This bill expands Iowa's existing open container laws to include beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), directly affecting drivers and passengers in motor vehicles on public roads. It prohibits the possession of an open or unsealed container of any beverage with THC in the vehicle's passenger area. This restriction applies regardless of whether the THC beverage is otherwise legal, though such containers may be transported in the trunk or behind the last upright seat if the vehicle lacks a trunk. Violations of this prohibition would be considered a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a scheduled fine.
HF 2584 establishes "drug-free homeless service zones" around facilities that provide shelter or housing for homeless individuals and receive government funding. It prohibits selling, transferring, or possessing drugs within 300 feet of these facilities and requires operators to display bilingual signs identifying the zone. Violations carry increased prison sentences (up to one year longer), mandatory fines of at least $2,000, and disqualify operators from state homelessness grants for three years if they allow drug use on premises. The bill directly affects homeless service providers, individuals using these services, and law enforcement operating within designated zones.
HF 2576 establishes new criminal offenses for possessing or transferring fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, or mixtures containing these substances. It creates a class D felony for first-time possession (with possible probation and treatment requirements), escalating to class C for second offenses and class B for third or subsequent offenses. The bill also creates a new class A felony charge for reckless homicide when transferring these substances and causing death, regardless of whether the victim consented. These provisions apply directly to individuals possessing or distributing these drugs, with enhanced penalties if firearms or weapons are involved during the offense.
This Iowa bill (SF 2192) designates kratom - a substance derived from the *Mitragyna speciosa* plant - as a Schedule I controlled substance, placing it in the same legal category as drugs like heroin. It directly affects anyone possessing kratom in Iowa, making first-time possession a serious misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail or $2,560 fine), repeat offenses an aggravated misdemeanor (up to 2 years or $8,540), and three or more convictions a Class D felony (up to 5 years or $10,245). The bill defines kratom broadly to include all plant parts, synthetic versions, and key compounds like mitragynine. These penalties apply to possession only; the bill does not address other uses or sales.
SF 2281 adds specific synthetic opioids and related compounds to Iowa's list of controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. It directly affects individuals possessing, distributing, or manufacturing these newly listed substances, which include fentanyl analogs like Butonitazene and Flunitazene, as well as other novel synthetic drugs. The bill establishes penalties: violations could result in a class B felony (with a 25-year minimum prison term and fines up to $100,000), a class C felony (up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $50,000), or an aggravated misdemeanor (up to 2 years in jail and fines up to $8,540). The law takes effect immediately upon enactment to align with federal chemical designations.
HF 2202 amends Iowa's controlled substances schedule to add 12 specific synthetic drugs, including various fentanyl analogs (like "Butonitazene" and "Flunitazene") and other novel compounds. The bill directly affects anyone possessing, distributing, or manufacturing these newly listed substances within Iowa. Violations involving these drugs would trigger existing penalties: a Class B felony (up to 25 years in prison and $5,000-$100,000 fine), a Class C felony (up to 10 years and $1,000-$50,000), or an aggravated misdemeanor. The bill aligns Iowa's schedule with federal designations from Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HF 2119 defines "restricted or disruptive contraband" in Iowa correctional facilities as items not inherently illegal (like tobacco, cell phones, money, or synthetic cannabinoids) but prohibited for security reasons. It makes possessing such contraband a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison, with sentences served consecutively to any existing sentence. The bill also requires inmates to report contraband (failure is an aggravated misdemeanor) and authorizes X-ray searches of inmates suspected of carrying such items. This law directly affects inmates in Iowa Department of Corrections facilities and aims to enhance facility security by strengthening penalties for contraband possession.
SF 2013 would classify kratom (any part of the Mitragyna speciosa plant, including its compounds) as a Schedule I controlled substance in Iowa. This would directly affect anyone possessing kratom, with penalties escalating based on prior offenses: first offenses face a serious misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, up to $2,560 fine), subsequent offenses become aggravated misdemeanors (up to 2 years, up to $8,540), and third+ offenses would be class D felonies (up to 5 years, up to $10,245). The bill establishes these specific penalty tiers through amendments to Iowa's controlled substances code. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.
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.
This Iowa bill (HF 2159) reclassifies kava - a plant substance used recreationally - as a Schedule I controlled substance under state law. It directly affects anyone possessing kava in Iowa, with penalties escalating based on prior offenses: a first-time offense is a serious misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $2,560 fine), subsequent offenses are aggravated misdemeanors (up to 2 years, $8,540 fine), and three or more prior convictions make it a class D felony (up to 5 years, $10,245 fine). The bill defines kava broadly to include all parts of the *piper methysticum* plant and synthetic equivalents. It does not change federal scheduling but imposes state-level criminal penalties for possession. The bill was introduced to the Public Safety committee on January 26, 2026.
