions in agriculture. One of two separate bodies of elected members who meet together -Promotes Iowa’s interests in the global market economy by as the General Assembly to exercise their constitutional law-making increasing Iowa’s agricultural market share, both domestic and powers. foreign, and remove unnecessary barriers to agricultural trade. –Develops and encourages agricultural education. IMPEACHMENT -Strives to add value to Iowa agriculture by developing new products, The procedure used to remove public officials from office that have which create a link for Iowa farmers with consumer-ready markets. been accused of misconduct. -The department works to preserve Iowa’s soil and improve water INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT quality. An action taken by a legislative body that means the question will not -Protects consumers and producers by assuring the quality of Iowa again be acted upon during the session. agricultural products and animal health. INSIST EXECUTIVE BRANCH AGENCIES A motion made by a chamber to indicate that it prefers the bill as -The agencies which make up the executive branch of state amended to those adopted in the other chamber. When a chamber government are organized into a number of departments, each with a insists, the bill being considered is sent to conference committee department head. unless the other chamber recedes from its own amendments. -Department heads are appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate. INTERIM -A department head coordinates, directs, and executes the The time interval between regular annual sessions of the General department’s functions, compiles a comprehensive budget, and Assembly. submits an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on the INTERIM COMMITTEE operation of the department. A committee delegated to study or investigate certain matters during the time the Legislature is not in session and make Executive Branch Departments are: recommendations to the next regular session of the Legislature. -Administrative Services INTRODUCTION -Department for the Blind The formal presentation and numbering of a bill after it has been -Civil Rights Commission prepared. -College Student Aid Commission IOWA ACTS -Commerce See Session Laws. -Cultural Affairs -Drug Control Policy FLOOR -Economic Development The portion of the Senate and house chambers used to conduct the -Education business of the chamber. It is reserved for members and officers of -Elder Affairs the Senate or house and other designated persons. -Human Rights -Human Services FLOOR MANAGER -Inspections and Appeals The legislator who opens and closes debate on a bill and guides the -Iowa Communications Network debate in support of the bill. -Iowa Finance Authority FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE) -Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) A budgeting and monitoring unit for determining employment -Law Enforcement Academy numbers that takes into account full-time employee positions, -Lottery part-time employee positions, vacancy and turnover factors in a given -Department of Management state department or agency. One full-time equivalent position -Natural Resources represents 2,080 working hours, the regular number of hours one -Public Defense full-time employee works in a fiscal year. -Public Health FUNNEL DATES -Public Safety The deadlines for legislative action set each session by the Senate -Board of Regents and House. -Revenue -Transportation GENERAL ASSEBMLY -Veterans Affairs The official name of the Iowa Legislature. -Veterans Homes

GENERAL FUND -Workforce Development The depository for state moneys that are not earmarked for specific purposes. The money credited to the general fund supports the general functions of state government. THE JUDICIAL BRANCH GERMANENESS While the legislative branch of government makes the laws and the The relevance or appropriateness of an amendment to a bill. If an executive branch carries out the laws, it is the judicial branch that amendment is ruled not germane to the bill, it cannot be attached to interprets the laws and settles conflicts involving the laws. the bill. In Iowa, the laws are interpreted by a court system consisting of two GRANDFATHER CLAUSE levels: district (trial) courts and appellate courts. There are two A portion of a bill enduring that new requirement or standards do not appellant courts in Iowa: The Supreme Court and the Court of apply to those covered by the previous law. Appeals. All appeals are to the Iowa Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court may transfer a case to the Iowa Court of Appeals for consideration. HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW DOUBLE-BARRELED MOTION A motion that an action be reconsidered and that the motion to Chamber of Origin reconsider be laid on the table. It is considered a single motion. Adoption of this motion prevents reconsideration of the action unless a motion to take from the table prevails.

