First Deadline Hits Iowa Legislature

Amy Campbell on February 24, 2026

The Iowa Legislature has now passed its first deadline, what lawmakers call the “first funnel.” This deadline helps narrow the list of bills that can be considered. That is important considering legislators have already introduced 1,542 bills this year alone. Last year broke the state record for most bills introduced and this may come up a close second. In order to make this first deadline, bills had to be voted out of their originating committee by Friday, February 20. Bills that are left behind in committee will not become law this year – unless they show up as an amendment to a different bill. There are a couple of exceptions, including bills that are sponsored by the Government Oversight Committee, spend money (Appropriations Committee), or deal with a tax (Ways & Means Committee).

We have moved the bills that died in the funnel to the “Inactive” list in the LWVIA Bill Tracker. Only those bills that made it through this first deadline will still be listed as “Active.” You can see the bills that didn’t make the cut by switching the dropdown box to “Inactive” and clicking on “Search Bills.”

Surviving Bills: Elections/Voting

  • SF 2203 requires the Secretary of State to use of the federal Systemic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database to verify the citizenship status of all currently registered voters and all new voter registrations. Notice of the results is sent to county election commissioners, who must then track down the person and give them options (cancel their voter registration, prove their citizenship, or provide information to them on how to contact the federal government and correct the information). LWVIA is opposed.
  • HF 2609 requires any “synthetic media” used in campaign materials clearly display a disclosure. This includes any digitally manipulated videos, photos, or audio, with liability falling on the publisher. (LWVIA Supports)
  • HF 2068 allows precinct caucus locations to be posted on a political party’s social media account instead of in a newspaper. LWVIA is undecided and asked that they consider an amendment to make the alternative a website instead of a social media account (voters should not have to get a social media account to be able to find this information). The committee agreed and will look at an amendment before a floor vote.
  • HF 2501 & SF 2287 are companion bills originating from the county auditor’s association. They make changes in the administration of elections, including text messages to confirm status of absentee ballots. LWVIA is registered undecided and there has been no controversy around these bills.
  • HF 2623 moves school and city elections to even-numbered years, aligning them with general elections. LWVIA is registered undecided. The county auditors are opposed, professional educators of Iowa are in support.
  • HF 2192 increases the threshold to pass a school bond from 60% to 80%. LWVIA has not yet taken a position on this bill.
  • SF 140 prohibits the use of school property as a satellite voting location if there is a school bond question on the ballot. LWVIA is registered undecided.

Surviving Bills: Transparency & Civic Participation

  • HF 2231 & SF 2361 establishes a Seal of Civics Excellence program to recognize graduating high school students who demonstrate proficiency in civics (the seal would be affixed to their high school transcript or would be awarded as a certificate). LWVIA is registered undecided.
  • HF 2361 requires undergraduate college students to complete courses in American History and American Government and HF 2244 requires all schools (including private schools) to require a full unit of US government instruction for high school students. LWVIA is registered undecided on both bills.
  • SF 503 & HF 936 apply open records laws to any instrumentality of a county, city, or township. LWVIA is registered undecided (as is everyone but Sierra Club).
  • HF 2294 extends the period in which a person may file open meetings or public records violation complaints from 60 days to 90 days. LWVIA is monitoring this bill.
  • HF 2330 requires public record custodians to promptly acknowledge receipt of a public record request and sets up a process for keeping a person informed during delays. LWVIA is monitoring this bill.
  • HF 2490 & SF 2434 changes how public notice of governmental meetings is posted. They take different approaches and the Senate bill includes a removal of posting in newspapers (making it optional). LWVIA is monitoring these bills.

Surviving Bills: Human Trafficking

  • SF 2167 & HF 2598 require all commercial driver’s license holders to complete a human trafficking prevention training every three years (training is only 30 minutes).
  • HF 2565 establishes a human trafficking task force to coordinate efforts across agencies to prevent, combat, and prosecute human trafficking. LWVIA supports this bill.
  • HF 2134 allows victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, and domestic violence to terminate their rental agreements. LWVIA supports.
  • HF 2696 is the “safe harbor” legislation that allows human trafficking victims to petition the courts to expunge criminal offenses committed as a result of their being trafficked. LWVIA supports this bill.
  • SF 2379 & HF 2404 is the Attorney General’s victim rights bill, but victim services agencies have mixed feelings about the bill. On the positive side, victim rights are solidified and there are new processes put in place to ensure they are informed of those rights. On the concerning side, training standards for sexual assault nurse examiners are eliminated and left up to the Attorney General (vs. the international standard in place). Some victim services providers asked to be allowed to inform law enforcement if a person is a danger to themselves or others (duty to warn), while others worry that this will weaken victim counselor privacy protections. LWVIA is undecided for all of these reasons – supporting some but concerned about other parts.

