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

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. 

Water Quality: Axios Digs Deep

Amy Campbell on September 9, 2025

Today (September 9), Axios did a deep dive on central Iowa’s nitrate problem, comparing outcomes to neighboring state Minnesota, which has much stronger water quality laws. You can read the entire article here. Here are the highlights:

  • Iowa’s nitrate levels regularly exceed 5 mg/L for decades; Minnsota’s average is at or below 3 mg/L.
  • Federal mandates require less than 10 mg/L, but public health agencies say 5 mg/L is too high.
  • Minnesota requires buffer strips, restricts fall fertilizer application, and strict permitting for large animal operations. Iowa’s nitrate reduction plan includes these suggestions, but it is voluntary.
  • Iowa has the largest number of acres that are tile drained in the country, a process that can quickly move nitrates to water sources.

LWVIA has included a stronger water quality statement in its 2026 legislative priorities, so the information in this article can help you with your messaging to state and federal lawmakers.

  • Prioritizing, protecting and improving Iowa water quality and ensuring its sustainable management.
  • Enact policies that safeguard clean water and address challenges of health risks, pollution, overuse and climate change.