Bills Associated with League of Women Voters of Iowa

Amends definition of "human trafficking" and "victim." 

Creates a pilot program allowing voters with disabilities that prevent them from marking ballots by hand to independently and privately complete absentee ballots using assistive technology. The pilot may be implemented in select counties and must include a mail request method for eligible voters. Annual reports to the legislature are required, and the program is repealed July 1, 2029.

Key Points & Impacts:

Key Points & Impacts

• Authorizes a pilot program for absentee ballot marking for voters unable to mark ballots by hand due to disabilities.

• Allows use of assistive technologies (nonvisual, low-vision, electronic devices) for independent and private ballot marking.

• Requires the program to include a method for requesting absentee ballots by mail for affected voters.

• Permits the state commissioner to create rules under chapter 17A for implementation.

• If not implemented statewide, mandates enough county participation to assess statewide feasibility.

• Obligates the state commissioner to file annual reports to the legislature on the pilot program's progress.

• Includes a sunset provision, repealing the section on July 1, 2029.

Establishes a new buffer strip program administered by the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality within the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The program incentivizes landowners to create and maintain vegetative buffer strips adjacent to waterways to reduce erosion and improve water quality. It establishes a dedicated fund, sets cost-share provisions, and appropriates $5 million annually from the general fund. The bill also amends related infrastructure program statutes to allow coordination with the buffer strip program.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Creates a buffer strip program for landowners to establish permanent vegetation adjacent to waterways to reduce erosion, manage nutrients, and improve water quality.

• Defines 'buffer strip', 'division', and 'waterway' for program clarity and administration.

• Requires the division to adopt rules for program implementation and operation.

• Mandates cost-sharing between the division and participating landowners, potentially compensating landowners for lost income due to enrollment.

• Establishes a Buffer Strip Program Fund in the state treasury, managed by the division, with all funds appropriated exclusively for program purposes.

• Provides that interest earnings remain with the fund and unspent funds do not revert at fiscal year-end, ensuring ongoing program financing.

• Appropriates $5 million annually from the general fund to support the buffer strip program.

• Amends existing law to allow coordination between the buffer strip program and the in-field infrastructure program for greater impact.

Changes the penalty for the manufacture, possession, or delivery of crack cocaine.

Adds misoprostol, mifepristone, and methotrexate as schedule III controlled substances.

Imposes taxes on vape cartridges, e-liquids for vape devices, and nicotine pouches. Establishes 10% wholesale tax on alternative nicotine products and vapor products and a 10% tax on these products used or stored in the state if the wholesale tax was not paid. Revenues generated are put into the Iowa Cancer Research Fund. This is estimated to bring in $4.1 million next year, ramping up to $8.3 million by 2030. You can read fiscal note at: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/FN/1526768.pdf.

Raises excise taxes on cigarettes (from 6.8 to 10.05 cents per cigarette), tobacco products (from a combined 50% to 55% of wholesale price), snuff (from $1.19/oz to 55% of wholesale price), and cigars (tax cap from 50 to 55 cents per cigar). It imposes a new 15% excise tax on both vapor products and consumable hemp products at retail sale. The bill aligns definitions, enforcement, and reporting requirements for these products, and directs all related revenue into the health care trust fund. It also appropriates $1 million each to the Department of Health and Human Services (for the Double Up Food Bucks Program) and the Department of Justice (for human trafficking victim assistance grants).

Key Points & Impacts

• Increases cigarette tax from 6.8 cents to 10.05 cents per cigarette, raising the cost per pack from $1.36 to $2.01.

• Raises the tax on tobacco products (excluding cigarettes, little cigars, and snuff) from a combined 50% to 55% of the wholesale sales price; increases cigar tax cap from 50 to 55 cents per cigar.

• Changes snuff tax from $1.19 per ounce to 55% of the wholesale sales price, aligning it with other tobacco products.

• Establishes a new excise tax of 15% on the retail sales price of vapor products and consumable hemp products, collected at point of sale.

• Expands enforcement, reporting, and inventory tax requirements to include vapor and consumable hemp products, with all related definitions updated for consistency.

• Directs all new and increased excise tax revenues to the state health care trust fund, including specific provisions for vapor and hemp product taxes.

• Appropriates $1 million from the health care trust fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Double Up Food Bucks Program to improve access to fresh produce for SNAP recipients.

• Appropriates $1 million from the health care trust fund to the Department of Justice for grants to care providers serving human trafficking victims.

Increases the capacity for inpatient psychiatric treatment at each state mental health institute by at least 100% compared to their bed count as of June 30, 2025. Increase is to be achieved by July 1, 2027. Additionally, it requires the HHS to apply for a federal Medicaid waiver (specifically, for the institution for mental diseases exclusion) by October 1, 2026, allowing the state to utilize Medicaid funding for the additional beds.

Key Points & Impact:

• Requires doubling of inpatient psychiatric beds at each state mental health institute by July 1, 2027.

• The baseline for bed count is set as the number present on June 30, 2025.

• Mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to implement the increase.

• Requires application for a Medicaid waiver (institution for mental diseases exclusion) by October 1, 2026.

• The waiver would allow Medicaid funding to be used for the expanded inpatient psychiatric capacity.

• Targets improved access to inpatient psychiatric care statewide.

• Sets clear, enforceable deadlines for both the bed increase and the waiver application.

• Direct response to anticipated or identified psychiatric bed shortages in Iowa.

• Fiscal Impact: $22.7 million in FY28 and $30.1 million in FY29 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/FN/1601896.pdf)

Prohibits the intentional use of artificial intelligence to recreate an individual's audio or visual likeness without their consent in specified contexts, such as commercial activity, political campaigns, or situations intended to deceive, embarrass, or harm the individual's reputation. The bill creates a civil cause of action for affected individuals, allowing recovery of actual and punitive damages (capped at $250,000 per violation), attorney fees, and costs. It also allows for class actions and specifies factors courts must consider when awarding punitive damages. Each day a violation continues is considered a separate violation. The bill does not preclude other civil or criminal actions under existing law.

Key Points & Impact:

• Defines 'artificial intelligence' as a machine-based system generating outputs that influence environments based on received inputs.

• Prohibits use of AI to intentionally recreate an individual's substantially indistinguishable audio or visual likeness without their consent in commercial, political, or deceptive contexts.

• Bans use of AI-generated likeness to mislead, embarrass, harm reputation, or induce actions or disclosures.

• Establishes a civil cause of action for violations, allowing recovery of actual damages, punitive damages (up to $250,000 per violation), attorney fees, and court costs.

• Permits class actions for violations under the bill.

• Requires courts to specify and consider multiple factors in determining punitive damages, including severity and willfulness of the violation, economic effects, and deterrence.

• Counts each day of continued violation as a separate offense for purposes of punitive damages.

• Clarifies that the bill does not prevent other civil or criminal actions under law.

Provides for regulation of artificial intelligence, including election materials (Division I) and protections in interactions with AI (Division II).

Makes changes related to consumer data protection laws. Expands definition of "health record" and "sensitive data." Gives consumers the right to opt of profiling related to personal data. Takes effect retroactively to Jan. 1, 2025.

Divisions 1 & 2 – County and City Property Taxes – For FY 2027, The bill has a minimum 0.5% growth guarantee for cities/counties that are not growing. All other cities would be capped at 2% growth in their revenues. New valuation would be allowed, but TIF is NOT included in this definition.

For FY 2028 and beyond, the revenue limitations on local governments would include a CPI adjustment. For non-growing cities/counties, the 0.5% would apply.  For all others, if the CPI is 0-4%, the city/county can increase revenues by 2%. If the CPI is 4-6%, the city/county gets 3%. If the CPI is 6-8%, the city/county gets 4%. If the CPI is greater than 8%, the city/county can increase revenues by 5%.  New valuation is allowed, but does NOT include TIF.

Division 3 - School Taxes – This divisions makes several changes to school taxes, but two of the biggest are having the State take on the entire regular program foundation base (State currently pays 88.4% with local property taxpayers filling in the last 11.6%), and ratcheting the $5.40 foundation levy down to $2.97.  These two changes are predicted to provide an estimated $426 million in property tax reductions by shifting school funding to the State.

Division 4 – Eliminates all rollbacks, except agricultural, as of January 1, 2025 (retroactively). Also eliminate the tie between the agricultural and residential rollbacks.

Division 5 – Replaces the homestead tax credit with a $50,000 homestead exemption.  Clarifies that the $6,500 elderly homestead exemption would be in addition to the $50,000 regular exemption.  Makes changes to the disabled veteran homestead credit, and states this will be the only homestead credit that local governments will be reimbursed for by the State.

Division 6 - Raises the veterans property tax exemption by $3,000 to $7,000.

Division 7 – Addresses limitations on hospital and EMS levies.

Division 8 – Addresses other rate-limited property tax levies (non-city or county) that are set at a rate of XX per $1000 of assessed value (for example, the transit levy). Would allow 2% revenue growth in FY 27. Establishes an interim legislative committee of 6 legislators to examine all property tax rates and provide recommendations to the Legislature by 01/15/2026.  This division also prevents local governments from issuing bonds to cover general operations.

Division 9 - Provides a property tax credit to Iowans at least 70 years old who make less than 350% of the federal poverty level.

Division 10 – Eliminates the brucellosis and tuberculosis fund and levy.

Sets up a process for continuing appropriations if the Iowa General Assembly does not pass an annual budget by July 1. In such cases, the Department of Management, with the Legislative Services Agency, will identify and replicate the prior fiscal year's line item, standing limited, and standing unlimited appropriations (including from federal and nonstate funds) for the new fiscal year. Appropriations will be made to the same entities as in the prior year, excluding one-time appropriations. Duplicative standing appropriations for the fiscal year will be supplanted by this process. All associated provisions—such as allocations, nonreversions, and full-time equivalent positions—will also be carried forward. If a budget is subsequently enacted, the continuing appropriation mechanism ceases for that year.

Key Points & Impacts

• Creates a new section mandating automatic continuing appropriations if annual budget bills are not passed and presented by July 1.

• Directs the Department of Management and Legislative Services Agency to determine and replicate the previous year's appropriations (excluding one-time appropriations).

• Continuing appropriations include all line item, standing limited, and standing unlimited appropriations (including federal and nonstate funds).

• Entities receiving prior-year appropriations will receive the same amounts unless otherwise limited by law.

• Any duplicative standing appropriations for the fiscal year are supplanted by this mechanism.

• All powers, duties, limitations, requirements, allocation amounts, nonreversion provisions, and authorized FTE positions associated with appropriations are continued for the new year.

• Excludes one-time and special project appropriations from being automatically continued.

• The process is discontinued for the fiscal year if a new budget is subsequently passed and presented to the governor.

Appropriates funds for FY 2026-2027 to a range of justice-related agencies in Iowa, including the departments of Justice, Corrections, Public Defense, Public Safety, Homeland Security, the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, the Office of the State Public Defender, the Board of Parole, and associated programs. Funding is allocated from various state funds for salaries, maintenance, and program operations. The bill includes specific allocations for victim services, correctional facilities, drug courts, technology upgrades, electronic monitoring, legal services for the poor, and farm mediation. It also provides conditions for fund use, reporting requirements, and some expenditure flexibility for certain agencies.

Key Points & Impacts

• Appropriates substantial general fund amounts to the Department of Justice, Department of Corrections (including all correctional facilities), Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Defense, Homeland Security, and associated offices for FY 2026-2027.

• Allocates $11,672,266 for the Attorney General's office, $5,166,708 for victim assistance grants (with $150,000 specifically for human trafficking victims), $2,634,601 for legal services for persons in poverty, and $202,060 for DOJ cybersecurity and technology upgrades.

• Authorizes use of the victim compensation fund for up to 24 FTEs, and allows 7 additional FTEs if sufficient federal funding is received, with an annual transfer of at least $150,000 to the victim assistance grant program.

• Funds all state correctional facilities and provides for continued contracts for religious and spiritual leaders, education, and pharmaceuticals; allows reallocation of funds within the Department of Corrections with reporting and notification requirements, but prohibits elimination of programs through reallocation.

• Directs funding and intent for all eight judicial district departments of correctional services, including maintenance of drug courts and alternatives to prison, and restricts use of the public safety assessment tool in pretrial hearings unless authorized by the legislature.

• Funds the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy ($2,919,407), requiring training in domestic abuse and human trafficking, and enables the academy to exchange vehicles with the Department of Public Safety for training use.

• Appropriates $38,627,894 to the State Public Defender's office and $41,226,374 for indigent defense, with federal IV-E funds to remain available for juvenile justice improvements.

• Includes appropriations from non-general fund sources: commerce revolving fund (Office of Consumer Advocate), gaming enforcement revolving fund (Public Safety), 911 emergency communications fund (Homeland Security), and consumer education and litigation fund (Justice for farm mediation and prosecutions).

Appropriates funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs and HHS for FY 2026-2027, covering veterans services, aging and disability programs, behavioral and public health, community access, Medicaid and related health programs, child welfare, state-operated care, and administrative functions. It creates a new comprehensive family support program, repeals and restructures several child welfare and juvenile justice programs, alters funding flows and nonreversion rules, and makes specific changes to procedures for mental health and substance use commitment. The bill also eliminates the child abuse prevention program fund, shifting its administration to the early childhood and family services system, and repeals requirements for child care assistance and adoption subsidy expenditure projections.

Key Points & Impacts

• Appropriates over $2 billion to HHS for Medicaid, Hawki, and other health programs; significant allocations for child and family services, behavioral health, veterans' home operations, and public health initiatives.

• Creates a new comprehensive family support program (Code 231.80) to assist families caring for individuals with disabilities, including new eligibility rules and direct funding mechanisms.

• Repeals and restructures the child welfare and juvenile justice decategorization initiative (Code 232.188), reallocating carryover funds, and amends related code sections accordingly.

• Eliminates the child abuse prevention program and fund (Code 235A.1-.3), redirecting tax checkoff proceeds to the early childhood and family services system fund (Code 234A.6) for child abuse prevention purposes.

• Changes legal procedures for mental health and substance use disorder commitments, including new requirements for counties to compensate sheriffs for transport and clarified attorney appointment processes (amending Codes 125, 229, 815.10, 815.9).

• Repeals statutory requirements for child care assistance and adoption subsidy expenditure projections (Code 234.47).

• Updates funding mechanisms and nonreversion rules to allow broader use of unspent appropriations and carryover funds for designated and related purposes, with enhanced reporting and flexibility for HHS to transfer and manage funds.

• Mandates immediate and retroactive applicability for selected provisions, including the family support program and changes to decategorization funding, and includes emergency rulemaking authority for compliance with federal requirements.

Creates a feasibility study committee to establish a state training school for females under age 18. Study due Dec. 15, 2025.

Expands list of child abuse mandatory reporters. Requires HHS to adopt rules for school board procedures to handle child abuse reports. Requires school employees who are the subject of child abuse investigations to be placed on administrative leave.  While this died, it was added to standings bill. 

Increases funding for the Double Up Food Bucks by $1 million but restricts SNAP purchases to "health food options," which include grains, pasta, rice, dairy, meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and legumes.  Options would be finalized by rule. 

Reduces the child and dependent care credit thresholds from seven to four, and removes the maximum net income amount. Applies retroactively to Jan. 1, 2025.

Revises procedures and obligations in paternity proceedings for children born out of wedlock. Key changes include prohibiting blood or genetic testing until after the child’s birth, clarifying and expanding the father’s obligations for pregnancy and birth-related expenses, and requiring proportional cost-sharing between parents for uncovered medical expenses based on income. 

Key Points & Impact:

• Prohibits blood or genetic testing of the child, mother, or alleged father until after the child's birth in paternity proceedings.

• Requires that if blood or genetic tests are conducted, the trial cannot be held earlier than thirty days after test results are filed.

• Clarifies and expands the father's obligation to pay reasonable and necessary expenses related to the mother's pregnancy and the birth of the child, not just 'confinement.'

• Mandates that courts establish medical support and determine uncovered medical expense obligations in proportion to each parent's net income, unless otherwise agreed or for good cause.

• Allows courts to order fathers to pay additional amounts for other reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the mother related to pregnancy or to provide essential items for the newborn.

• Updates and clarifies language throughout to use gender-neutral and consistent terminology (e.g., replacing 'his' or 'her' with 'the father’s' or 'the mother’s').

• Provides that paternity-related proceedings may be brought by the mother, legal representatives, authorities, or the child (through guardian) if the mother is deceased or disabled.

• Admits bills for uncovered pregnancy and birth-related medical expenses as prima facie evidence without third-party testimony.

Expands mandatory reporting by requiring professionals to report if they learn that a newborn's biological parent previously lost parental rights due to child abuse. It mandates automatic child abuse investigations in such cases and clarifies the classes of mandatory reporters. The bill revises the procedures for handling child abuse reports, specifying the information that triggers an investigation.

Key Points & Impact:

• Adds a new mandatory reporting trigger: mandatory reporters must file a report if they learn a newborn's biological parent previously had parental rights terminated due to child abuse.

• Mandates a child abuse investigation for every newborn with a biological parent who lost parental rights for abuse, regardless of immediate evidence of abuse to the newborn.

• Reorganizes and clarifies the list of mandatory reporters, specifying their obligations and the circumstances under which a report must be made.

• Clarifies that knowledge triggering mandatory reporting includes not only suspected abuse but also confirmation of the above parental history.

• Updates the definition and responsibilities of permissive reporters to align with the new mandatory reporting triggers.

• Amends procedures for the Department of Health and Human Services to initiate investigations based on the new criteria, including timelines for response.

• Makes technical and conforming changes to the relevant Code sections for clarity and consistency.

• Does not contain any appropriations or funding provisions.

Clarifies that actions taken to raise, guide, or instruct a child in a manner consistent with the child's sex—including use of pronouns and titles, seeking mental health services to align the child’s life with their sex, making health decisions based on sex, and declining consent for gender transition procedures—do not constitute child abuse or child endangerment. State agencies cannot deny foster or adoption licensure, nor can courts consider such practices as a negative factor in custody cases. The bill also amends procedures for child protection worker access and clarifies related immunity provisions.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Redefines 'child abuse' to specifically exclude actions taken to raise, guide, or instruct a child in a manner consistent with the child's sex, including refusing gender transition procedures.

• Specifies that 'child endangerment' does not include raising or guiding a child according to their sex as defined in the bill.

• Prevents the Department of Health and Human Services from denying foster care licensure based on an individual's intent to raise a child in accordance with the child's sex.

• Bars adoption rules from precluding individuals who intend to raise a child in a manner consistent with their sex from becoming adoptive parents.

• Prohibits courts from considering, as a negative factor for custody, a parent's intent to raise or instruct a child consistent with their sex.

• Clarifies that child protection workers must have access to children for investigations, and makes related changes to procedures and immunity for facilities and schools.

• Lists specific actions protected, including pronoun use, mental health service decisions, and refusal of gender transition procedures for a child.

