This bill changes how excess energy credits are handled for customers with rooftop solar or other small-scale renewable energy systems (distributed generation). Under the new rule, unused credits must stay in a customer's account to offset future electricity bills until the customer specifically requests a cash-out or discontinues service. Previously, credits were automatically cashed out annually at the utility's avoided cost rate, splitting the funds between the customer and a low-income energy program. Customers now choose a January or April cash-out date when connecting their system, but credits remain available for future use without automatic payout.
SF 2081 changes Iowa election rules by requiring voters who register to vote on election day or cast an in-person absentee ballot to cast a provisional ballot instead of a regular ballot. The absentee and special voters precinct board must then verify eligibility (including felony conviction status and voting rights restoration) before counting the ballot. Currently, voters at polling places with electronic poll books can receive a regular ballot if verified immediately, but this bill makes provisional ballots mandatory for all such voters. The bill applies directly to voters registering or casting ballots on election day or at in-person absentee locations. It does not alter voting eligibility standards, only the ballot type used during registration.
SF 2075 requires Iowa's state commissioner of elections to create a detailed record of all voter registration data for every voter who cast a ballot in each election within 60 days after the election. The record must be organized by county and kept for eight years. Voters or others can request a free electronic copy of this record, though they must provide storage if the file is too large to transmit. This bill directly affects Iowa voters whose data is included in the records and the state commissioner of elections, who must implement the new record-keeping process.
This bill requires medical examiners in Iowa to add specific questions about an infant's most recent immunizations to death investigation reports for children aged zero to three. It mandates including the date and type of the decedent's last immunization, and if multiple shots were given at once, all must be recorded. The state medical examiner must create implementing rules to follow these requirements. This change directly affects medical examiners and health investigators handling infant death cases in Iowa.
This bill modifies Iowa's unemployment benefits rules to allow specific disability-related activities to count as required "work search" efforts. It directly affects Iowans receiving unemployment benefits who have intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, or are blind. The key provision permits these individuals to fulfill weekly work search requirements by participating in approved vocational rehabilitation programs (for intellectual disabilities/autism/brain injury) or employment assistance programs for the blind, both offered by state departments. This change replaces standard job-search activities with disability-specific support programs designed to help these individuals gain or maintain employment. The bill does not alter benefit eligibility or amounts, only the method for meeting work search requirements.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment in Iowa that would prohibit corporations from making financial contributions or participating in election activities (like supporting candidates or ballot measures). It directly affects all Iowa corporations, barring them from engaging in political spending or advocacy related to elections. The amendment includes an exception for corporations specifically formed to create, sell, or operate election equipment. If approved by voters, this change would require a constitutional amendment, not a regular law, and would take effect after ratification.
SJR 2005 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring Iowa to guarantee all youths a comprehensive public education meeting or exceeding national standards through public schools and qualified educators. It mandates instruction in core subjects including reading, math, science, history, social studies, arts, and human development, as determined by the legislature or education agencies. The resolution, currently referred to a committee after introduction on January 21, 2026, must next be published for three months and referred to the next general assembly before potentially going to voters for ratification. This is a procedural step toward amending Iowa's constitution, not an immediate law.
This bill (HSB 589) expands when city utilities in Iowa can hold closed meetings to discuss confidential business details. It specifically broadens the definition of "proprietary information" to include customer records that could harm a utility's competitiveness, and details about energy infrastructure, market pricing, or facility ownership. Utilities can now hold closed sessions by two-thirds vote to discuss these topics if public disclosure would harm their competitive position, without requiring disclosure to competitors. Closed session records must still be made public once disclosure no longer causes harm.
This bill requires Iowa's public universities (governed by the Board of Regents) to apply for and qualify for accreditation through the Commission for Public Higher Education. It directs the Board of Regents to ensure each institution takes all necessary steps to meet accreditation standards. The policy change mandates that these institutions formally seek accreditation rather than relying on existing processes. This affects all public universities in Iowa under the Board of Regents, such as the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The bill focuses on establishing a formal accreditation pathway for these institutions.
SF 2050 allows Iowa legislators to deduct unreimbursed mileage costs incurred while performing constituent services (like meeting with voters or helping residents with government issues) at the same rate used for state employee travel expenses. This deduction does not apply to mileage during legislative sessions, special sessions, or campaign-related activities. The bill applies retroactively to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. It directly affects Iowa legislators who incur out-of-pocket mileage costs while serving constituents outside official session days.
HSB 601 modifies Iowa's rules for public utilities acquiring water, sanitary sewer, and storm water systems. It removes the $3 million purchase price threshold for requiring Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) approval, instead mandating the IUC find that acquisitions won't harm ratepayers of either the acquiring or acquired utility. The bill requires the IUC to set ratemaking principles (governing how acquisition costs affect future rates) *before* approving an acquisition, using net book value instead of fair market value for valuation, and prohibits deferring these principles to later proceedings. If an acquisition raises rates for existing customers, the IUC must block rate consolidation between the two utilities for at least ten years.
HF 2149 prohibits state departments and supported entities (like agencies, boards, or commissions) from entering software licensing contracts that restrict their choice of standard desktop or server hardware. It requires that such contracts allow these state entities to install and run software on hardware they select, rather than being forced to use specific vendor-approved hardware. The law applies to all new or renewed software contracts entered into by these entities on or after July 1, 2026. This change directly affects how state agencies negotiate software contracts, ensuring greater flexibility in their technology infrastructure choices.