Surviving Bills: Reproductive Rights

  • HF 318 prohibits insurance companies from requiring cost-sharing for supplemental and diagnostic breast exams that are more than what is required for routine screenings. LWVIA supports.
  • HF 2338 applies last year’s gender theory and sexual orientation instruction ban to middle and high school courses (currently only applies to K-6). LWVIA opposes.
  • HF 2563 ends telemedicine medication abortions by mandating in-person physician examinations prior to dispensing the medication, requires coercion screening before medication abortions, and establishes new consent and information disclosure requirements that include informing the woman of the ability to reverse a medication abortion (not true). Also creates comprehensive reporting obligations for complications arising from such drugs and creates a Texas-style private cause of action against unauthorized dispensing. LWVIA strongly opposes – the Senate companion failed to make it out of committee.
  • HF 2415 requires health insurers to have a special enrollment period for pregnant women, improving access to prenatal care. LWVIA is currently monitoring the bill.
  • SF 304 requires parental consent to administer the HPV vaccine and any other vaccine that prevents sexually transmitted diseases (despite HPV vaccinations virtually eliminating cervical cancer in people with the vaccine). This bill is one vote away from heading to the Governor (it’s not the House calendar). LWVIA opposes.
  • SF 2150 & HF 2654 gives pregnant minors the ability to consent to their own prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care. Currently they have the ability to direct their infant’s care but not their own. A better bill would allow them to consent to all of their care (including vaccines) but this is a step in the right direction. LWVIA supports.
  • HF 2253 re-genders language in the Iowa Code from “pregnant person” to “pregnant female.” LWVIA is just monitoring this bill.

Surviving Bills: Gun Safety

  • HF 2718 establishes an anti-red flag gun seizure act (you read that right). States that no federal red flag laws will be enforced in Iowa. LWVIA opposes.
  • HF 621 allows firearms on school property if they are lawfully possessed and in a car during drop-offs or deliveries, or in school vehicles. LWVIA opposes.
  • HF 2495 allows the Iowa Department of Public Safety to release forfeited weapons and ammunition to law enforcement agencies if requested. LWVIA is just monitoring this bill.
  • SF 2280 expands the list of professions eligible for professional licenses to carry to include judicial officers, attorney general and deputies, and assistant attorneys general. LWVIA is just monitoring this bill.
  • HF 2616 makes it illegal to shoot a rifle, shotgun, pistol, or revolver from any road. LWVIA is just monitoring this bill (no one is opposed or in support).
  • SF 2274 prohibits the sale of “trigger crank” devices, thus replacing prior broader language that restricted the sale of any manual or power-driven trigger-activating device that increases a firearm’s rate of fire.  This narrows the prohibition, so opens it up for allowing other types of devices. LWVIA is monitoring this bill.
  • HF 1034 creates an individual tax credit of up to $500 to offset the purchase of a firearm safety device or a gun safe. LWVIA supports this bill.

Surviving Bills: Water

  • HF 2687 appropriates $100,000 to create a pilot program to monitor groundwater by retrofitting up to 100 private wells with certified monitoring system. LWVIA is currently undecided.
  • HF 2527 & SF 2427 limits liability for damages or injuries “allegedly caused” by the effects of climate from greenhouse gas emissions (particularly those from agricultural or renewable fuel sources). LWVIA is opposed.
  • HF 2530 prohibits the Iowa Department of Natural Resources from placing any state waterway on the impaired waters list due to fecal bacteria unless they have conducted an analysis that designates (by percentage) the contribution of each animal species to the contamination. LWVIA opposes this bill.

