HF 2303 requires promoters of professional or amateur kickboxing matches (defined as public events with admission fees, donations, or merchandise sales) to obtain a license from Iowa's state commissioner of athletics. It mandates that promoters report ticket sales and gross receipts within 20 days after an event and pay a 5% tax on those receipts (after deducting state sales tax). The bill applies the same licensing, reporting, and tax rules to kickboxing that currently govern mixed martial arts events under existing Iowa law. This formalizes kickboxing regulation under the commissioner’s authority, aligning it with current administrative practices for similar combat sports.
This bill establishes the Iowa-Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Iowa and Ireland. The commission, composed of 6 appointed members (including state legislators with Irish trade expertise, private sector representatives, and industry leaders), will promote bilateral trade, recommend joint policy actions, and encourage business/academic exchanges. It must meet quarterly, submit annual reports to the governor and legislature, and operate without member compensation. The commission directly affects Iowa businesses seeking Irish trade opportunities and Irish entities interested in Iowa partnerships.
HF 2583 requires owners of high-voltage electric transmission lines (200kV+ approved after July 2022) to create and submit detailed emergency response plans to the Iowa Utilities Commission by December 2026, with annual updates. The plans must include contact information for emergency coordinators, procedures for notifying agencies during outages, strategies for restoring power to critical facilities like hospitals, and mutual aid arrangements. Owners must also report projected outages exceeding six hours and coordinate with state emergency agencies during declared disasters. Violations of these requirements could result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day. This bill directly affects utility companies operating major power infrastructure in Iowa.
HF 2104 prohibits the use of eminent domain (government power to take private property) for pipelines primarily transporting carbon oxide. It directly affects pipeline companies seeking to acquire land for new pipelines by banning this specific method of land acquisition. The bill amends Iowa law to state that no person may exercise eminent domain for building or operating such pipelines, effective immediately upon enactment. This applies to all condemnation cases filed on or after the effective date, preventing new carbon oxide pipeline projects from using this legal process to secure right-of-way.
HF 2227 requires electric transmission owners to restore agricultural lands to their pre-construction condition after building high-voltage transmission lines (200 kV or more) approved on or after July 1, 2022. Specific requirements include repairing damaged underground drain tiles to original specifications, removing non-native rocks larger than three inches, deep tilling soil to alleviate compaction (18 inches for crop land, 12 inches for other agricultural land), and restoring soil conservation features and vegetation. The Utilities Commission enforces these rules through inspections, can order corrective actions for violations, and requires transmission owners to provide landowners with a dedicated contact point for inquiries. This law directly affects landowners with agricultural properties in transmission line easements and transmission owners constructing qualifying lines.
HF 2202 amends Iowa's controlled substances schedule to add 12 specific synthetic drugs, including various fentanyl analogs (like "Butonitazene" and "Flunitazene") and other novel compounds. The bill directly affects anyone possessing, distributing, or manufacturing these newly listed substances within Iowa. Violations involving these drugs would trigger existing penalties: a Class B felony (up to 25 years in prison and $5,000-$100,000 fine), a Class C felony (up to 10 years and $1,000-$50,000), or an aggravated misdemeanor. The bill aligns Iowa's schedule with federal designations from Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HF 2253 amends Iowa's legal code to change terminology from "pregnant person" to "pregnant female" in sections related to feticide, unlawful termination, and medical procedures. The bill specifically updates references in statutes (such as Sections 707.7, 707.8, and 708.2) to use "pregnant female" instead of "pregnant person," without altering existing penalties or medical exceptions. This change applies only to legal terminology in the code and does not modify abortion access, medical standards, or criminal penalties. The bill was introduced on January 30, 2026, and focuses solely on standardizing language in state law.
HF 863 removes a prohibition on non-emergency vessels displaying solid blue lights while operating on Iowa waters under the Natural Resource Commission's jurisdiction. Current law already banned both solid and flashing blue lights (except for authorized emergency vessels), with a $35 fine for violations. This bill specifically lifts the ban on solid blue lights but maintains the prohibition on flashing blue lights. The change directly affects all vessel operators on these waters, allowing solid blue lights without requiring emergency status.
This resolution instructs the Senate to pause its review of specific government appointments. It applies to any positions submitted by the Governor or other authorities on or after April 15, 2026, that have not yet been confirmed by that date. The key mechanism is a formal deferral of action, meaning the Senate will not vote on these confirmations until further notice. This measure directly affects the confirmation process for those specific roles but does not change the underlying laws or the qualifications required for the positions.
This bill allocates state funding to the Iowa Department of Justice for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support various justice system operations. It provides specific grants for victim assistance, including dedicated funds for human trafficking care providers and legal services for people in poverty, while also authorizing new staff positions to manage these programs. The legislation further directs money toward improving cybersecurity, reimbursing law enforcement training for human trafficking, and covering the operational costs of three correctional facilities. Additionally, it requires the department to report on non-state funding sources and allows certain unspent funds to carry over to the next fiscal year.
This bill allocates $12.9 million and 102.6 full-time equivalent positions to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support business recruitment, expansion, and retention. It establishes specific goals for the authority to focus on commercially viable projects, adopt free-market practices, and coordinate with other agencies to foster an entrepreneurial environment. The legislation also includes restrictions requiring businesses receiving financial assistance to hire only individuals legally authorized to work in the United States and allows for the recapture of funds if a business knowingly violates this rule.
This Iowa bill creates a tax credit for donations made to maternity group homes, which are residential facilities providing care and support for pregnant women and new mothers with their children. Beginning in the 2026 tax year, eligible individuals and businesses can claim a credit equal to 100% of their donation amount against various state taxes, including income, corporate, and franchise taxes. The program includes annual spending limits of $3.5 million total and $500,000 per organization, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis and a waitlist established if demand exceeds these caps.
