This bill establishes four new programs under Iowa's Economic Development Authority to support the state's game industry. It creates a tax credit program offering up to 30% of eligible development costs (with a $20 million annual cap) for companies maintaining a physical presence and $250,000 in state payroll. It also provides forgivable loans matching private investments in Iowa game studios (capped at $20 million per studio annually) and offers $150,000-$200,000 annual grants for industry professionals to relocate and work in education, consulting, or industry-building roles for two years. These programs directly affect game developers, investors, and industry professionals seeking to establish or grow Iowa-based operations.
HF 2323 creates two new Iowa tax credits for donations to specific community organizations. The "maternity group home tax credit" allows taxpayers to claim a 100% credit against state taxes for donations to qualifying maternity group homes (defined in existing law), capped at $3.5 million annually statewide and $500,000 per organization. The "strong families tax credit" provides a 100% credit for donations to 501(c)(3) organizations offering comprehensive case management for at-risk families or fatherhood parenting services, with eligibility requiring the organization to not receive over 50% of revenue from government sources and not provide abortion counseling. Both credits are non-refundable but can be carried forward for up to five years if they exceed tax liability.
HF 2550 establishes Iowa's Small Modular Reactor Committee within the Economic Development Authority to coordinate statewide development of small nuclear reactors. The bill creates financial incentives including a 30% tax credit on qualified capital investments for businesses building reactor projects (like design, manufacturing, power generation, or related supply chains) starting in 2027. It also allows communities to grant property tax exemptions for up to 20 years on improvements directly tied to jobs created by these facilities. The committee will review project applications within 180 days, designate priority development zones, and administer these incentives.
HF 2389 establishes four new programs to support Iowa's game industry through the Economic Development Authority. It creates a tax credit program (up to 30% of development costs for qualifying companies with a $250k+ Iowa payroll), a matching grant program for private investments in Iowa studios (with forgivable loans requiring 75% in-state staff for 5 years), and a fellowship program offering $150k-$200k annual grants to bring industry professionals to Iowa for two years to teach, consult, or build industry infrastructure. The bill caps annual tax credit spending at $20 million and requires all programs to be administered by the Economic Development Authority. These programs directly affect Iowa game developers, investors in the industry, and experienced game industry professionals seeking relocation.
SF 2285 creates a tax credit for Iowa disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating (verified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). It allows these veterans to claim a credit against their individual income tax equal to their annual car registration fee (capped at $100), which is refundable if it exceeds their tax liability. Veterans can choose to receive the refund directly or apply the excess to their next year’s tax bill. The credit applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and is administered by the Iowa Department of Revenue. This bill directly affects eligible disabled veterans who pay car registration fees under Iowa law.
HF 2341 creates a partial property tax exemption for residential properties sold by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in areas declared major disaster zones by the president or state disaster emergencies by the governor. It applies specifically to properties sold to owners already receiving Iowa's homestead tax credit, providing a phased tax reduction over four years: 80% exemption in the first assessment year, 60% in the second, 40% in the third, and 20% in the fourth. The exemption expires after the fourth year, meaning homeowners pay full property tax starting in the fifth year. This bill directly affects HUD-sold homeowners in disaster-affected areas who qualify for the homestead tax credit.
SF 2354 (Iowa) establishes three options for landlords to seek reimbursement from tenants for damage caused by assistance, emotional support, service, or therapy animals in rental housing. Landlords may use the Department of Revenue’s tax setoff program, claim a refundable income tax credit, or join a state-run insurance risk pool (optional). The bill prohibits landlords from charging deposits for service animals but allows reasonable, refundable deposits for emotional support or therapy animals (used only for damage beyond normal wear and tear). It also penalizes intentional misrepresentation of an animal as an assistance or support animal with a simple misdemeanor charge. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027.
HF 2280 expands Iowa's $250 individual income tax credit for emergency medical services personnel to include non-certified first responders who meet specific qualifications. The bill requires the Department of Revenue to establish rules defining these qualifications under Chapter 17A. It also applies the credit retroactively to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, covering past tax filings. This change directly affects emergency medical personnel who currently lack certification but perform first responder duties.
HF 2665 requires new single-family and two-family residential construction (after adoption) to include passive radon mitigation systems in the building code. It creates a tax credit of up to $1,000 for homeowners and renters to cover the cost of installing radon mitigation systems, applying retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2025. For rental properties, tenants can test for radon (with results ≥4 picocuries per liter triggering landlord action), and landlords must install mitigation systems within 90 days or face lease termination with rent refunds. The bill also appropriates $100,000 for free radon test kits available to homeowners and renters through the state health department.
This bill lowers the statewide school district foundation property tax rate from $5.44 to $4.44 per $1,000 of assessed property value, effective July 1, 2026. It also repeals Iowa’s education savings account program, which allowed families to use public funds for private school tuition. The tax rate change directly affects all Iowa school districts and adjusts tax credit calculations for agricultural landowners under existing family farm tax credit programs. The bill’s provisions apply to school budgets beginning July 1, 2026, with phased increases for reorganized school districts.