First Subcommittee EFFECTIVE DATE Reading Report Date on which enacted legislation becomes law and therefore Subcommittee Recommend Introduction & binding. & “Do Not Pass” Assignment Committee Committee ENACTING CLAUSE Assignment Consideration The Constitution requires that each law be prefaced by he phrase “Be It Enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa.” An amendment to strike out the enacting clause kills a proposed law. Bill ENGROSSED BILL Dead Recommend The version of a bill incorporating all amendments adopted in their “Do Pass” proper place and all approved technical corrections existing at the or time the bill was ordered engrossed. Floor Debate Final Placement “Do Pass with & ENROLLED BILL Reading on Amendment” Consideration The version of a bill as finally passed by the Senate and House, & Debate or of Voting Calendar Make No signed by the officers of both chambers, and sent to the Governor for Amendments Recommendation signing. The enrolled bill is officially filed with the Secretary of State. If the bill is vetoed, the bill is sent to the Secretary of State with its veto message attached. ESTIMATED REVENUES Message A projection for general fund receipts complied by the Revenue Bill Bill to Estimating Conference. Fails Second Chamber Passes FISCAL NOTE with Amendments Engrossed A note prepared and attached to a bill or amendment that states the estimated financial impact of the legislation. FY/FISCAL YEAR Bill The 12-month financial period used for record keeping, budgeting, Dead appropriating, and revenue collecting. Iowa’s fiscal year begins July 1, and ends June 30. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Group of legislators appointed by the House and Senate to resolve difference between the two chambers on a bill. Second Chamber CONFIRMATION Approval by the Senate of an executive branch appointment, usually requiring that two-thirds (34 out of 50) of the members approve the Message Received Subcommittee appointment. First from Report Reading CONFLICT OF INTEREST Chamber & Recommend & Subcommittee The existence of a personal interest of a legislator which affects the of Origin Committee “Do Not Pass” Committee Assignment ability of that legislator to vote impartially. & Consideration Assignment Bill CONSTITUENT Introduced An individual who lives in the district represented by a legislator. Bill CONSTITUTION Dead A written instrument embodying the fundamental principles of law of Recommend “Do Pass” a state or nation, outlining the powers and duties of the government Floor Debate Final Placement or and guaranteeing certain rights to the people. & Reading on “Do Pass with Consideration CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY & Debate Amendment” of Majority of the membership of each chamber of the General Voting Calendar or Amendments Assembly, generally, 26 votes in the Senate and 51 votes in the Make No House of Representatives. Recommendation DEAPPROPRIATION A decrease in the amount of an appropriation for a current fiscal year. DISTRICT Bill Bill Bill Passes See Legislative District. Fails Passes with Amendments DIVISION A recorded vote tally that does not include the names of members voting yes or no but only the vote totals.

Bill Send to Sent Back to Dead Governor Chamber of Origin CODE SUPPLEMENT The official compilation of Iowa’s permanent laws enacted during the Final Legislative Actions legislative session of each off-numbered year COMMITTEE Sent Back to Chamber of Origin with Amendment A group of legislators chosen to consider and make recommendations on bills and amendments in a particular subject matter. Refuses to Concur Concurs with Chamber of Origin Amends COMMITTEE CHAIR OR CHAIRPERSON with Amendment Amendment Second Chamber’s Amendment A member appointed to function as the parliamentary head of a standing or special committee in the consideration of matters assigned to the committee. Appointed by the majority party. Returned to Returned to COMMITTEE REPORT Second Chamber Second Chamber An official release of a bill or resolution from a committee to the chamber as a whole. A committee report may be issued with or without recommendation for passage. Refuses to Refuses to Concurs with COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Concurs with Recede Recedes Sent Chamber Through a suspension of the rules, the membership of the Senate or Chamber from from to of House meeting as a committee to consider legislation in an informal of Amendment Amendment Governor Origin’s manner. Ordinary rules of procedure do, however, apply but votes Origin’s Amendment Amendment cannot be taken nor does the secretary or clerk record in the minute the committee’s proceedings. A chair of the committee of the whole is appointed by the chamber’s presiding officer. Conference Committee Appointed COMPANION BILL A House bill identical to one introduced in the Senate (or vice versa). Conference Committee Second Conference CONCURRENCE Recommends Compromise Committee Appointed Agreement by one chamber to a proposal or action taken by the other chamber.

