Iowa Bills

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SF 2196: A bill for an act relating to a waiting period before settling motor vehicle insurance claims.

This Iowa bill (SF 2196) requires auto insurance companies to wait at least 72 hours before settling or attempting to settle a motor vehicle insurance claim after an accident occurs. It directly affects insurance companies operating in Iowa, prohibiting them from processing claims during the initial 72-hour period following an accident. The bill also states that an insurer's obligation to settle claims promptly is paused ("tolled") during this waiting period. Violations could result in civil penalties of $1,000-$50,000 or license suspension for the insurer.

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 17, 2026

HF 2389: A bill for an act relating to the establishment of programs administered by the economic development authority, including the interactive digital entertainment program, game studio investment matching program, game industry fellowship program, and game studio grant program, and making appropriations.

HF 2389 establishes four new programs to support Iowa's game industry through the Economic Development Authority. It creates a tax credit program (up to 30% of development costs for qualifying companies with a $250k+ Iowa payroll), a matching grant program for private investments in Iowa studios (with forgivable loans requiring 75% in-state staff for 5 years), and a fellowship program offering $150k-$200k annual grants to bring industry professionals to Iowa for two years to teach, consult, or build industry infrastructure. The bill caps annual tax credit spending at $20 million and requires all programs to be administered by the Economic Development Authority. These programs directly affect Iowa game developers, investors in the industry, and experienced game industry professionals seeking relocation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SF 2257: A bill for an act relating to firearm eligibility requirements.

This bill (SF 2257) removes specific ineligibility criteria for firearm permits and transfers in Iowa. It eliminates provisions that previously barred individuals from obtaining permits if they were "addicted to alcohol" or had documented actions within two years suggesting potential unlawful weapon use. The bill also modifies transfer rules by changing "possess" to "carry" in language restricting firearm transfers to ineligible individuals. These changes affect people previously disqualified under those specific criteria, such as those with certain substance abuse histories or documented behavioral concerns. The bill does not create new restrictions but revises existing eligibility rules.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SF 2357: A bill for an act relating to the rules of statutory construction for the definition of a person.

SF 2357 defines the term "person" in Iowa law to explicitly include "an individual organism of the species homo sapiens at any stage of development from fertilization until natural death." This change applies whenever "person" is used in statutes or implied by context, affecting all laws that reference the term. The bill mandates that this definition cannot be challenged in court ("not subject to judicial review"). It directly impacts how Iowa statutes interpret legal terms related to rights, responsibilities, and protections under state law. The bill does not create new policies but alters the foundational meaning of "person" for statutory interpretation.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SF 2356: A bill for an act relating to monitoring the application of manure originating from a confinement feeding operation, and making penalties applicable.

SF 2356 requires owners of larger livestock operations (those needing manure management plans) to monitor manure application near surface water or groundwater sources. If weather or conditions increase spill risk, they must report potential discharges to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR will publish these reports online and investigate affected sites. This applies to operations exceeding 500 animal units, which are already required to submit manure management plans under existing law.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 17, 2026

HF 2402: A bill for an act providing for the administration of a rabies vaccine to an animal by a registered veterinary technician performing the task under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

HF 2402 allows registered veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccines to animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, expanding who can perform this common procedure. The bill amends Iowa law to specifically permit veterinary technicians (who have completed accredited programs and passed certification exams) to give rabies vaccinations when working under a supervising veterinarian, following defined supervision levels. It requires the vaccine to be approved by the state agriculture department and mandates that a vaccination tag be attached to the animal's collar. This change directly affects veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and pet owners who need rabies vaccinations for their dogs.

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 17, 2026

HF 2568: A bill for an act establishing a temporary independent fiscal restructuring authority to provide oversight of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, providing penalties, and making appropriations.

HF 2568 establishes a temporary independent fiscal authority to oversee Iowa's public universities governed by the state board of regents. The bill requires these institutions to undergo forensic audits focused on operational efficiency and cost discipline, replacing current audit processes. It authorizes the new authority to impose penalties for noncompliance with legislative directives and mandates a review of spending to realign university operations with public purpose. The bill directly affects all universities under the regents board, aiming to address rising tuition costs and ensure state funds are used efficiently for accessible education.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SF 2309: A bill for an act relating to city regulation of short-term rental properties.

This bill (SF 2309) removes restrictions that currently prevent Iowa cities from regulating short-term rental properties. Under current law, cities cannot create rules, require permits, or charge fees for properties rented for short terms (like Airbnb). The bill would allow cities to adopt their own regulations, including conditional use permits and license fees, for these rentals. It does not affect similar rules for counties. This change directly impacts cities seeking to manage short-term rentals and property owners operating in those markets.

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 17, 2026

HSB 718: A bill for an act relating to practitioner preparation programs, including by modifying the preparation required to be included in practitioner preparation programs and the duties of the state board of education and the director of the department of education, and including applicability provisions.

This Iowa bill (HSB 718) requires teacher preparation programs to remove specific concepts from their curriculum by July 1, 2027. It prohibits instruction on "diversity, equity, and inclusion" theories, multicultural classroom management frameworks, and social-emotional learning models. Instead, programs must include explicit training in "authority-centered" classroom management techniques - such as clear rules, teacher-led instruction, and consistent discipline - and analyze historical management approaches prior to 1990. The law applies to students admitted to approved programs on or after July 1, 2027, and directs the state education board to enforce these changes through program approvals.

Topics ✗ Education

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 17, 2026

HF 2370: A bill for an act relating to a green alert system for missing at-risk veterans, and making penalties applicable.

HF 2370 creates a confidential "green alert" system in Iowa for missing at-risk veterans, defined as those reported missing due to mental health crises, substance issues, or other well-being concerns. The system requires verification by a peace officer before activating a nonpublic alert shared only with specific agencies (like law enforcement, hospitals, and veteran support groups) to locate the veteran and provide voluntary assistance. It prohibits using the alert for arrests without independent probable cause, mandates 72-hour reviews, and penalizes false reports as a simple misdemeanor. The bill prioritizes de-escalation and trauma-informed responses while protecting veterans' privacy through strict data handling.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 17, 2026

HF 2567: A bill for an act creating the Iowa state archives and records authority, providing penalties, and making appropriations.

HF 2567 creates the Iowa State Archives and Records Authority to preserve and manage the state’s historical government records. It establishes a governing board with a state archivist, public members, legislative representatives, and an academic expert, requiring two physical research centers (in Des Moines and Iowa City) and a digital memory library for Iowa’s industrial, cultural, and agricultural history. The authority sets policies for state agencies to retain, organize, and make accessible records documenting Iowa’s development, including digital content. This law directly affects all state agencies responsible for creating and managing government records.

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 17, 2026

HF 2334: A bill for an act relating to the suspension of a person’s driver’s license for unlawful or fraudulent uses, and including applicability provisions.

This bill mandates a six-month driver's license suspension for individuals who unlawfully or fraudulently use or permit such use of a license, specifically targeting violations under sections 321.216 (unlawful license use), 321.216B (underage alcohol/tobacco use with fake IDs), and 321.216C (underage tobacco/vaping use with fake IDs). It prohibits the Department of Transportation from issuing temporary restricted licenses during this suspension period and extends automatic expungement of suspension records after six months for violations under 321.216B or 321.216C. The policy applies to suspensions occurring on or after July 1, 2027, and requires a $20 reinstatement fee for license restoration. This directly affects drivers convicted of license fraud, including underage individuals attempting to obtain alcohol or tobacco using fraudulent identification.

Bill results