A bill for an act relating to the application of foreign law and limiting changes in venue of civil actions, and including applicability provisions.
HF 2554 prohibits Iowa courts, arbitrators, and agencies from transferring civil cases to foreign jurisdictions if the transfer would apply foreign law violating U.S. or Iowa constitutional rights. It invalidates court rulings, contracts, or jurisdictional agreements that rely on such foreign law, ensuring parties retain constitutional protections. Exceptions include religious disputes handled internally by faith groups and businesses that knowingly choose foreign law or forums. The law applies to new civil cases, contracts, and arbitrations starting from its effective date.
Bill status
died
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2026
Last action Mar 9, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
8
Key actions
6
Committee
6
Feb 23, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 2695.
legislature
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee vote: Yeas, 20. Nays, 0. Excused, 1.
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee report, recommending passage.
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Subcommittee recommends passage.
legislature
Feb 17, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Subcommittee Meeting: 02/18/2026 7:45AM RM 103.
legislature
Feb 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee: Thomson, C., Srinivas and Thompson, M.
lower
Feb 16, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, referred to Judiciary.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Mark Thompson
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HF 2554
Scope: IA
Hi! I can help you understand HF 2554. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline