HF 2133 designates kratom (including all parts of the Mitragyna speciosa plant and its derivatives like mitragynine) as a hallucinogenic Schedule I controlled substance in Iowa. This bill directly affects anyone possessing kratom, imposing escalating penalties: a first offense is a serious misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and up to $2,560 fine), subsequent offenses become aggravated misdemeanors (up to 2 years jail, up to $8,540 fine), and a third conviction is a class D felony (up to 5 years jail, up to $10,245 fine). The law creates new criminal penalties for possession without specifying medical or personal use exceptions. The bill was introduced on January 21, 2026, and remains pending.
HF 1031 updates regulations for county recorder fees and land record information systems. The bill increases the standard recording fee for documents from five to ten dollars per page, with a new maximum fee of $250 for documents 25 pages or longer. It also allocates two dollars from each recording fee to a county recorder's technology advancement fund, which can be used for improving equipment, digitizing records, and technology training. Additionally, the bill establishes new definitions for electronic land record systems and mandates a periodic request for proposals process for the statewide land record search website platform. These changes primarily affect county recorders and individuals or entities filing land records.
This resolution honors Senator Cherielynn Westrich for her service in the Iowa Senate. It recognizes her legislative work, committee memberships, and community involvement during her tenure. The Senate formally acknowledges her contributions and wishes her well for the future.
This resolution formally honors Senator Ken Rozenboom for his years of service in the Iowa Senate and wishes him a happy retirement. It recognizes his extensive background in agriculture and his long history of community involvement through various local boards and organizations. The document highlights his legislative work on issues such as tax reduction, water quality, and education, as well as his leadership roles on multiple Senate committees. By adopting this measure, the Senate acknowledges his contributions to public service and his receipt of the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award.
This bill updates the rules for appointing and managing township officers in Iowa, specifically targeting rural townships in counties with fewer than 75,000 residents. The key provision establishes that township trustees and clerks in these areas will be appointed by the county board of supervisors rather than elected by voters, with these appointments serving staggered three-year terms until 2031. Additionally, the legislation clarifies procedures for filling vacancies in township offices and outlines how new townships should hold their initial elections. The law also addresses how cities can provide fire protection and emergency medical services to townships, alongside updates to budget and tax certification processes.
This bill establishes a new fee structure for wire transmissions, which are defined as money transfers sent to or from locations outside the United States. Financial institutions and their authorized representatives must collect a $5 fee for transfers of $500 or less, plus an additional 2% charge on amounts exceeding $500. The collected fees are submitted quarterly to the state Department of Revenue, with 10% directed to the office to combat human trafficking and the remainder deposited into the state's general fund. The Department of Revenue, working with the Department of Public Safety, is responsible for enforcing compliance, and may recommend license suspensions or revocations for non-payment.
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.
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.
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.