• Adds procedural clarifications and updates terminology to ensure consistency with the new legal standards.

Allows the children of at least one minor parent to be automatically eligible for state child care assistance regardless of other eligibility requirements.

Requires DOE to develop model guidelines on child sexual abuse awareness and prevention instruction for grades K-6.

Allows a county hospital to establish a child care facility.

Expands eligibility for paid parental leave for state employees. Previously, only employees entitled to leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) could receive paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The bill removes this FMLA entitlement requirement, allowing all state employees to receive paid parental leave for qualifying events within twelve months of the birth or adoption of a child.

Key Points & Impact:

• Removes the requirement that state employees must be eligible for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to access paid parental leave.

• Expands paid parental leave eligibility to all state employees, regardless of FMLA status.

• Paid parental leave remains available for the birth or adoption of a child.

• Leave must still be taken within twelve months following the birth or adoption.

• May increase the number of state employees eligible for paid parental leave by removing FMLA restrictions.

Makes provisions related to the appointment and regulation of commissioners to a US constitutional convention.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment providing that every person has a right to a clean environment.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment creating a process to allow qualified electors to submit petitions to amend the state constitution and state code.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment stating the right to reproductive care.

Calls for a US constitutional convention to propose amendments to impose federal fiscal restraints, limit federal jurisdiction and power, and limit terms of office.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment to limit years of service for elected officials.

Proposes an amendment to the Iowa Constitution to restrict members of the General Assembly from being the lead sponsor of more than ten bills introduced per session. The proposed limit does not apply to resolutions (simple, concurrent, or joint), appropriations bills, bills recommended by the Iowa code editor, or bills certified as emergency legislation by a two-thirds vote of the relevant rules committee. There is no restriction on being listed as an additional sponsor. The amendment, if passed, will be referred to the next General Assembly and submitted to the electorate for ratification.

Key Points & Impact:

• Limits each legislator to introducing no more than ten bills per session as lead sponsor.

• Excludes simple, concurrent, and joint resolutions from the limit.

• Excludes appropriations bills from the limit.

• Excludes bills recommended by the Iowa code editor from the limit.

• Excludes bills certified as emergency legislation by a two-thirds vote of the relevant rules committee from the limit.

• Does not limit the number of bills a legislator may cosponsor (as an additional sponsor).

• Requires the amendment to be published and referred to the next General Assembly before submission to voters.

Proposes an amendment to the Iowa Constitution to change the terms of office for House of Representatives members from two years to four years, with staggered elections so that approximately half of the members are elected every two years. The resolution also authorizes the reapportioning authority to shorten the term of senators or representatives as necessary following redistricting. Transitional provisions classify current and newly elected members into two classes for the initial implementation of staggered terms.

Key Points & Impact:

• Extends the term of office for Iowa House of Representatives members from two years to four years.

• Implements staggered terms so that approximately half the House is elected every two years, classified by odd- and even-numbered districts.

• Current and newly elected representatives at the time of adoption will be divided into two classes: members from odd-numbered districts serve two years initially, even-numbered districts serve four years.

• Future elections for House members will occur on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year.

• Apportionment provisions clarified: General Assembly must complete redistricting by September 1 following the U.S. Census; if not, the Supreme Court will redraw districts by December 31.

• Reapportioning authority empowered to shorten terms of senators or representatives as needed to implement new districts; affected members will not be compensated for the unserved portion of their term.

• Repeals and replaces relevant sections of Article III of the Iowa Constitution to enact these changes.

• Includes standard referral and publication procedures for constitutional amendments in Iowa.

Requests Congress to convene a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The convention's scope is limited to proposing amendments that (1) limit federal power and jurisdiction, (2) impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, and (3) limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The application is continuing until either two-thirds of U.S. states make similar applications or Iowa withdraws its application. The Secretary of State is required to distribute certified copies of the resolution to federal and state officials.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Applies to Congress for an Article V convention with a specific and exclusive scope: limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and setting term limits for federal officials and Congress.

• Prohibits the convention from proposing amendments on any topic outside the specified scope.

• Establishes the application as a continuing one, remaining in effect until two-thirds of state legislatures apply for a similar convention or Iowa withdraws its application.

• Directs the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to federal officials, all members of Congress, and legislative leaders in all states.

• Cites federal overreach, fiscal irresponsibility, and deviation from constitutional principles as reasons for the resolution.

• Asserts the duty of states to protect liberty for future generations through constitutional amendments.

• Specifies the resolution does not address or authorize amendments outside the stated purposes.

• Does not itself amend the Constitution but initiates a formal process that could lead to constitutional amendments if a convention is convened.

A resolution proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that the U.S. Supreme Court should be fixed at nine justices. It formally urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment specifying this requirement. The resolution also directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to federal officials and Iowa's congressional delegation.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment limiting the U.S. Supreme Court to nine justices.

