Iowa Bills

SF 2286 modifies Iowa's rules for investing public funds. It allows political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and school districts) to invest up to 25% of their public funds in joint investment trusts, provided they follow new requirements. Before investing, governing bodies must sign a written acknowledgment stating these funds are not insured by federal programs and carry investment risk. Violating these rules is a breach of fiduciary duty, potentially leading to criminal or civil penalties.

This bill extends Iowa's biodiesel blended fuel tax credit for retail dealers until January 1, 2033, instead of the previous 2028 expiration. It directly affects businesses selling biodiesel-blended fuel who claim this credit on their income taxes. The key provision ensures these dealers can claim the full credit for their entire tax year - even if their tax year doesn't end on December 31 - by aligning the credit calculation with the new 2033 repeal date. This change provides continued financial support for biodiesel retailers without altering the credit's structure.

SF 2385 directs Iowa's Department of Management to sell the state's communications network as soon as feasible, ending previous restrictions that limited the network's use to public and private agencies. The bill requires the sale to ensure current authorized users continue receiving services on commercially reasonable terms for at least 10 years, with the Department submitting quarterly progress reports to the legislature starting October 2026. Proceeds from the sale must be deposited into Iowa's general fund. Key changes take effect immediately for the sale process and July 1, 2027, for revised service rules.

This bill (SF 412) updates Iowa's rental property laws to clarify notice requirements for landlords and tenants. It adds electronic mail as a valid method for serving rental notices, but only if both parties have separately agreed in writing (via an addendum to the rental agreement) and neither has revoked consent in writing. The bill also states that rental agreement terms violating these rules are unenforceable, and landlords who knowingly use prohibited terms may face penalties including up to three months' rent and attorney fees. These changes directly affect landlords and tenants in Iowa rental agreements involving notice delivery and prohibited terms.

HF 884 authorizes public school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains or engage them as volunteers to provide services and support to students. Schools can establish qualifications for these chaplains, but they are not required to hold a license from the board of educational examiners. The bill specifies that schools cannot require students to use chaplain services, nor can chaplains be employed in place of licensed school counselors. Background investigations and termination procedures for school employees also apply to chaplains.

HF 940 modifies civil law regarding probate and premarital agreements. For probate, the bill requires holders of property with a beneficiary designation to notify named beneficiaries, including charitable organizations, within ten business days of an owner's death that they may have a right to the property. It establishes a process for beneficiaries to claim property or information using a notarized affidavit, while protecting property holders who comply in good faith from liability. Additionally, the bill authorizes spouses to amend premarital agreements after marriage, provided the amendment is in writing, signed by both parties, and meets any other criteria outlined in the original agreement. This aims to streamline the transfer of designated property and provide flexibility for spouses to modify premarital terms.

This bill allocates state funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support various education agencies, including the Department for the Blind, the Department of Education, and the Department of Workforce Development. The legislation provides specific funding for administrative operations, teacher quality programs, early childhood services, and initiatives aimed at expanding work-based learning and career technical education. Additionally, it authorizes money for statewide student assessments and establishes a clearinghouse to promote job training opportunities for students.

This bill allocates state funding for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to the departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services, supporting programs for veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Key provisions include financial support for the Iowa Veterans Home, home ownership assistance for military members, and aging services such as elder abuse prevention and adult day care. The legislation also establishes reporting requirements for expenditures and includes funding for maternal support, mental health services, and opioid settlement initiatives.

This resolution honors Senator Zach Wahls for his service in the Iowa Senate and wishes him well in his future endeavors. It recognizes his background as an Eagle Scout, his advocacy for LGBTQ rights, and his extensive work on various legislative committees. The bill is a formal expression of appreciation rather than a law that changes policy or affects specific groups.

Senate Resolution 120 is a formal tribute honoring Senator Bill Dotzler for his 30 years of service in the Iowa General Assembly. The resolution recognizes his long career representing Waterloo, his diverse background as a labor leader and military veteran, and his extensive work on committees and boards focused on labor, agriculture, and economic development. By passing this resolution, the Senate officially acknowledges his contributions to public service and wishes him well in retirement.

This bill updates Iowa's laws regarding captive insurance and life captive reinsurance companies to clarify definitions, registration procedures, and the scope of insurance products they can offer. It establishes specific rules for different types of captives, such as protected cell and special purpose companies, and requires applicants to submit detailed financial statements and organizational documents before receiving authority to operate. The legislation also strengthens privacy protections for tax returns filed by these entities, making it a serious crime for state officials to publish them while allowing information sharing with federal and other state authorities for regulatory purposes. Additionally, the bill modifies how the secretary of state acknowledges the filing of incorporation documents for these specialized insurance companies.

This resolution honors Senator Izaah Knox for his service in the Iowa Senate and wishes him well in his future endeavors. The document lists his legislative achievements, committee memberships, and various community leadership roles to recognize his contributions to the state. Adopted on April 21, 2026, the measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of his public service rather than a change to laws or policies.