Both Chambers Chamber(s) Do Not CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Approve Compromise Approve Compromise A resolution acted on by both chamber requiring the approval of a majority of those present and voting. Concurrent resolutions express Bill Dead the sentiment of the chambers or relate to temporary legislative matters. CARRYOVER LEGISLATION Legislation held over in the same General Assembly from one annual session to the next. It has the same standing as it did at the end of Governor’s Actions the previous session. CAUCUS Approved Bill Sent to Governor Meeting of the members of a political party. Also, refers collectively to all the members of a political party in a chamber. In each chamber there is a majority party caucus and minority party caucus. Governor Governor Governor Governor Signs Bill CAUCUS STAFF Issues Issues Pocket or Takes No Action The employees working for the legislative members of a political Veto Item Veto Vetoes Bill During Session party. In each chamber there is a majority party caucus staff and a minority party caucus staff. The caucus staff helps legislators research issues and serve constituents.

CHAIR OR CHAIRPERSON Returned to Bill Bill Presiding officer of a committee. Appointed by majority party. Chamber of Origin Dead Becomes Law CHAMBER The official meeting place of the Senate and House. CHIEF CLERK A nonmember officer of the House of Representatives appointed by Does Not Overrides the House to direct the parliamentary and clerical functions of the Override House. Appointed by the majority party. CLIPSHEET Returned to Chamber of Origin A daily printing of amendments filed in a chamber on the previous day If If that are clipped apart and filed with the appropriate bills by legislative Item Veto, Veto, secretaries. They are printed on yellow paper in the House and blue Bill Bill paper in the Senate. Becomes Dies Law CODE OF IOWA Minus Item The official collection of Iowa’s permanent laws. The Code is published after the completion of the legislative session each Does Overrides even-numbered year. Not Override CALLING A LEGISLATOR OUT OF THE CHAMBER APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR Acceptance by the Governor of a bill passed by the Legislature as Senators and Representative indicated by the Governor’s signature on the enrolled bill. will come out of the AT EASE chambers to visit with you if Describes the condition of the Senate or House when it temporarily they are available. The stops its formal floor debate for some other specific activity. process for calling out a legislator is the same in both BICAMERAL the Senate and House. A legislature consisting of two chamber (In Iowa, a House and Senate) Follow the steps listed below BILL to call a legislator out of the A legislative proposal sponsored by a legislator or a committee and chambers. introduced in the Senate or House. A bill must be approved by both the Senate and House and then by the Governor in order to become  Find the picture of all the law. Unless they are study bills (committee sponsored bills), all bills elected officials which is are called Senate files (SF) or House files (HF), depending on where located outside of each they originate. chamber. CALENDAR  Locate your legislators The daily agenda of legislative business in a chamber. photo (they are in alphabetical order) CALENDAR DAYS The days listed on a normal seven-day-per-week calendar, as  Fill out one of the slips distinguished from legislative days, which are those days on which the that is found on the table Legislature is in session. next to the photos. (Pink slips for Senators CALL OF THE HOUSE (SENATE) and yellow slips for A procedure used to compel attendance of members for House members) consideration of any specific single item of legislative business.

 Give the slip to the CALL TO ORDER doorperson and they will Notice given by the presiding officer indicating the Legislature is take it into the legislator. officially in session.

 If the legislator is not in CAPITAL APPROPRIATION the chambers the An appropriation for long-term additions to, or betterment of, state

doorperson will return property, such as land, buildings, or equipment. and let you know. GLOSSARY FUNDAMENTALS OF EFFECTIVE LOBBYING