• Expresses concern that changing the number of justices for political reasons undermines judicial independence and public confidence.

• Resolution is motivated by a desire to preserve the stability and independence of the judiciary.

• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send certified copies of the resolution to the President, Congressional leaders, and Iowa's congressional delegation.

• Contains prefatory language outlining the reasons for the resolution and the perceived risks of court expansion.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment requiring nonpartisan redistricting procedures. It establishes a legislative services agency responsible for preparing district plans, sets clear standards and timetables for redistricting, and creates a temporary redistricting advisory commission. The amendment prohibits the use of partisan or demographic data (other than population head counts) in the drawing of districts and outlines transparent public input processes. The proposal must be approved by two successive general assemblies and ratified by voters.

Key Points & Impacts

• Creates a nonpartisan legislative services agency with constitutional authority to draw legislative and congressional districts using federal census data.

• Sets strict population equality and compactness standards for districts, limiting population deviation to 1% for congressional districts and 5% for legislative districts.

• Prohibits use of partisan information, incumbents' addresses, and most demographic data (other than population head counts) in drawing district maps.

• Requires a public process with at least three geographically diverse hearings and timely public release of maps and supporting data.

• Establishes a five-member temporary redistricting advisory commission to oversee public input and provide guidance on ambiguous issues.

• Mandates that each representative district be wholly contained within a single senatorial district, and as much as possible within a single congressional district, subject to population and compactness priorities.

• Prescribes a specific, multi-step legislative process for adoption of redistricting plans, including up to three attempts with escalating opportunities for amendment.

• Details procedures for filling legislative vacancies and transitioning senators under new district plans, including definitions of holdover districts and incumbent senators.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment, known as the 'Aldo Leopold Amendment,' affirming every person's fundamental right to clean water and clean air. The state is designated as a trustee of public natural resources and must conserve and restore all public waters and air for current and future generations. The amendment is self-executing, meaning it becomes enforceable immediately upon ratification, and any infringement on these rights is subject to strict judicial scrutiny. The resolution must pass another General Assembly and then be submitted to voters for ratification.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Establishes a fundamental constitutional right for every person in Iowa to access clean water and clean air, free from contaminants, pollutants, and associated hazards.

• Prohibits the state from infringing upon this environmental right.

• Designates the state as a trustee of public natural resources, requiring conservation and restoration of all public waters (including aquifers and groundwater) and air.

• Rights and obligations set forth are self-executing, taking effect immediately upon constitutional ratification without need for enabling legislation.

• Applies strict scrutiny—the highest standard of judicial review—to any state action that may infringe upon the right to a clean environment.

• Ensures the protection of these rights for both current and future generations.

• Specifies that the amendment will be known as the 'Aldo Leopold Amendment.'

• Requires approval by a second General Assembly and voter ratification to take effect.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment relating to the right to reproductive care.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment striking a prohibition that withholds voting rights from individuals convicted of an infamous crime. 

Proposes a state constitutional amendment to repeal the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund, and dedicates a portion of revenue to property tax relief.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment allowing citizen initiatives.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment restricting certain tax law changes.

Amends the Iowa Constitution to prohibit Iowa courts from exercising judicial review to determine whether laws passed by the General Assembly are consistent with the Constitution, except for the review of legislative apportionment plans. The amendment repeals and replaces Section 1 of Article V, redefining the judicial power and its limits. If passed by the current and next General Assembly, the amendment will be submitted to voters for ratification.

Key Points & Impact:

• Repeals and replaces Section 1 of Article V of the Iowa Constitution regarding judicial power.

• Prohibits Iowa courts, including the supreme and district courts, from exercising judicial review over laws passed by the General Assembly.

• Creates a narrow exception: the courts retain judicial review only for reviewing legislative apportionment plans as outlined in Article III, Section 36.

• Redefines the scope of judicial power in Iowa, explicitly excluding the power to determine constitutionality of laws (except for apportionment).

• Requires the proposed amendment to be published prior to the next general election and then referred to the next General Assembly for further consideration before a public vote.

• Abolishes long-standing judicial oversight of legislative actions, fundamentally altering checks and balances in Iowa's government.

• Does not affect the existence or structure of the courts themselves, only their power of judicial review.

• Would become part of the Constitution only if approved by two successive General Assemblies and ratified by Iowa voters.

Proposes an amendment to the Iowa Constitution explicitly barring corporations from contributing financially or otherwise participating in election activity or ballot-issue activity. An exception is made for corporations formed for the creation, sale, or operation of election equipment. The amendment must be passed by the next general assembly and ratified by voters to take effect.

Key Points & Impacts

• Prohibits corporations from participating in election activity or ballot-issue activity.

• Bans corporate financial contributions to political candidates and political committees.

• Clarifies that the powers and privileges of corporations do not include participation in the political process.