Surviving Bills: Education

  • SF 2201 increases school funding by 2.5% for the next year, adds $7 million for paraeducators to sustain salary increases made two years ago. This bill is on its way to the Governor. LWVIA is monitoring.
  • HF 884 is a hold-over from last year, but is one vote away from going to the Governor (on the Senate calendar). It allows schools to employ chaplains or have volunteer chaplains. LWVIA opposes.
  • HF 2681 allows schools to install video recording systems in special education classrooms, but the bill does not state that these are part of a student’s private educational record and thus likely violate federal law. There are parents of children with disabilities on both sides of this issue (some think it will reduce bullying, others say it violates their child’s privacy). LWVIA is monitoring this bill.
  • SF 2404 sets up a pilot program to allow a school district to set up a separate school for students with behavioral needs or students receiving special education. LWVIA is undecided.
  • HF 2336 & SF 2300 prohibits schools from discriminating against students engaging in religious, political or ideological speech and expression on equal terms with other students. This actually weakens protections and opens up the schools to bullying. LWVIA is opposed.
  • HF 2512 mandates a teacher’s license be revoked for “publicly celebrating acts of violence.” Clearly this is a reaction to the post-Charlie Kirk posts some teachers in the state made, and is clearly a violation of free speech protections. LWVIA opposes (for the violations of free speech).
  • HF 2544 & SF 2336 requires public school districts, community colleges and state universities to submit annual reports on the number of complaints and incidents of anti-Semitism. LWVIA is monitoring the bill (but this should also now be applied to non-public schools who receive public funding and to other forms of religious intolerance targeting a religious group).
  • SF 2405 expands prohibitions on public school teaching, advocating, or promoting stereotyping and scapegoating based on identity or demographic group membership. LWVIA is opposed.
  • HF 2338 applies the DEI and gender theory bans to middle & high schools (the bans enacted last year applied only to K-6). LWVIA opposes.
  • SF 2303 & HF 2487 prohibits state universities from requiring any courses containing DEI or CRT content. LWVIA is currently monitoring.
  • HF 2488 prohibits private colleges from having DEI offices/staff or engaging in DEI activities if they participate in the Iowa Tuition Grant Program. This is going after Drake University and Grinnell College, which have doubled down on their support for DEI activities. LWVIA opposes.
  • HF 2240 similarly targets Grinnell College by creating a new annual tax on private colleges with an endowment of more than $500 million. LWVIA is monitoring this bill.
  • HF 2539 repeals the Board of Regents’ minority and women educators enhancement program – because it is a DEI program. LWVIA is opposed.
  • HF 2676 & SF 2367 ban artificial dyes and additives in food and beverages sold at a school, including an additive that is in all white flour. This is part of the Governor’s MAHA bill, which LWVIA is otherwise monitoring.
  • SF 2425, SF 2406, and HF 2699 all make major updates to charter schools, and SF 2425 makes additional changes that include a change to school start date. LWVIA is monitoring.
  • HF 2493 expands the eligibility for four-year-old preschool programs to include five-year-olds who turn five between March 15 – September 15 of the school year. LWVIA is monitoring.
  • HF 2358 & SF 2231 allows community-based child care providers to receive funding for state-approved preschool programs. LWVIA is undecided.
  • There are other bills that impact education: HF 2705 deals with school funding and taxes and open enrollment, HF 2713 makes miscellaneous changes in K-12 education, and SF 2137 changes definition of qualified education expenses for ESAs (educational savings plans), aligning the definition with the IRS definition. LWVIA is monitoring all these bills.

NOTE: Some of these bills will be renumbered. When you link to them, it will list newer numbers in the “Track Versions” column on the left side of the bill. I will try to update this post as new numbers come out.

Polarizing Bills Continue to Take Up Time at State Capitol

Amy Campbell on February 18, 2026

This article was written by LWVIA Intern Makenna Hovey, a Drake University student.

Recently, there have been a handful of bills dealing with abortion, transgender rights, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). So much has been done on these issues over the past three years that you rightfully probably thought we were done with them. Not so (and we could add attacks on libraries, gun laws, and people born in other countries to the list).

Abortion Related Bills are nothing new in Iowa, considering the state has been red-leaning and the Fetal Heartbeat Law was enacted roughly a year and a half ago. Sadly, a few have already made it through the first deadline:

SSB 3115 and HF 2563 are abortion bills that not only ban the use of telehealth for medication abortions, but also impact the information doctors are required to tell patients before performing an abortion, information that is medically unproven and could put a woman’s health at serious risk. These bills require what supports call “informed consent” when being prescribed abortion-induced drugs and require reporting on abortion drug-induced complications. 

These bills would require doctors to let a patient know that they have the ability to reverse an abortion after taking mifepristone or misoprostol. This idea of “reversing an abortion” was made after a single doctor “performed” reverse abortions on a handful of women without going through proper human trial protocols. Respected medical organizations have debunked this “treatment” and have said it can create serious complications. Requiring physicians and other medical personnel to lie to a woman about unproven and unsafe procedures violates their professional ethics. This gives many abortion doctors the ultimatum of choosing between their ethics or spreading false information. 

SSB 3115 was pulled from the last Senate Judiciary Committee agenda before the first funnel deadline, so it will not advance. Unfortunately, HF 2563 passed out of the House committee on a nearly party line vote (one Republican voted against). It is on the House Calendar and a live round until the next deadline (March 20).

Besides abortions bills there are a few Anti DEI and Anti Transgender bills that we have had our eye on. 

