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.
HF 389 creates a new process for investigating student abuse by school employees in Iowa. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) to investigate reports within 24 hours and complete investigations within 30 business days. Schools must immediately place accused employees (including teachers, vendors, and volunteers) on administrative leave during investigations, and must terminate employment if DHS confirms abuse. This directly affects public and nonpublic schools, their employees, and the DHS, replacing current procedures with a standardized, time-bound system for handling such reports.
HF 259 amends Iowa law to update public notice requirements for governmental body meetings. It requires bodies to notify the public about meeting details (time, date, place, tentative agenda) by: (1) informing news media that requested notice, (2) posting notices prominently at their office or meeting location, and (3) publishing notices on their official website. The bill mandates that amended agendas be marked "AMENDED" with changes identified, and requires at least 24 hours' notice before meetings (or as soon as possible with good cause for shorter notice). This applies to all governmental bodies in Iowa, including electronic meetings, public appointments, and school district agreements.
HF 1008 creates a legal framework for Iowa municipalities to establish "land redevelopment trusts" aimed at addressing blighted, abandoned, or dilapidated properties. These trusts, created by city ordinance or county resolution, can acquire, rehabilitate, and manage such properties to revitalize neighborhoods and boost tax revenue. The bill defines key terms like "blighted" (unsafe, deteriorated properties) and outlines that trusts must be governed by local boards composed of officials or employees, serving without pay. This enables communities to proactively restore non-productive properties into productive uses, such as affordable housing or commercial spaces, without mandating specific actions.
HF 1033 designates rural water districts, organized under specific state chapters, as exempt entities for sales and use tax purposes. This change allows these districts to apply for refunds on sales and use tax paid for building materials, supplies, equipment, and services from contractors under written agreements. The bill specifically makes construction services provided to these districts exempt from sales tax, which differs from existing law. It also removes a current, more limited sales tax exemption for building materials to prevent duplicate provisions.
HF 1034 creates a new individual income tax credit in Iowa for taxpayers who purchase firearm safety devices. The credit is equal to the sales price of the device, up to a maximum of $500. Eligible devices include those designed to prevent a firearm from being operated without deactivation, or a new, personal-use "qualified gun safe" made of steel or similar strong material. Any unused credit can be carried over to the following tax year, and the bill applies retroactively to purchases made on or after January 1, 2025.
HF 1037 modifies economic development and urban renewal provisions to encourage housing development, affecting municipalities and housing developers. The bill expands the definition of "economic development" to include the provision of workforce housing and requires public bodies to consider workforce housing development policies. For housing projects in certain urban renewal areas, it caps the required amount of low and moderate-income housing at 20% of the original project cost. Additionally, the bill extends the period for collecting tax increment financing revenue for these specific projects to 20 fiscal years.
This bill authorizes the creation and issuance of special Gadsden flag vehicle registration plates for owners of various motor vehicles in Iowa. These plates will feature a specific design, including a rattlesnake and the phrase "Don't Tread on Me," and require an initial and annual special fee of $50, with additional costs for personalized plates. A portion of the collected fees will be appropriated to the Department of Public Safety to fund grants for education and training on the right to keep and bear arms and firearm safety, prioritizing certain non-profit organizations. The bill also clarifies that registration plate frames must not obscure any numerals or letters on the plate and exempts Gadsden flag plates from displaying the county name.
HF 1026 updates the adoption tax credit available against individual income tax for taxpayers in Iowa. The bill increases the maximum credit for qualified adoption expenses from $5,000 to $20,000 per adoption. It also specifies that any credit amount exceeding a taxpayer's liability is refundable. This act takes effect upon enactment and applies retroactively to adoptions finalized on or after January 1, 2024, for tax years beginning on or after that date.
SF 315, known as the "Iowa Competitive Pharmacy Benefits Managers Marketplace Act," aims to reduce prescription drug costs for public employees in self-funded state health plans. The bill mandates that the state department procure pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) services through a "reverse auction" process. This online, competitive bidding system allows PBMs to offer progressively lower prices for their services. Additionally, the department must acquire a technology platform to conduct these auctions and perform detailed, line-by-line audits of PBM claims to ensure contract compliance. The first PBM contract awarded through this new system is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
SF 595 updates Iowa's construction regulations by requiring state building code proposals to include cost impact reports on housing affordability. It prevents counties and cities from imposing additional fees or licensing requirements on licensed contractors (like plumbers and HVAC specialists) for work within their licensed scope. The bill also limits local governments from enforcing stricter stormwater management rules at construction sites than those initially approved in subdivision plans. These changes directly affect contractors, local governments, and homeowners through potential impacts on construction costs and regulatory processes.
