HB 663 requires state agencies to verify U.S. citizenship or immigration status for specific rights and privileges. It mandates using the federal SAVE program to confirm eligibility for state-issued professional licenses, voter registration (requiring a citizenship affirmation oath), and employment (via e-Verify for new hires). The bill defines "unauthorized alien" as unlawfully present under federal law and applies this standard to deny professional licenses or affect bail decisions for certain offenses. It directly affects applicants for licenses, voters, and individuals facing pretrial detention in cases involving "forcible felonies." The policy changes focus on implementing federal verification systems for state-level eligibility determinations.
SF 2412 requires all state and local government agencies, as well as professional licensing departments, to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the immigration status and work eligibility of newly hired employees and license applicants. It establishes a 10-day appeal process for individuals who dispute E-Verify results, allowing them to submit documentation to challenge the findings. If an appeal is unsuccessful or not pursued, agencies must report individuals without legal U.S. status to federal immigration authorities. The bill creates a central "SAVE program clearinghouse" within the state department to manage immigration verification for professional licenses and streamline reporting to federal agencies.
SSB 3169 requires state agencies and institutions of higher education to use federal systems (e-Verify for employment and the SAVE program for licenses) to confirm U.S. citizenship or immigration status. It directly affects new state employees and individuals applying for professional licenses (such as doctors, lawyers, or contractors). The bill creates a state SAVE program clearinghouse to process these checks, mandates licensing boards to deny applications if lawful presence cannot be verified, and allows appeals to the department director. This policy change adds a mandatory verification step for employment and professional licensing eligibility.
HF 2397 requires Iowa's governor, working with the attorney general, to secure the return of U.S. citizens residing in Iowa who were wrongfully deported and the release of those wrongfully detained by U.S. immigration enforcement. It also authorizes affected Iowa residents to file civil lawsuits against U.S. immigration agencies for damages related to human rights violations stemming from their actions. The bill directly impacts Iowa residents who are U.S. citizens but were improperly handled by federal immigration authorities. These provisions create new state-level mechanisms for addressing wrongful federal immigration actions within Iowa.
SF 2052 requires Iowa's Department of Transportation to issue driver's licenses and nonoperator ID cards that do not meet federal REAL ID standards upon applicant request. It prohibits the collection or storage of biometric data (like facial scans or fingerprints), digital ID formats, and copies of identity documents (such as birth certificates or utility bills) for these noncompliant cards. The bill mandates that applicants be informed they can choose a noncompliant option and requires physical license cards instead of digital versions. This directly affects Iowa residents who opt for state-issued IDs that won't satisfy federal requirements for airport security or federal buildings.
This bill prohibits Iowa's public universities (regents institutions) from entering new employment contracts on or after July 1, 2026, with individuals who are both Chinese citizens and hold a valid U.S. H-1B visa. It requires the state board of regents to adopt a policy implementing this ban. The restriction specifically targets H-1B visa holders from China for new hiring, not existing employees or other visa types. The policy applies only to state-controlled higher education institutions, not private employers.
HF 2041 requires all Iowa law enforcement agencies and officers to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration agencies when requested. The bill mandates that if a law enforcement agency holds someone subject to an ICE detainer request, it must fully comply with the instructions in that request. This directly affects Iowa police departments, sheriffs' offices, and jail staff who would need to follow federal immigration detainer procedures. The key provision is the mandatory compliance with federal immigration detainer requests, shifting responsibility for processing such requests to state law enforcement. The bill does not create new penalties but requires state agencies to act on federal immigration requests.
HF 2102 prohibits using any language other than English for driver's license examinations in Iowa. It directly affects individuals applying for or taking driver's license tests at state offices. The bill amends Iowa law to remove an existing exception, requiring the Iowa Department of Transportation or third-party examiners to conduct all written and oral tests in English. This change applies specifically to the examination process, not other official communications or documents. The bill does not alter requirements for other driver's license procedures or materials.
SF 2097 requires all Iowa state law enforcement agencies and officers to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration agencies when requested. It specifically mandates that if law enforcement has custody of a person named in an immigration detainer request from ICE, they must fully comply with that request and any related legal documents. The bill directly affects Iowa police departments, sheriff's offices, and state troopers by changing how they handle federal immigration detainer requests. This policy change shifts responsibility to state agencies to comply with federal immigration holds rather than allowing them to independently decide whether to honor such requests.
This bill requires Iowa police and jail staff to cooperate with federal immigration officials upon request and to comply with formal federal holds on individuals. It directly affects all local law enforcement agencies and detention facilities in Iowa. The key provision mandates that state agencies follow immigration detainer requests from U.S. Customs and Border Protection or similar federal entities. The bill is currently under review by the Workforce Subcommittee after introduction in January 2026.