HF 2541 is a bill that further limits protections for transgender individuals’ rights. This bill builds on last year’s changes to the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965. This Act prohibits a local government from establishing a civil rights ordinance or law that is broader than the state law (i.e. no local protections for transgender Iowans). Supporters of this bill said that this puts local ordinances in line with Iowa’s civil rights laws. Opponents say it is a mean-spirited attack on transgender Iowans and targets communities who are trying to protect their rights. The bill is out of committee and has cleared the funnel deadline.

HF 2123 establishes mandatory consequences for state entities and school districts that violate existing prohibitions on DEI offices/staff and bans on DEI materials in educational curricula and trainings. If a violation is proven in court, the individual responsible and their knowing supervisor must be terminated, and professional licenses or certifications are subject to mandatory revocation. This bill also imposes significant civil penalties on schools districts and governmental agencies that violate the anti-DEI laws. Fortunately this bill was pulled from the House Education Committee agenda this week and will not make it through funnel. 

Two other bills made it through the funnel. HF 2488  adds a new requirement for private colleges participating in the Iowa tuition grant program: they must not establish, sustain, support, or staff DEI offices. Non-compliant institutions may lose eligibility for the tuition grant program until corrective action is taken. This is really targeting Drake University and Grinnell College, who have publicly doubled down on supporting diversity, equity and inclusion on their campuses.

HF 2487 expands the Attorney General’s authority to investigate and enforce restrictions on DEI and critical race theory-related activities by state entities and public higher education institutions. The attorney general would be allowed to subpoena documents, seek court enforcement, and hire special counsel (with costs reimbursed by the investigated entity). The state Board of Regents is also directed to review and potentially eliminate undergraduate course requirements containing DEI or CRT content by fall 2028.

There are many more of these bills in the LWVIA’s bill tracker, so check it frequently!

Capitol Day 2026

Amy Campbell on February 18, 2026

The LWVIA Capitol Day at the Iowa State Capitol is Thursday, February 26 (10 am to 1 pm). League members are welcome to come anytime during that time – no registration required! Our booths will be on the First Floor Rotunda – along the North side. Wear your League gear and get ready to advocate!

LWVIA 2026 Lobby from Home DayDownload

Public Assistance Reforms Proposed

Amy Campbell on February 14, 2026

The Iowa House and Senate have each proposed their own public assistance program reform bills in the wake of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The OBBBA allowed states to set new restrictions on various public assistance programs, weakening the Affordable Care Act provisions that helped provide health insurance to low income Americans in states that added coverage for an “expansion population.” Iowa is an expansion state – we created the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHWP) for Iowans who otherwise do not qualify for regular Medicaid and earn no more than 133% of the federal poverty level. IHWP member get the same health insurance coverage as state employees.

Below you can review a crosswalk showing the Iowa House vs. Senate approach.  The bill numbers will change as they move out committee and we know there are amendments being discussed, so I will update this as the bills change.  Right now the House HHS Committee will vote on their bill (HSB 696) at their committee meeting Tuesday (2/17) at 2:30 pm. The subcommittee for the Senate bill (SSB 3140) meets on Tuesday (2/17) at Noon to hear comments and advance their bill. It will likely be on the full committee agenda on Thursday (2/19) at 11 am.  

Comparison Public Assistance BillsDownload

LWVIA Legislative Check-In Recordings

Amy Campbell on February 12, 2026

You can find the links to the biweekly legislative check-ins here:

  • January 29, 2026 – Watch | Listen
  • February 12, 2026 – Watch | Listen
  • February 26, 2026 – CANCELLED (LWVIA Capitol Day)
  • March 12, 2026
  • March 26, 2026
  • April 9, 2026
  • April 23, 2026

You can sign up here to join any (or all) of these 30-minute checkins. We just ask that you take a look at the Bill Tracker and be prepared to ask questions about the bills important to you, your family, your community, and your local League!

Note we have a special Capitol Day Prep Zoom scheduled for February 25, 2026 (6:30-7:30 pm). You can register for that here.

Lots of Voting Bills, But Few Moving

Amy Campbell on February 12, 2026

There have been a lot of voting bills introduced this year. Although there is a large number of these bills, we don’t think many will be considered. With just a week to go before the first funnel deadline (when bills must be voted out of their originating committee), we have listed some of the more important and controversial bills to note dealing with voting and election laws. There are bills between roughly 4 categories, 1) Bills that change how someone may vote, 2) How votes are processed, 3) Election law changes, and 4) Other categories (such as caucus law).