• States that such political participation is not necessary or convenient for regular corporate purposes.

• Provides an exception for corporations whose business is the creation, sale, or operation of election equipment.

• Requires the proposed amendment to be published and referred to the next general assembly for approval.

• Amendment would be submitted to Iowa voters for ratification if passed by two successive general assemblies.

Requests that Congress call a convention of the states to propose constitutional amendments that limit the authority and jurisdiction of the federal government, establish fiscal restraints, and impose term limits on federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution is a continuing application, effective until two-thirds of states apply for a similar convention or until the Iowa General Assembly withdraws it. The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies of this resolution to various federal and state officials.

Key Points & Impacts

• Applies to Congress for an Article V convention to propose amendments limiting federal power and jurisdiction.

• Seeks to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government through constitutional amendments.

• Proposes to limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress via constitutional amendments.

• Specifies that the convention's purpose is exclusive to these topics—no amendments on other topics may be proposed.

• Establishes that Iowa's application is a continuing application until two-thirds of states apply or it is withdrawn by the General Assembly.

• Directs the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to federal officials and all state legislatures.

• Cites concerns about federal overreach, unfunded mandates, national debt, and the need for states to act as guardians of liberty.

• Does not directly amend the Constitution, but initiates the process for potential amendments by calling for a convention.

Allows surgical castration for sex offenses in which the victim is under age 12.

Increases criminal offense for crimes committed by a person who intentionally conceals their identify.

Directs the state supreme court to extend the number of days from 90 to 120 days within which a criminal defendant must be brought to trial. Takes effect upon enactment.

Provides that a person who purchases sex from a person who is a victim of human trafficking commits a class C felony. An individual convicted of such a crime must register as a tier III sex offender.

Sets initial appearance minimum bond at $100,000 for attempted murder, assault with a weapon, willful injury, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent, or possession by a felon.

Makes provisions related to the criminal offense of grooming.

Allows two-way remote/video court testimony for children and individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability or mental health condition.  This is a law-based change to address the Iowa Supreme Court ruling stating the current one-way video testimony is unconstitutional. Iowa's Attorney General has also introduced a constitutional amendment, but that will take at least three years to pass.

Amends definition of "human trafficking" and "victim." 

Requires juvenile courts and HHS to screen a child for exploitation after a complaint the child has been abused or committed a delinquent act. 

Allows the expungement of criminal records for victims of human trafficking.

Allows for a hearing to determine immunity from liability following a use of reasonable force in defense of one's self, others, or property.

Increases mandatory minimum sentences for several serious criminal offenses. It replaces fixed minimum terms with a requirement to serve at least one-half of the imposed sentence before eligibility for parole. It also raises the minimum proportion of the sentence that must be served before parole eligibility for offenders convicted of child endangerment and repeat domestic abuse assault. The changes apply to forcible felonies with weapons, habitual offenders, certain drug offenses involving minors, and repeat domestic abuse offenders.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Replaces the fixed five-year minimum for forcible felonies involving dangerous weapons with a requirement to serve at least one-half of the sentence imposed by law before parole eligibility.

• For habitual offenders, replaces the fixed three-year minimum with a requirement to serve at least one-half of the imposed sentence before parole eligibility.

• For first-time convictions of manufacturing or delivering amphetamine/methamphetamine to a minor, replaces the ten-year minimum term with a requirement to serve one-half of the imposed sentence before parole eligibility.

• For child endangerment convictions (as defined in specific code sections), increases the minimum portion of the sentence to be served from between three-tenths and seven-tenths to between one-half and seven-tenths of the maximum term.

• For persons convicted of a third or subsequent domestic abuse assault, increases the minimum portion of the sentence to be served before parole/work release eligibility from one-fifth to one-half of the maximum term.

• Standardizes mandatory minimums across several serious offenses to 'one-half of the sentence imposed by law,' increasing the time offenders must serve before parole eligibility in most cases.

• Removes specific year-based minimums in favor of proportion-based minimums, which may result in longer time served depending on the sentence imposed by the court.

• No appropriations (funding or budget items) are included in this bill.

Allows courts to order a pretrial risk assessment for bailable defendants charged with offenses suggesting their release might endanger others. The assessment, conducted by the judicial district department of correctional services, must use a validated tool developed by the board of parole and approved by the department of corrections. The results must be considered by the court when determining release conditions, aiming to reduce risks to individuals and the public while balancing public safety and the defendant's release.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Authorizes courts to require risk assessments for certain bailable defendants where safety concerns are alleged.

• Risk assessments are discretionary and not mandatory for all eligible cases.

• Assessments are to be conducted by judicial district departments of correctional services.

• Only validated risk assessment tools developed by the board of parole and approved by the department of corrections may be used.

• Court must consider the assessment results when determining release conditions.

• Release decisions must aim to reduce risk, detect threatening or criminal behavior, and protect public safety.

