Rep. Heather Matson

House District 38

Iowans were the winners this week as several good pieces of legislation were passed by the House with strong bi-partisan support.

I was thrilled to vote for HJR 14, the proposed constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences. Former Gov. Tom Vilsack had signed an executive order in 2005 to restore voting rights, but that order was rescinded by Gov. Terry Branstad in 2011.

Currently, it’s up to the governor to restore voting rights on a case by case basis.

HJR 14 needs to be passed by both chambers in two consecutive General Assemblies before being put to a vote of the public. This is a long process, but as a passionate supporter of voting rights, I am pleased the Iowa House has taken the first step.

Another big win was HF 737, a bill regarding animal mistreatment, abuse, neglect and torture. This may be the issue I have received the most emails about so far this session. Legislation to expand definitions of mistreatment and increase penalties for abuse of companion animals has been a long time in the making and I’m pleased that it passed 96-0. I’m hopeful the Senate will take it up soon.

We also took a big step forward on health care options with HF 732, a bill to expand Iowa’s medical cannabis program. For many Iowans seeking access to treatment, creating and expanding access to medical cannabis has been a roller coaster ride.

While there were high hopes for a cannabidiol program started in 2014, it was so restrictive that many Iowans were left unable to access medicine which could greatly improve their quality of life.

In 2017, the Legislature made some fixes by allowing access to Iowans suffering from the following conditions: cancer, multiple sclerosis, seizures/epilepsy, AIDS/HIV, Crohn’s disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease and untreatable pain. It also allowed for the licensure of two manufacturers and five dispensaries. The program is limited to the production of oils, capsules and creams.

I am pleased that after years of delay, the House finally took action. Among other things, HF 732 expands access through changing code definitions by replacing “untreatable pain” with “severe or chronic pain.” The bill also eliminates the current arbitrary 3 percent THC cap and replaces it with a 25 gram over 90-day period maximum disbursement.

Additionally, the bill allows licensed physician assistants and registered nurse practitioners to join physicians in certifying a patient’s eligibility in the medical cannabis program.

These are good steps and I am thrilled that they received bi-partisan support.

Even with these advancements, however, we can do more. Health care is intensely personal. I believe decisions are best made between a patient and doctor and treatment options need to be accessible no matter where you live. I hope that after the Senate approves this bill, we can continue to work on expanding eligibility as well as increasing the number of manufacturers and dispensaries.

Nearly 80 percent of Iowans support expanding access to medical cannabis. Let’s work together to put the health care needs of Iowans first.

STATE REP. HEATHER MATSON, D-Ankeny, represents House District 38, which includes part of Ankeny and Saylor, Delaware and Webster townships. She can be reached at heather.matson@legis.iowa.gov.