A bill for an act relating to the creation of an Iowa cancer research program, and making an appropriation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Bennett and 14 co-sponsors

Bill SF 63 allocates $4 million for Iowa's cancer research program, focusing on pediatric, prevention, and basic research to improve health outcomes for Iowans.

Subcommittee: Klimesh, Costello, and Trone Garriott.

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Bill Overview

Bill Number: SF 63
Title: A bill for an act relating to the creation of an Iowa cancer research program, and making an appropriation.
Introduced: January 16, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Klimesh, Costello, and Trone Garriott
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Appropriations, Cancer, Colleges and Universities, Diseases, Health and Human Services Appropriations, Health and Human Services Department, Pediatrics, Research, Science

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill SF 63 is to establish an Iowa cancer research program aimed at advancing cancer research and improving health outcomes for Iowans. The bill seeks to allocate funding to support various cancer research initiatives at public institutions of higher education within the state.

Key Provisions

Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $4 million from the state’s general fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding is designated for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create the Iowa cancer research program.

Research Focus Areas: The allocated funds will be divided as follows:

$1.25 million for pediatric cancer research
$1.25 million for cancer prevention research
$1.25 million for basic cancer research

Project Selection Criteria: HHS will utilize requests for proposals (RFPs) to select projects based on several criteria, including:

Scientific rationale and promise of the project
Potential health benefits for Iowans
Inclusion of experts from diverse fields
Economic return on investment
Benefits to underserved populations
Eligibility for private or federal matching funds

Administrative Costs: HHS is authorized to use up to 5% of the appropriated funds for administrative costs associated with the Iowa cancer research program.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on cancer research in Iowa by:
- Supporting innovative research projects that may lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and prevention.
- Enhancing collaboration among researchers and institutions, potentially leading to more comprehensive and effective research outcomes.
- Addressing the needs of underserved populations in Iowa, thereby promoting health equity.

Procedural Timeline

January 16, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.

January 21, 2025: Subcommittee formed, consisting of members Klimesh, Costello, and Trone Garriott.

This bill represents a proactive step towards enhancing cancer research capabilities in Iowa, with the potential to improve health outcomes for residents and contribute to the broader scientific community's understanding of cancer.

Bill