End of Session Report 2026
The Iowa Legislative session ended on May 3 and the Governor now has until June 3 to sign bills into law. You can review what happened in our End of Session report below. It will be updated once more after all bills are signed into law. LWVIA EOS Report 2026Download
Session Ends
After a marathon 30+ hour run, the Iowa Legislature has officially adjourned for the year on Sunday evening (May 3). The bill tracker has now been updated with final action – all bills that did not make it to the Governor’s desk are now marked “inactive.” All told it was another record-breaking year for the…
Budget Agreement Reached, Session Nearing End
The Senate and House have agreed to spend $9.659 billion for the next budget year, which begins July 1, 2026. This is just $3 million below what the House had suggested. The HHS Budget numbers actually increased in these negotiations! Administration & Regulation: $73,301,113 ($30,000 below original House target) Agriculture & Natural Resources: $47,505,670 ($244,000 above original House target) Economic Development: $39,948,145…
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Constitutional Amendment Requires Supermajority for Tax Increases
Without any discussion in 2026, the Iowa House of Representatives has decided to revive SJR 11 in the final week of the legislative session. This resolution proposes an amendment to the Iowa Constitution, and since this would be its second passage, it would go to the voters this November! SJR 11 requires a supermajority of…
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UPDATE! Election Bill Heading to Governor, Ends Voter Attestation
On April 7, 2026, the Iowa house passed HF 2501. This bill makes a number of changes to the conduct of elections, including data collected by county auditors. The bill was not controversial as first presented, but that changed after the House passed the bill in February. HF 2501, as passed by the House, required additional…
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Budget Targets Announced, Let the Negotiations Begin!
The one thing the Iowa Legislature must do each year is pass a budget. With just nine days left in the scheduled legislative session, we now have budget targets. The Governor made her budget recommendations in January. The Iowa Senate set its budget target on March 30. The Iowa House of Representatives came out with their spending…
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Amy,
It was nice to see you at the Capitol yesterday. As I mentioned I am from Burlington. Brittany Jacobs, as our librarian, is out doing a dog and pony shows, speaking to every group she can find. She is a member of our LWV and spoke at our social on Wednesday night (2/25). So needless to say, our local league is ready to go to jail for her. Do your have any idea if this will be a fast tracked bill in Senate, and if there is an appetite/support in the House. The Senate was in caucaus yesterday so I didn’t get to speak with Senator Reichman, but did send him an email last night. Can you steer me in the direction of good talking points? I am looking to you instead of Brittany for info because you know the ins and outs of what is effective lobbying and pointers. Thanks for any suggestions or resources you might have.
Thank you