Iowa Bills

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SF 2126: A bill for an act relating to the regulation of private burial sites by counties and cities.

This bill requires Iowa counties and cities to create local regulations for burials on private property that isn't operated as a cemetery. It mandates that property owners notify the county or city after a burial occurs, with no minimum standards beyond this notification. Counties and cities must allow burials if all applicable laws are followed, but they assume no liability for any damages resulting from such burials. The law applies to private land outside city limits (counties) and within city boundaries (cities), focusing solely on notification and liability protection.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SF 2120: A bill for an act relating to bona fide retirement and subsequent employment as school district support staff or a coach under the Iowa public employees’ retirement system.

SF 2120 modifies Iowa's public employees' retirement system rules for school district support staff and coaches. It allows members who have received one month of retirement benefits to return to covered employment with a school district, instead of requiring them to wait four months under current law. The bill directly affects Iowa public employees in these specific school roles who retire and later seek reemployment. This change simplifies the process for returning to work after retirement by reducing the required waiting period from four to one month.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SF 2132: A bill for an act relating to retirement benefits of retired members reemployed as school resource officers under the Iowa public employees’ retirement system and the municipal fire and police retirement system.

This bill allows retired certified law enforcement officers who return as school resource officers to choose to leave the Iowa public employees' retirement system (IPERS) or municipal fire/police retirement system. They must file this election within 60 days of reemployment, and it becomes permanent. The bill also ensures these individuals avoid the standard 50-cent-per-dollar earnings penalty for retirees working over $50,000, and they may continue receiving their full retirement allowance during their reemployment.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SJR 2007: A joint resolution designating the American cream draft horse as the official state horse of the State of Iowa.

SJR 2007 designates the American cream draft horse as Iowa's official state horse. The resolution requires the state records commission to display images of the breed in the state historical museum and mandates its inclusion in the Iowa official register alongside other state symbols like the state flower and bird. This ceremonial resolution has no regulatory or financial impact, as it solely establishes a symbolic designation with no direct effect on individuals or policies.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SF 2105: A bill for an act relating to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by law enforcement officers.

This Iowa bill (SF 2105) prohibits most law enforcement use of drones for traffic enforcement but allows limited exceptions. It specifically permits certified officers to operate drones to assist in apprehending drivers who are evading police vehicles (violating §321.279), and to cite traffic violations committed during such pursuits. The bill also restricts drone-derived evidence: such information cannot be used in court unless obtained with a warrant for private locations, or if the footage was captured from public view or via lawful means under state/federal law. The law directly affects Iowa law enforcement agencies and their drone operations during traffic enforcement scenarios.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SF 2034: A bill for an act relating to the use of automated vehicle noise enforcement systems.

This bill prohibits local authorities from issuing citations based on noise detected by automated systems when a vehicle's brakes or exhaust are used while slowing down. It defines "automated vehicle noise enforcement systems" as cameras paired with noise sensors that capture vehicles exceeding noise limits. Citations issued in violation of this rule would be void and unenforceable. The bill directly affects how cities enforce noise ordinances on moving vehicles, specifically preventing penalties for normal deceleration sounds.

Topics ✗ Transportation

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 11, 2026

HSB 638: A bill for an act relating to registration requirements for vehicles designed primarily for off-highway use, including registration of all-terrain vehicles and information required to complete a form to register snowmobiles and vessels, providing fees, making appropriations, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.

This bill updates Iowa's registration system for off-highway vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and vessels. It requires owners to register these vehicles with new fees (such as $25 for personalized plates) and establishes special plate options for veterans, firefighters, and others. Key provisions include mandatory registration, annual fee requirements, and specific rules for plate transfers and special designations. The law directly affects all Iowa residents who operate ATVs, snowmobiles, or vessels on public lands or waterways.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SF 2148: A bill for an act relating to preneed sellers, sales agents and sales agent applicants, and government cemeteries.

This Iowa bill (SF 2148) updates rules for preneed cemetery and funeral services. It directly affects preneed sellers (cemetery/funeral businesses), their sales agents, and consumers who purchase these services. Key provisions require sellers to: (1) designate sales agents formally before licensing, (2) manage trust funds with specific inflation-adjusted withdrawal rules (capping at 50% of annual interest), (3) provide annual independent audits if not doing so, and (4) refund canceled contracts adjusted for inflation (with ≤10% expense deductions). All contracts must now include clear disclosure about Iowa’s insurance division oversight.

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SF 2162: A bill for an act providing for the care and disposition of domestic animals, and providing penalties.

SF 2162 modifies Iowa's animal care laws to clarify inspection rules for commercial animal businesses (like breeders or shelters) and strengthen penalties for neglect. It requires businesses to provide federal licensing proof for permits, limits routine inspections to normal business hours without cause, and prohibits department entry for investigations except under specific circumstances. Failure to meet care standards becomes a misdemeanor, allowing animal seizure and impoundment. The bill directly affects commercial animal establishments and the Department of Agriculture, focusing on clear enforcement procedures and civil rather than criminal penalties for neglect.

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 11, 2026

HF 2214: A bill for an act relating to fees applicable to veterans for camping or the use of rental facilities at state parks or recreation areas.

This bill (HF 2214) waives all fees for veterans of the U.S. armed forces when camping or using rental facilities at Iowa state parks and recreation areas managed by the Department of Natural Resources. It directly affects veterans who use these state park facilities, eliminating their cost for camping or rentals. The key provision requires the department to not charge veterans fees but allows them to request documentation verifying veteran status to apply the waiver. The bill does not alter fees for non-veterans or create new fees for anyone.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 11, 2026

HF 263: A bill for an act relating to physical activity requirements applicable to students enrolled in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools.

HF 263 requires all physically able students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Iowa public and accredited nonpublic schools to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, separate from required physical education classes. Schools must ensure this activity occurs unless a student is suspended, expelled, absent (including due to illness), or circumstances like inclement weather or early dismissal prevent it. The bill explicitly prohibits using physical education class to fulfill this 30-minute daily activity requirement. It applies directly to K-5 students and school staff responsible for implementing the activity schedule.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 11, 2026

HF 564: A bill for an act relating to contracts for the construction of public improvements.

HF 564 allows Iowa government entities to reject the lowest qualified bid for public construction projects based on a bidder's experience, employee count, or financial ability - not just price - and requires them to explain the rejection in writing. It also sets a $150 million cost threshold for using "guaranteed maximum price" contracts (replacing standard bidding for large projects) and mandates that construction managers' proposals include full cost breakdowns without contingency fees. Contractors rejected under these rules can legally challenge the decision in court if they believe it was arbitrary, fraudulent, or in bad faith. The bill directly affects public contractors, government agencies, and construction managers handling projects over $150 million.

Bill results