This bill sets specific light transparency requirements for vehicle windows in Iowa. It prohibits operating a vehicle with front windshields less than 70% transparent, driver-side windows less than 50% transparent, or other side/rear windows less than 35% transparent. The law directly affects all drivers operating vehicles on Iowa highways, replacing previous rules that allowed the Department of Transportation to set standards. Violations carry a $70 fine, and the law maintains existing exemptions for law enforcement vehicles used in official duties.
HF 2013 requires all Iowa county attorneys to serve as full-time officers (previously allowing part-time status), prohibiting private legal practice and mandating they work in the county-provided office. The bill prohibits county attorneys from dismissing more than 25% of filed criminal cases and requires them to publish in a local newspaper the charges filed and reason for each dismissed case. It also establishes procedures for changing a county attorney’s full-time or part-time status, including waiting periods and election cycle timing. These changes apply directly to county attorneys across Iowa, affecting their work structure, case management, and transparency requirements.
HF 2018 removes the requirement for county and city vehicles operating on ethanol blended gasoline to display a visible sticker. Currently, such vehicles must have a bright sticker notifying the public, but this bill deletes that provision from Iowa law. The change applies to all county and city service vehicles (excluding unmarked law enforcement or security vehicles, which were already exempt). The bill does not alter the existing requirement that these vehicles must use ethanol blended gasoline.
HF 2031 ensures peace officers, public safety personnel, and emergency responders who successfully challenge their inclusion on a Brady-Giglio list (which identifies prosecutors with past misconduct) can recover legal costs. If a district court rules in the officer's favor and orders their removal from the list, the court must award reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and court costs - paid by the prosecuting agency. This applies retroactively to cases decided on or after July 1, 2021. The bill directly affects officers who win appeals against their placement on this list, shifting financial responsibility for legal fees to the prosecutor's office.
HCR 102 is a procedural resolution scheduling a joint convention for the 2026 Iowa General Assembly session. It directs the House and Senate to convene together on January 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to hear Chief Justice Susan Christensen present the annual "Condition of the Judiciary Address" as required by Iowa Code section 602.1207. This resolution does not create new law but sets the meeting for the Chief Justice to report on the judicial branch's status and recommend actions. It directly affects the legislative process and the judicial branch by establishing a formal forum for this required annual update.
HCR 103 is a procedural resolution scheduling a joint meeting of Iowa's legislature on January 15, 2026, to hear a report on the Iowa National Guard's condition. It directs the House and Senate to convene together at 10:00 a.m. that day and specifically invites Major General Stephen E. Osborn to present the Guard's status. This resolution does not change laws or policies; it only sets up a formal session for the National Guard leadership to update lawmakers. The bill was adopted by both chambers on January 12, 2026, and is now in effect.
This bill is a procedural resolution scheduling a joint meeting of Iowa's House and Senate for Governor Kim Reynolds to deliver her annual "Condition of the State" address. It specifically sets the date (January 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.) and directs legislative leaders to formally invite the Governor to speak at this prearranged session. The resolution does not change any laws or policies; it solely establishes the timing and format for the Governor's annual address to the legislature.
SSB 1013 requires cities with special charters (over 50,000 population) and school districts to hold partisan primary elections for nominating candidates for city offices and school board seats. It affects voters in these cities and school districts that choose to hold partisan elections, excluding those already using nonpartisan systems. Key provisions set a primary election date (October) and require candidates to file nomination papers 40 days prior, with signature thresholds of 100 for citywide offices and 25 for district seats. The bill also establishes procedures for filling ballot vacancies after primaries and clarifies that cities/school districts bear the costs of conducting these primaries.
This bill requires Iowa hospitals, critical access hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies by January 1, 2027, ensuring surgical smoke is eliminated during procedures using energy-based devices (like lasers or electrosurgery). It mandates the use of smoke evacuation systems - such as smoke evacuators or local exhaust ventilators - to capture and filter surgical smoke at its source, preventing exposure to medical staff and patients. The bill defines key terms including "surgical smoke" (by-products from energy devices) and "smoke evacuation system" for clarity. It directs the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to establish these requirements through rules.
This bill imposes a new tax on alternative nicotine products (like nicotine gum or lozenges) and vapor products (such as e-cigarettes), with tax revenue directed to a newly created Iowa Cancer Research Fund. The fund, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, is separate from the general state fund and cannot be used for any purpose other than cancer research starting July 1, 2026. Businesses selling these products - including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers - will pay the tax on their sales. The bill also defines key terms like "vapor product" and "nicotine analog" to clarify which products are subject to the tax.
This bill raises the fee for duplicate or evidence of interstate fuel use tax permits from 50 cents to $1.00. It directly affects commercial vehicles operating in Iowa that use fuel purchased in other states, requiring them to carry permit evidence. The key change modifies the fee structure under existing fuel tax law (Code 452A.53), increasing the cost for obtaining duplicates without altering permit requirements. The bill does not change fuel tax obligations or penalties for non-compliance.
SF 626 establishes procedures for managing federal block grants and other federal funds received by the state. It allows states to use a portion of any excess federal funds for administrative costs, rather than requiring all surplus to be returned. The bill directly affects state and local governments that administer federal block grants, providing flexibility when funding levels differ from initial estimates. It also includes rules for handling under- or over-anticipated federal funds and authorizes certain city regulations required by federal law. The bill was passed unanimously and signed into law in June 2025.