  1. First, bills that change how you vote. This section specifically focuses on restrictions, absentee voting, and changes that impact on how someone can vote. 
  • Election Law Reform HSB627 & SF 2287: These twin bills have both made it out of committee, so are what we call “funnel proof,” meaning they are now eligible for debate for the rest of session. These bills were requested by the Secretary of State and supported by the Iowa Association of County Auditors. The bills revise multiple aspects of Iowa’s election administration, including how recounts are handled and updating the types of election equipment used. LWVIA is just monitoring this bill.
  • Same-Day Voter Registration/Voting HF2164 & SF 2081: These companion bills make the ballots of those voting early in person or same day registration voters provisional. LWVIA opposes these bills, but fortunately the House bill was never assigned a subcommittee and the Senate subcommittee has yet to schedule a hearing.
  • School/Local Election Dates HF2191: Moves election and school elections to an even year, so they would be held at the same time as the general election. The bill also extends terms for office holders until the even year. The subcommittee recommended passage of this bill, but it has not yet been scheduled for full committee debate. LWVIA is just monitoring this bill.
  • School Bond Election Requirements HF2192: This bill moves the threshold from 60% to 80% for passing school district bond proposals and adds a four year waiting period prior to being reconsidered. This bill is in the House Ways & Means Committee, so it does not have to be taken up before the funnel deadlines. In the three weeks since it was introduced, it still has not been assigned a subcommittee. LWVIA is monitoring this bill for now, but if it starts to gain traction we’ll reconsider that position.
  • Local Elections to Fill Vacancies HSB639: Adds a new required process for filling vacancies within elected spots. LWVIA is monitoring this bill, but the county auditors and school board association both support this bill, which has been voted out of committee and will be assigned a new House File number soon.
  • Satellite Absentee Voting SF140: Prohibits the use of a school to be used as a satellite for absentee voting if there is a school-related question (bond, levy, etc) on the ballot, and makes sure all materials that reference this question are also removed from satellite locations similar to the law requiring removal of candidate names. LWVIA is monitoring this bill, which has already passed the Senate and is now out of the House committee and ready for full House debate. School organizations are opposed; everyone else is neutral.
  • Ballot Labeling Requirements SF2074 & HF2195: Requires county auditors to label each ballot with the way the vote was cast (mail-in absentee, in-person absentee, poll site voting, etc). LWVIA and county auditors are opposed.
  • Absentee Ballot Deadline SF2077 & HF2165: This bill requires absentee ballots to be turned in the day before the election at 5pm and requires more information on ballots (voter verification number, an additional envelope). LWVIA and Disability Rights Iowa are opposed, while county auditors are neutral. Fortunately these bills have not moved since introduced, so unlikely to make the upcoming deadline. 
  • Voter Registration Form Availability SF2130: Any place that sells hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses would be required to make voter registration forms available at their business. The Senate subcommittee met on this bill, but tabled it indefinitely (aka killed it). They did not want to force private businesses to do this, and noted that they already could do this voluntarily. Others worried someone could try to electioneer. LWVIA was monitoring this bill.
  • Accessible Absentee Ballot Marking Pilot HF2118 & SSB3047: These companion bills were requested by the Secretary of State (Senate) and Rep. Jon Dunwell/Rep. David Young (House). The create a pilot program to help Iowans who are blind or have low vision be able to vote early at home independently without assistance using special equipment. LWVIA, AARP, and organizations representing Iowans with disabilities all support these bills, but they are unfortunately not moving forward a second year in a row.
  1. Secondly, how votes are processed. This category narrows down any bills that deal with voter identification, and or security for voting in Iowa. 
  • Voter Records Requirements SF2075 & HF 2166: This bill requires the county auditors and the Secretary of State to keep detailed records of voter registration for at least 8 years, and the records have to be kept electronically.  Neither bill is moving.
  • Candidate Security HF2160: Allows candidates to use their election campaign funds to pay for personal home and security if the cost is reasonable. This bill is also not moving. 
  • Citizenship Verification for Voter Registration SF2203: Requires the Secretary of State to verify registered voters in Iowa are US citizens and sets up process for verification when registering to vote (using federal SAVE verification system). This bill is out of committee and safe from the funnel. LWVIA and Migrant Movement for Justice oppose the bill (League is concerned about delays and accuracy of SAVE).
  1. Third, Election Law changes. This section highlights bills that are trying to turn nonpartisan partisan, and focus on laws surrounding the use of AI and other updated changes that elections may base with growing technology and or partisan approaches.  
  • Election Synthetic Media Disclosure SF2166: Requires there to be a clear disclosure when fake or synthetically used media is used in campaign materials (such as AI generated media). This bill is dead.
  • Ballot Party Identification HF2073: Makes any elected official that has the authority to propose, levy, or approve a tax to have their party listed on the ballot (essentially making community college trustees, school boards, and city councils partisan). LWVIA opposes. The bill passed subcommittee but has not been called up in committee for a vote.
  • Campaign Finance Restrictions SF2204 & HF2044: Prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to ballots and or any election campaigns. LWVIA is monitoring these bills. The Senate bill has made it through the funnel and is ready for Senate debate; the House bill passed subcommittee but has not yet been taken up by the full committee.
  • AI Use in Elections HF2150: This bill puts strong guardrails in place for use of AI in election and election related materials for candidates, committees, and officials. It’s a Democrat-sponsored bill, so did not get a subcommittee meeting.
  • Campaign Synthetic Media HSB643 & SSB3039: This bill addresses the use of fake/synthetic images in campaign materials by requiring clear disclosure. The bills were proposed by the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board and both have passed subcommittee but are awaiting full committee vote. LWVIA supports these bills, but the Iowa Newspaper Association is opposed.
  1. This category is our catchall section: 
  • Precinct Caucus Notices SF2015 & HF 2068: These bills allow political party precinct caucus notices to be published on an official political party’s social media account. This replaces the need for newspaper posting. LWVIA and AARP are both undecided and will be asking for this to be amended o include a website (so that those without social media can access information). Both feel that access to this information should not require a login to access. The Iowa Newspaper Association opposes these bills. The House subcommittee will meet on 2/16/26 at 12:30 pm to discuss this bill; the Senate subcommittee has not scheduled a meeting.
  • Congressional District Conventions HF2239: This would mandate each political party to hold a congressional district convention. Currently a party “may” hold one. No subcommittee has been assigned to this, which says no one plans to bring it up.

