Ethics

HSB 94 establishes a formal House Code of Ethics for Iowa's Ninety-first General Assembly, directly affecting all House members and legislative employees. The code prohibits accepting investments or gifts intended to influence official duties, restricts using confidential information for personal gain, and bans paid lobbying during legislative sessions. It requires disclosure of conflicts of interest and mandates compliance with existing ethics laws regarding financial interests, employment, and travel expenses. The resolution creates specific rules to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts, such as requiring divestment of influenced investments and prohibiting charge accounts paid by lobbyists.

This bill establishes procedural rules for lobbyists in Iowa's Ninety-first General Assembly. It requires lobbyists to register with legislative clerks, disclose the bills they're lobbying on (including for/against positions), and file updates within one business day of changes. The rules also mandate electronic filings, prohibit offering economic incentives to lawmakers, and make all lobbyist filings publicly accessible. These rules directly affect registered lobbyists and their clients who engage with Iowa legislators.

This resolution amends the Iowa Senate Code of Ethics for the Ninety-first General Assembly. It updates rules governing senators' conduct, including requirements to divest investments that could influence votes, prohibitions on charging excessive fees to entities with legislative interests, and restrictions on accepting honoraria or employment from political organizations. Senators must disclose financial interests exceeding $1,000 annually through public filings with the Senate secretary. The changes apply specifically to senators during the current legislative session and aim to clarify ethical standards for their official duties.

This resolution updates Iowa's rules for lobbyists in the legislature. It requires lobbyists to register before starting work, disclose which specific bills they're lobbying on (and whether they support or oppose them), and file updates within one business day of any changes. All registration details become public records, and the rules prohibit lobbyists from offering gifts, payments, or economic incentives to lawmakers in exchange for legislative favors. These changes apply directly to lobbyists and their clients who interact with Iowa's state legislators.

Message from House.