SF 493 Iowa Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

A bill for an act prohibiting political subdivisions from using certain moneys to hire lobbyists or pay instrumentalities, and providing penalties.

SF 493 prohibits local governments in Iowa (such as cities, counties, and school districts) from using tax revenue to hire lobbyists or pay government-affiliated groups that hire lobbyists. It specifically targets organizations like the Iowa League of Cities, the Iowa State Association of Counties, and the Iowa School Board Association, while excluding certain insurance or benefits groups. Violating this law constitutes a serious misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $2,560 and potential job sanctions for the person involved. The bill aims to prevent the use of public tax funds for lobbying activities by local entities.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 4, 2025 Last action Feb 23, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
6
Committee
7
Feb 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee report, approving bill.
upper
Feb 18, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Subcommittee recommends passage.
legislature
Feb 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Subcommittee reassigned: Sires, Knox, and Westrich.
upper
Feb 17, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Subcommittee Meeting: 02/18/2026 12:00PM Room 217 Conference Room.
legislature
Jan 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Subcommittee: Sires, Knox, and Webster.
upper
Jun 16, 2025
Committee
Referred to Local Government.
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report, approving bill.
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, placed on calendar.
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.