Iowa Bills

HF 2595 proposes new regulations for mining operations in Iowa. The bill would require mining companies to submit proof of financial responsibility (to cover cleanup costs), detailed site maps, and involve local authorities in permit approvals and renewals. These rules would apply to all mining activities seeking permits under existing state law. The bill is currently in the introduction stage and has not yet been enacted.

HF 2713 modifies several education policies in Iowa. It increases funding for charter schools by adding supplements for teacher leadership, salary, professional development, and early intervention to the standard per-pupil amount. The bill also requires charter schools to contribute to the Iowa public employees’ retirement system and designates them as local education agencies for federal funding. Additionally, it establishes rules allowing students from nonpublic or charter schools to participate in public school athletic programs under specific conditions, including paying equivalent fees. These changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2026.

HF 29 caps annual fur dealer license fees at $50 for both Iowa residents and nonresidents, directly affecting fur dealers operating in Iowa. Currently, residents pay $264 annually and nonresidents pay $586.50 annually (or $292.50 for one day/location), with nonresidents from states without reciprocity paying higher fees. The bill replaces existing fee structures by establishing a flat maximum fee, regardless of residency or reciprocity agreements. This change simplifies licensing costs but significantly lowers fees for most dealers compared to current administrative rules.

HF 1050 modifies how certain aboveground storage tanks are assessed for property tax purposes. The bill specifies that aboveground storage tanks with a capacity of 91,000 gallons or less will no longer be assessed and taxed as real property, regardless of their use. This change directly affects property owners with such tanks and local taxing authorities. The bill takes effect upon enactment and applies retroactively to assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

This Iowa bill establishes a formal program for managing and recycling specific types of batteries, such as portable and medium-sized ones, while excluding items like car batteries and small electronics. It requires manufacturers and retailers to join an approved stewardship plan by 2028 to continue selling covered batteries, ensuring these products are marked with producer identification. The legislation also creates a system of designated collection sites for the public to drop off batteries and sets up rules to calculate how effectively these programs collect and recycle materials.

SF 2425 is an education bill modifying multiple areas, primarily affecting charter schools, nonpublic schools, and public school districts in Iowa. It increases funding for charter schools by adding teacher leadership, salary, and professional development supplements to their per-pupil state allocation. The bill also requires charter schools to participate in the state retirement system and establishes new rules allowing students at nonpublic schools or charter schools to join public school athletic programs under specific conditions. These changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2026, and include provisions for charter school closures and federal funding access.

This bill modifies Iowa's rules for advance deposit wagering (betting where customers fund accounts first). It removes a requirement that the state racing commission must automatically authorize the Polk County horse racetrack licensee to offer this service. Instead, the commission can authorize licensed entities (under section 99D.9D) to conduct advance deposit wagering, but must have an agreement with the Polk County racetrack first. Revenue from this betting is split 50/50: half funds horse purses, half goes to the Polk County racetrack licensee. The bill directly affects the Polk County racetrack and licensed entities seeking to offer this betting method.

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.

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.