Iowa Bills

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SF 2377: A bill for an act relating to public accessibility to water sample data.

This bill requires Iowa's Department of Natural Resources to create a searchable online database of public water sample data. The database must allow users to filter results by contaminant type (including nitrates), location, water supply system, and sampling date. It mandates that all water testing results from public water systems be publicly accessible in this format, including contaminant levels. The department must have the database operational within six months of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 19, 2026

HF 2612: A bill for an act requiring boards of directors of school districts, the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools, and the governing boards of charter schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades six through twelve for civic or political events.

HF 2612 requires public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to adopt policies granting students in grades 6-12 at least one excused absence per school year for participating in specific civic or political events. The policy mandates students provide at least 24 hours' notice to school administrators before the event. Eligible events include voting, serving as a poll worker, attending government meetings, political rallies, forums, or town halls. Crucially, absences for these events will not count toward chronic absenteeism metrics or affect truancy enforcement. This bill directly affects school boards and students in grades 6-12 across Iowa's public and accredited nonpublic school systems.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SF 2343: A bill for an act relating to vehicle registration plates, including registration plate frames and Gadsden flag special registration plates, providing fees, and making appropriations.

Iowa's SF 2343 authorizes the issuance of Gadsden flag special vehicle registration plates, featuring a yellow-and-white background, a black-and-white rattlesnake image, and the phrase "Don't Tread on Me." Vehicle owners can apply for these plates by paying a $50 annual fee (plus regular registration fees), with personalized options available for an additional $5. Fees collected fund two programs: 50% supports shooting range development grants through the natural resource commission (requiring school access), and 50% funds school infrastructure grants via the homeland security department. The bill also specifies plate design standards and prohibits county-level restrictions on Gadsden plate issuance.

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 19, 2026

HF 2630: A bill for an act relating to salaries of peace officers of the department of public safety.

HF 2630 sets specific salary increases for peace officers in Iowa's Department of Public Safety based on rank. It requires that sergeants earn 15% more than senior troopers, lieutenants earn 10% more than sergeants, captains/special agent in charge earn 10% more than lieutenants, majors/assistant directors earn 10% more than captains, and colonels/directors earn 15% more than majors. Sworn supervisors, including conservation officer supervisors, must receive the same wage and merit increases negotiated through collective bargaining under Chapter 20. The bill directly affects all peace officers and supervisors within the Department of Public Safety.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SF 2268: A bill for an act establishing an Iowa-Ireland trade commission and making appropriations.

SF 2268 creates an Iowa-Ireland trade commission to strengthen economic ties between Iowa and Ireland. The commission, composed of eight members including state legislators with Irish trade expertise, private sector representatives, and industry leaders, will promote business exchanges, recommend joint policy actions, and encourage mutual investment in infrastructure. It must meet quarterly, submit annual reports to the governor and legislature, and operate with funding from the state general fund (reimbursing members only for travel expenses). The bill directly affects Iowa businesses and organizations engaged in trade with Ireland, aiming to facilitate concrete economic collaboration.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SF 2209: A bill for an act relating to the payment of per diem to members of the general assembly.

This bill (SF 2209) reduces the number of days Iowa legislators receive per diem pay for session expenses. It shortens the per diem period from 110 to 55 days for the first regular legislative session and from 100 to 50 days for the second session. Most state legislators (excluding leadership roles like Senate President or House Speaker) are affected, with Polk County members receiving 75% of the standard per diem rate. The bill also maintains a $300 monthly allowance for district expenses and travel reimbursement rules.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SF 2174: A bill for an act relating to trainings and curricula regarding specific defined concepts provided by public institutions of higher education and school districts.

SF 2174 requires public schools and colleges in Iowa to ensure that all staff, contractors, and volunteers avoid teaching, promoting, or acting upon stereotyping or scapegoating based on demographic group membership (like race or gender) in curriculum, materials, or training. It prohibits using public funds or school resources for such content and mandates that school districts provide staff with training on these requirements. The bill also allows parents, employees, or residents to file lawsuits to stop violations without needing to prove personal harm. This affects all public school districts, higher education institutions, and their employees, contractors, and volunteers who create or deliver educational content.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 19, 2026

HF 2594: A bill for an act relating to legislative clerks of members of the house of representatives.

HF 2594 allows each Iowa House of Representatives member to hire a legislative clerk who works under their direction and the chief clerk's oversight. The bill requires clerks to be on duty 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and other days as needed by the chief clerk, updating current rules that only required Monday-Thursday sessions. It also specifies that the chief clerk of the House determines the clerks' pay rate. This procedural bill directly affects House members and their staff by standardizing clerk work schedules and compensation authority.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SF 2181: A bill for an act requiring the department of education to develop and administer a pilot program that requires certain specified school districts to establish attendance centers for students requiring special education and students with behavioral issues.

SF 2181 requires Iowa's Department of Education to create a pilot program where one rural school district (defined by specific 2020 census population thresholds) and one urban school district (with at least 7,000 students) must establish attendance centers for students needing special education or facing behavioral challenges that interfere with learning. The bill mandates these districts to provide tailored educational services, report annually on student participation, academic performance, and program feedback, and redirect 48% of their special education funds toward the pilot. The program, set to expire July 1, 2031, will be monitored by the Department of Education and reported to the legislature each year. This directly affects eligible students in the designated districts and their schools.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SF 2381: A bill for an act relating to nonmedical pregnancy resource centers, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

This bill regulates nonmedical pregnancy resource centers in Iowa, which provide pregnancy counseling without medical services or abortion referrals. It requires these centers to visibly disclose they are not licensed medical providers, include nearby hospital information in all materials, ensure ultrasounds are performed by licensed providers, and comply with HIPAA confidentiality rules. The bill terminates the existing "More Options for Maternal Support" (MOMS) program by August 2026, redirecting unspent funds to increase reimbursement rates for labor and delivery services under Iowa's medical assistance program. A $1 million appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year supports this reimbursement increase.

Topics ✗ Healthcare

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SF 2314: A bill for an act relating to executive branch functions, including ratification of major administrative rules and certain other actions, other matters relating to the state rulemaking process, and terms of service of certain appointed members of certain boards, and including applicability provisions.

SF 2314 clarifies Iowa's rulemaking process by defining "major rules" as those with significant costs (e.g., $200,000+ annual expenditures or major economic impacts) or effects on competition, employment, or Clean Air Act implementation. It requires state agencies to provide detailed public notices - including rule text, economic impact summaries, and classification as "major" - and conduct regulatory analyses comparing costs, benefits, and less burdensome alternatives before adopting such rules. The bill also mandates the Legislative Services Agency to independently review major rules, assess their impacts on businesses and state finances, and publish findings for legislative consideration. This affects state agencies creating regulations and regulated entities (like businesses) by adding transparency and review steps for significant rules.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SF 2322: A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage for prescription insulin drugs.

This bill (SF 2322) requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $35 per prescription for up to a 31-day supply. It directly affects diabetes patients covered by health insurance plans that include prescription drug coverage, limiting their cost-sharing for four types of insulin: rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. The cap applies to any covered insulin prescribed as medically necessary by a healthcare provider, though insurers may choose to set lower cost-sharing amounts. The rule takes effect for plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, and excludes certain specialized insurance types like Medicare supplements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results