There are a lot of bills and many issues that are tracked for LWVIA, so check the bill tracker for a complete list with greater detail.

This post was written by Drake University student Makenna Hovey, the Advocacy Cooperative’s Government Relations Intern.

Session Timeline: Funnels Approaching

Amy Campbell on February 2, 2026

The Iowa Legislature only meets for four months to pass laws and prepare budgets for the upcoming year. That’s 110 days in the first year of a two-year general assembly, and 100 days during the second year. To keep bills on track and eliminate the “noise” of bills that have no chance of making it through the process, legislators have enacted a series of deadlines (called funnels) to narrow the list of bills eligible for debate.

The First Funnel deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026. To stay eligible for debate, a bill must have made it out of its originating committee. Bills sponsored by leaders, dealing with taxes, spending money, or coming out of the Government Oversight Committee are exempt from the funnel deadlines.

The Second Funnel deadline is Friday, March 20, 2026. To keep moving through the process, bills will need to be voted out of committee in the opposite chamber. That means House Files are out of Senate committee, and Senate Files out of House committees. Again, the list of exempt bills is the same (taxes, budgets, government oversight, leadership sponsored bills).

The “final” day of session is slated for April 21, 2026. That is when legislators lose their expense checks (called “per diems”) and clerks. They can still be in session beyond this date, but they will not be reimbursed for the expense of coming to Des Moines and they’ll have to answer their own messages and do their own paperwork.

Some people call bills “funnel proof.” That normally means that the bill includes a tax or has an appropriation. It can also mean that twin bills were voted out of committee in both chambers. This is a way to fast track a bill by having companions go through the process simultaneously (rather than consecutively). When one chamber passes a companion bill, it goes immediately to the other chamber’s calendar and is “attached” to the companion bill there (avoiding going through the committee process again). Being funnel proof is a great thing when you like the bill – but can be make a bill hard to stop when its something you don’t like.

2026 Iowa Legislative Session Begins

Amy Campbell on January 17, 2026

The Iowa Legislature started its 100-day session on January 12, 2026, welcoming four new legislators after a record-breaking year of special elections. Rep. Wendy Larson (replacing Mike Sexton), Sen. Catelin Drey (replacing Rocky DeWitt), and Sen. Renee Hardman (replacing Claire Celsi) were all elected after the 2025 legislative session adjourned. The session also started off with a new set of leaders: Rep. Brian Meyer (House Minority Leader), Rep. Bobby Kaufmann (House Majority Leader), and Sen. Mike Klimesh (Senate Majority Leader) all took over the leadership reigns this summer/fall.

Before we dive into the first week – a few reminders:

  • Legislators who want to sponsor bills need to ask for those bills by Friday, January 23.
  • Bills need to be voted out of their originating committee by Friday, February 20 (“first funnel”).
  • February 26 is LWVIA Capitol Day! Stay tuned for more information.
  • Bills must be voted out of committee in the second chamber by Friday, March 20 (“second funnel”).
  • The 100th “Last Day” of session is April 21.

Governor’s Budget & Priorities: Governor Kim Reynolds kicked of the session with her annual Condition of the State Address, sticking with her priorities of cancer prevention, property tax relief and educational choice as centerpieces to her 2026 agenda. You can read her budget documents here and review the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency (LSA) analysis here.