ACT What exactly is lobbying? It is an attempt to influence someone A bill which has been passed by both the Senate and House, else’s opinion on activities. Lobbying in the governmental process is enrolled, certified, approved by the governor or passed over the making information available to public officials who cannot be Governor’s veto, and published. expected to know how every law will affect all of their constituents. ACTS There are several ways to reach an elected official by a personal A book published after each regular session of the Iowa Legislature visit, phone, letter or e-mail. The key to all types of lobbying is to containing all of the bills and joint resolutions approved during the use the following common sense tips. session. Also known as the session laws. Who Should You Lobby? ADJOURNMENT -Your own legislator is your first priority before lobbying others. Ending of a meeting or legislative session. Adjournment of the -Chairperson of the committee that your issue is assigned. House or Senate takes place at the close of each legislative day, -Leadership in both parties and chambers. with the hour and day of the next meeting set before adjournment. Identify Yourself ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE -Identify yourself and/or the organization you represent. Ending of the Legislature for the year, taking place on the last day of -Always mention the number of members in your organization. a session. No future meeting date is set except as provided in the -Let the legislator know if you are a registered voter in their district. Iowa Constitution. ADOPTION Do Your Homework Approval or acceptance: usually applied to motion, amendments, -Know the bill number and where it is in the legislative process. and resolutions. -Know if the lawmaker has taken a stance on the issue before. -Give 2 to 3 reasons for supporting your position. ALLOCATION -Know what your opposition is saying and be prepared to respond. State money or personnel which are appropriated or designated for -Be very clear about what the issue is and what you are asking for. a function, program, or activity. -Keep it as simple as possible. AMENDMENT Provide a Fact Sheet A change proposed or made to a bill or motion. Amendments may -Always provide a fact sheet on your issue to the lawmaker. be offered by committees or individual legislators. -It is best to use a one page fact sheet if possible. APPEAL -If it is not on paper, it won’t be remembered. A parliamentary procedure for changing the decision of a presiding Facts Tell-Stories Sell officer by a vote of the members. -Always have a human interest story with you regarding the issue. APPROPRIATION -Give examples of how the issue affects you or someone you know. State money allocated by the legislature for a specific purpose.

All Politics Are Local -Know how the issue will affect the lawmaker’s district. Third Floor -Be prepared to explain the local reasons for why the lawmaker should take the stance you advocate.

Never Lie Or Make Up Information -If you don’t know the answer to a question, tell the lawmaker you will try to find out and then provide the information promptly. Don’t Burn Bridges Unnecessarily -Use confrontation as a tool, not a way of life. -Lawmakers won’t always do what you want, but they might sometimes if you keep a cordial relationship. Be Strategic -Focus your efforts on the persuadable “swing” votes. -Don’t waste your tie on staunch opponents of the issue. -Give special recognition to the legislators who are known to be on your side, and ask them for advice and help in reaching other legislators. Build A Relationship -Try to get to know lawmakers. -Look for common interests, backgrounds, etc. -Members are more likely to meet with you and listen to your views if they know who you are. Press For A Commitment -Ask the lawmaker directly if they will support your position. -Remember if you are lobbying in person a polite nod tells you nothing. –If the legislator is supportive, don’t be afraid to ask for help in advancing your issue and in contacting other like-minded legislators. -If the legislator is undecided or needs more time, let them know you’ll check back...then make sure you do follow up.

LOBBYING BY A PERSONAL VISIT Second Floor Be Respectful -Greet the legislator with a firm handshake. -Address legislators as “Senator” or “Representative” -Be friendly, polite, and dress respectfully. -Identify yourself and your group. -If lobbying in a group, one or two persons should speak on behalf of the group. -Do not argue, name call, or threaten. Leave that to the opposition. Be a Good Listener -Give the legislator a chance to express his/her point of view. Don’t do all the talking; have a conversation. -Even if the legislator does not agree with your position, leave on a friendly note, with a firm handshake...remember the next time an issue arises, the same legislator might be needed to support the cause. Respect Legislators Time -If lobbying at the Capitol note that a legislator’s time is often interrupted by last minute meetings, schedule changes, etc., so plan accordingly. Say Thank You -Send a letter immediately, thanking the legislator for his/her time and reference the points you talked about in the meeting. -Attach any additional information that was requested. Meet Legislators in Your Hometown -It can be beneficial to meet with legislators in their home districts. -Find out when your legislator is scheduling forums at home and plan on attending.

