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.
HR 102 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Amanda Ostrem for serving as the 2025 Iowa Pork Queen. It recognizes her background in agriculture, including growing up on a pork farm, participating in 4-H, and studying agricultural business at Iowa State University. The resolution, filed in 2026, formally extends the House of Representatives' congratulations and plans to present an official copy to Ms. Ostrem. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct effects on legislation or constituents.
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.
This bill requires three Iowa institutions to submit feasibility reports by July 30, 2026, regarding specific athletic programs. Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa must analyze establishing men’s baseball and women’s wrestling programs, while Southwestern Community College must assess a men’s wrestling program. Each report must include implementation plans, timelines, cost analyses, and projected financial impacts - such as potential tuition increases from higher enrollment of student athletes. The bill does not create the programs but mandates these studies for the legislature’s review. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill (HSB 573) requires county boards of supervisors in Iowa to approve their meeting minutes before publication, rather than publishing them immediately after meetings as current law allows. It mandates that approval must occur prior to the meeting's adjournment, and the approved minutes must include the board's approval notation and adjournment details. The bill directly affects county boards of supervisors and county auditors, who are responsible for preparing and publishing meeting records. This change modifies the procedural timeline for making public meeting records official.
HF 2136 strengthens privacy protections for minors' library records in Iowa. It requires libraries to keep records revealing a minor's library use confidential, except when: (1) a court grants strict approval for law enforcement access based on a clear connection to a specific crime investigation, or (2) parents or guardians request their minor child's records. The bill directly affects minors using Iowa public libraries, parents/guardians seeking access to their child's records, and law enforcement agencies seeking library data. It clarifies that libraries cannot disclose these records without a judicial order for law enforcement or a parent's request, reinforcing existing confidentiality standards under Iowa Code 22.7.
This bill requires Iowa courts to establish temporary joint physical care (shared parenting) for children during divorce proceedings, unless the court finds by clear evidence that it would be inappropriate. If joint care is denied, the court must explain its decision using specific factors from existing law. The law directly affects parents and children involved in Iowa divorce cases where temporary custody is being decided. It aims to ensure consistent visitation schedules and encourages parental cooperation during initial custody disputes.
This Iowa bill (SF 468) changes abandoned vehicle rules by shortening the notice period from 20 to 10 days after a vehicle is taken into custody, and extending the reclamation period from 10 to 20 days. It adds a $100 fee for reclaiming personal items from vehicles (either via a list or five minutes on-site) and requires lienholders to pay $100 for vehicle inspection access or photos during the reclamation period. Vehicle owners, lienholders, and private entities taking custody must follow these updated procedures, including providing itemized fee lists upon reclamation. Violating the bill’s requirements is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $855.