  • Governor recommends spending $9.67 billion for next fiscal year (FY 2027). That is $206.5 million below the 99% spending limit, but is a 2% increase over the current year. This includes $8 million more to pick up the cost of SNAP (food assistance) administration that prior to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) was paid for by the federal government. It also includes $70.0 million supplemental for Medicaid and savings of $51.4 million in yet-to-be-defined Medicaid “cost containment” strategies.
  • Schools would receive a 2% increase under the Governor’s plan, but spending on ESA (private school vouchers) increases by 6.6% because of higher demand.
  • There no additional money allocated for water quality, Medicaid provider rates, human trafficking, or victim assistance.
  • Governor recommends allowing pharmacists to dispense ivermectin and contraceptives to adults without a prescription; considering a state health insurance exchange; allowing counties to appoint (rather than elect) the county treasurer, auditor, and recorder; and increasing penalties for lying about citizenship on voter registration to a class “D” felony.

Dueling Property Tax Plans: The Senate Republicans announced their approach to property tax relief on the first day of session (SSB 3001). The Governor announced her plan during her Condition of the State address (SSB 3034/HSB 563). The House Democrats have their plan, but we’ve yet to see the House Republicans’ approach.

  • Governor’s plan puts a hard 2% cap on the growth of property tax revenue but allows for additional revenues for new development and boundary changes. It also freezes property taxes for homeowners who are age 65+ if their homes are valued at $350,000 or less.
  • The Senate’s plan adds an inflation-based adjustment factor to property tax growth, allowing between 2-5% growth each year based on some other factors. It also freezes taxes on properties owned outright (that is, no mortgage).

You’ll hear more about these plans in future posts, but it’s safe to say that local governments are not thrilled by any of the plans they’ve heard to date.

Bills, Bills, Bills: The first four days of session saw the introduction of 296 new bills, including a bill that changes the constitution to limit the number of bills filed by each legislator annually (no more than ten). The bill tracker is updated daily with new bills and status has real-item updates. Here are a few to note:

  • HF2068 allows political parties to publish notice of political party precinct caucuses via official party social media accounts as an alternative to newspaper publication. Some groups are asking this to be amended to include posting on an official website, as many older Iowans do not use social media.
  • HF2073 requires ballots to include the party affiliation after the name of each candidate for an office with the authority to propose, approve, levy, or vote for a tax (not just those running for a “partisan” office). This means nonpartisan city council candidates will now have their party affiliation next to their name.
  • SSB3026 allows bond elections to be held at the same time as a June primary election (in addition to the November general election).
  • SSB3039 requires disclosure when “synthetic media” is used in campaign materials (AI generated or digitally manipulated images/audio/video that create false but realistic depictions).
  • SJR2002 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit Iowa courts from exercising judicial review over laws passed by the General Assembly, with a narrow exception for apportionment plans.
  • SSB 3009 eliminates townships as a form of government in Iowa (transferring duties to county supervisors).
  • HF2007 establishes a rural emergency response enhancement program to enhance emergency response capacity in rural areas through EMT training grants for small rural police and volunteer fire departments.
  • SF2057 creates a fundamental right to contraception in Iowa law.
  • HF2041 requires all state and local law enforcement officers/agencies to cooperate with ICE.

Again, there are a lot of bills and a lot of issues that we track for LWVIA, so check the bill tracker for a complete list.

Action Alert: A bill to require parental consent for STD vaccinations has been voted out of a House subcommittee this week. SF 304, which passed the Senate on a party line vote in 2025, is now ready for a vote in the full House Health & Human Services Committee. Since the committee chair was a “yes” vote in subcommittee, it is likely to pass if brought up. LWVIA opposes this bill.

This bill would no longer allow a minor to consent to HPV (cancer preventing) vaccines, as well as other STD-preventing vaccines. While parents consent most of the time, advocates were concerned about the few who disagree with their parents’ opposition to the vaccine or come from unsafe homes. If you want to take action on this bill – contact the members of the House HHS Committee and ask your own Representative to lobby their colleagues on the committee for you.

Join Us for Bi-Weekly Lobbyist Calls Starting January 29

LWVIA lobbyists will provide quick updates and answer your questions in a series of new 30-minute zoom designed to keep members and their lobbyists connected throughout the session. While these sessions are free, you will need to register in order to get the login. This is to prevent zoom bombing that has become so frequent. The zoom calls will be held every other Thursday, 6:30-7:00 p.m. and will be recorded and posted here in our blog.

  • January 29 (6:30-7 pm)
  • February 12 (6:30-7 pm)
  • February 26 (6:30-7 pm)
  • March 12 (6:30-7 pm)
  • March 26 (6:30-7 pm)
  • April 9 (6:30-7 pm)
  • April 23 (6:30-7 pm)
Click here to register!