LOBBYING BY E-MAIL First Floor E-mail communication is the preferred method of written communication as it allows you to contact your legislator in real time. It offers the same advantage to the legislator who can reply to you or ask questions of you immediately. Some legislators may not reply to e-mails from outside of their district. Be Specific and Timely -One issue per correspondence. -Write when an issue is current. Be Brief -Limit yourself to one page. -The goal is to be read and understood. Be Supportive -Send a thank you e-mail when a legislator supports your cause. -Too often they get only anti or complaint communications. -A thank you e-mail will make you stand out and it will help establish a more personal relationship. Don’t Be a Pest -Don’t become a constant pen-pal. -Avoid being seen as someone who is constantly writing about every issue; it will dilute your message. Treat it as an Electronic Personal Letter -Avoid symbols or “electronic” jargon that often accompanies e-mails. -Write in complete sentences. DO NOT type in all upper case letters. Title Your Submission -Use the e-mail subject line to give the legislator an idea of what the letter is going to be about. -Include bill number in subject line if possible.

Include Your Home Address -Always provide your home address in the body of your e-mail. -This will increase your chances of getting a response to your e-mail. Map of Capitol Request Reply Receipt Ground Floor -If possible send your message with a reply receipt. -This will let you know if it has been opened it or if you need to contact them in another way. LOBBYING BY PERSONAL LETTER Personal letters have become a secondary form of written communication since legislators all have e-mail accounts. Follow the same general rules as sending an e-mail letter. Be Legible -Clearly sign your name and include your address in the letter itself (envelopes without return addresses are routinely discarded). -If possible type your letter. LOBBYING BY PHONE It is appropriate to call your legislator at their home or at the Capitol. Be Simple -Identify yourself by name, address, hometown and phone number. -Call about one issue. -If possible, refer to bill number and what the bill would do. Be Brief -State your position on the bill or issue and how you would like your legislator to vote. -Ask for their position or view of the bill. -Volunteer to forward further information. Be Logical -Call your own legislator first. Be Smart -Always say thank you. Never be abusive or threatening. Leave a Message -Be prepared to leave a very concise message with the bill number, your position and ask for a response as you may not reach your legislator on the phone. LOBBYING BY FORM LETTERS IOWA GENERAL ASSEMBLY WEB SITE

Form letters are okay, but not nearly as effective as a personal letter or email.

Pros www.legis.iowa.gov

-They are easy to produce and send in. Cons The Iowa General Assembly web site for what is happening in the Iowa -They lack personal touch and conviction. Legislature. Some of the data that is available on the web site -Legislators are more likely to discount form letters because they may includes: show a lack of effort which can be translated into lack of interest. -All Legislation introduced –Status of bills IF YOU DECIDE TO USE A FORM LETTER CAMPAIGN, MAKE SURE YOU: -Amendments offered -Current log of daily floor action Include Your Address -Legislator listings, photos, and contact information -Without an address, the legislator won’t know whether you are a con- -List of all committees stituent or not. -Daily schedule of committee and subcommittee meetings (includes Give Extra Effort time and location of meetings) -Take an extra 30 seconds to write a 1 or 2 line personal note at the -Audio links to both chambers during floor debates bottom of the form letter. - The Iowa Code, Administrative Code, Iowa Acts, and the Iowa -Briefly restate your concerns. Constitution -Ask for a written response from the legislator. - Lobbyists information -Any effort to make the form letter personal will help it be noticed. -All legislative publications and archival records

-Educational materials (How a Bill Becomes a Law, Iowa’s Budget LOBBYING BY PETITIONS Process, The Three Branches of Government, etc.) Petitions Usually Don’t Work -Few People read petition papers. -Many people who sign petitions have no idea what they are signing and legislators know this and discount their importance. -Legislators have no time to look through signatures to determine if any of their constituents signed them. -Petitions neither help nor hurt the legislative battle you are in. Bottom Line -You are better off sending an e-mail, writing a personal letter, or visiting your Legislator in person.