Get Ready for 2026

Amy Campbell on January 5, 2026

The Iowa Legislature will reconvene on Monday, January 12 for a short 100-day session. Lawmakers will face new challenges with a budget shortfall that requires use of the Taxpayer Relief Fund, a Medicaid shortfall that may prompt more hurdles for people to access or retain services, poor water quality and high cancer rates that are demanding policy action, an aggressive plan to take on rural health access using federal grant funds (Rural Health Transformation Grant) and the overall desire of the majority party to cut property taxes while still giving local governments the funds they need to meet their own constituent demands.

Here are a few things to get you ready for 2026:

  • We have had six special elections in 2025, including three since session ended. Both House and Senate Majority Leaders are new since the session ended, and committee assignments were changed following those leadership elections. We also have a new House Minority Leader, who was elected late in the 2025 session. You can see new member backgrounds, updated committee lists, and timelines for the session in the Iowa DD Council’s Legislative Guide.
  • The session is compressed this year, so legislators who want to sponsor bills must get their request in by Friday, January 23. To stay alive, bills must be voted out of their originating committee by the first funnel deadline on Friday, February 20. Bills that survive that long have until Friday, March 20 to be voted out of one chamber and out of committee in the second chamber. If all goes according to plan, the Iowa Legislature will adjourn on or around April 21.
  • LWVIA Capitol Day is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Details will be coming soon, but you can get ready by reviewing the 2026 Legislative Agenda. We will also be scheduling lobbyist check-in zooms throughout the session, so stay tuned here for more details.

Governor Reynolds Creates Nuclear Power Task Force

Amy Campbell on January 5, 2026

Governor Reynolds signs Executive Order 17 establishing Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force

Governor Kim Reynolds today (January 5, 2026) signed an executive order establishing the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force to advise her, the General Assembly, and relevant state agencies on the development and advancement of nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure in the state.  

“Nuclear energy is a vital part of Iowa’s energy future, and I am committed to advancing reliable, sustainable energy solutions that strengthen our energy independence and fuel economic growth,” Governor Reynolds said. “With our strong foundation in manufacturing and energy innovation, we are uniquely positioned to lead the nation in developing and deploying nuclear technologies. The creation of the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force marks a strategic step forward, ensuring the safe, efficient, and responsible integration of nuclear energy into our energy portfolio.” 

The Governor has appointed Iowa native Dr. Mark Nutt, Director of Nuclear Energy Programs at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, to serve as chair of the task force which will include at least 11 members who represent utilities, power production companies, local government, academia, the Iowa Utilities Commission, and the General Assembly. 

“I’m honored to serve as chair of the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force,” Dr. Nutt said. “As a graduate of Iowa State University’s Nuclear Engineering program, I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply my background to help evaluate how nuclear energy can responsibly and effectively benefit Iowans. This is an exciting time to explore innovative solutions for Iowa’s energy future.” 

Other task force members include: 

  • May Farlinger – Alliant, President of Alliant Energy Iowa 
  • Mike Fehr – MidAmerican, SVP of Generation and Development 
  • Lane Witten – NextEra, VP of Development 
  • Brandy Zumbach Meisheid – Linn County Board of Supervisors, Chair 
  • Dr. Jim McCalley – Iowa State University, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor and Jack London Chair in Power Systems Engineering 
  • Sarah Martz – Iowa Utilities Commission, Chair 
  • Matt Resor – IBEW Local 405, Business Manager 
  • Andy Roberts – Iowa State Building & Construction Trades, President; Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 33, Business Manager 
  • Senator Mike Klimesh – Iowa Senate, Majority Leader 
  • Rep. David Young – Iowa House of Representatives, Chair of Commerce 
  • Rep. Hans Wilz – Iowa House of Representatives, Member of Commerce 
  • Senator Izaah Knox – Iowa Senate, Ranking Member of Commerce 
  • Rep. Sean Bagniewski – Iowa House of Representatives, Minority Whip 

The responsibilities of the task force include but are not limited to: 

  • Exploring opportunities to engage with the federal government to support nuclear energy development and ensure Iowa’s policies and initiatives align with national regulations;  
  • Assessing emerging nuclear technologies for Iowa’s energy sector;  
  • Engaging with industry leaders, academic institutions, and others to ensure Iowa develops a highly skilled workforce for the growing nuclear energy sector; 
  • Engaging with manufacturers and other nuclear energy stakeholders to identify barriers to entry and the partnerships and investments needed to cultivate a nuclear supply chain in Iowa; and  
  • Evaluating opportunities to enhance economic growth by utilizing nuclear energy. 

The executive order requires the task force to submit its final report detailing its findings and recommendations to the governor within 180 days of the order’s issuance.