• The bill applies to any offense where the defendant’s release may endanger another person.

• Balances the need for public safety with the rights of the defendant to pretrial release.

Revises current law regarding the commitment of defendants found incompetent to stand trial. It expands the options for court-ordered commitment, adding provisions for defendants whose competency is unlikely to be restored. The bill establishes procedures for the safekeeping, assessment, and annual review of such defendants, and clarifies the maximum duration of their confinement in relation to the alleged offense.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Adds new commitment option for defendants whose competency is unlikely to be restored due to cognitive or neurophysiological disabilities, allowing commitment as a safekeeper to the Department of Corrections or a designated treatment facility.

• Establishes a rebuttable presumption that such commitment will continue unless evidence warrants a hearing to reassess the defendant's danger to public safety.

• Requires annual threat assessments by qualified professionals for committed defendants, with access to all relevant records.

• Mandates treatment facilities to prepare annual reports on the defendant's status for the court.

• Requires the court to conduct annual reviews and, if warranted, set hearings on the defendant's status.

• Limits the duration of defendant's placement to no longer than the maximum term of confinement for the alleged criminal offense.

• Requires dismissal of the criminal complaint with prejudice when the maximum term of confinement is reached.

• Amends statutory language to include the new commitment option (paragraph 'c') alongside existing options.

Recognizes unborn children as persons for purposes of damages in wrongful death cases and as victims in homicide and assault statutes. The definition of 'unborn child' is established as any human organism from fertilization to fetal death or live birth. The bill provides exceptions for unintentional harm resulting from miscarriage or life-saving procedures for the pregnant woman. Due process protections applicable to born persons are extended to cases involving unborn children. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies prospectively.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Expands eligibility for wrongful death damages to include the death of unborn children, defined from fertilization onward.

• Defines 'unborn child' as any human organism of the species homo sapiens from fertilization to fetal death or live birth.

• Amends homicide laws to recognize unborn children as potential victims and clarifies that all associated legal protections and defenses apply.

• Amends assault laws to include unborn children as victims, with corresponding legal protections and defenses.

• Provides exceptions for unintentional harm to an unborn child resulting from life-saving procedures performed on the pregnant woman or miscarriage.

• Establishes that, in cases of conflict with other laws, the new provisions regarding unborn children prevail.

• Affirms the extension of due process rights to those accused of crimes involving unborn children as victims.

• Specifies immediate effect upon enactment and applies only to acts occurring after the effective date.

Expands the scope of individuals required to submit DNA samples to include persons arrested for a felony or aggravated misdemeanor, not just those convicted, adjudicated delinquent, or receiving deferred judgment. It also updates expungement criteria for DNA records, allowing those arrested but not charged or acquitted to request removal of their DNA record. Additionally, the bill creates an annual $600,000 standing appropriation for the investigation and prosecution of cold cases.

Key Points & Impact:

• Expands the definition of individuals required to submit DNA samples to include those arrested for a felony or aggravated misdemeanor.

• Mandates DNA sample submission upon arrest for felony or aggravated misdemeanor offenses, not just upon conviction or deferred judgment.

• Clarifies that a DNA sample is not required if one was previously collected and remains in the state's DNA database and has not been expunged.

• Allows individuals whose charges are dismissed, result in acquittal, or for whom no charges are filed within one year after arrest, to request expungement of their DNA records.

• Requires the division of criminal investigation to expunge DNA records upon valid request for cases involving dismissal, acquittal, or failure to file charges, unless the individual is otherwise obligated to submit a sample.

• Expands the grounds for expungement to include arrests (not just convictions) that do not result in conviction or adjudication.

• Specifies that expungement is not required if it would destroy evidence related to another person or investigation.

• Establishes a standing annual appropriation of $600,000 from the general fund to the department of justice for cold case investigations and prosecutions.

Makes changes to current law regarding liability in cases involving the justifiable use of reasonable force.

Establishes a process for victims of human trafficking to petition the court for expungement of their criminal history records for offenses committed or reported while they were victims. The bill details eligibility, required documentation, evidentiary standards, confidentiality provisions, and exceptions for specific serious offenses. It also provides that knowingly filing a false petition is a felony and specifies that expunged records are generally exempt from public access but accessible to specified agencies under certain conditions.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Allows victims of human trafficking to petition for expungement of criminal records related to offenses committed as a result of their victimization, regardless of the disposition of the arrest or charge.

• Petitions must include a sworn statement and, if available, official documentation of victim status; knowingly providing false information is a Class 'D' felony.

• No filing or service fees may be charged to petitioners; petitions can be filed at any time after victimization or after accessing victim services.

• Submission of official documentation creates a presumption the offense was due to victim status (preponderance of evidence standard); without documentation, the court must find clear and convincing evidence.

• Expungement orders must be certified and distributed to relevant law enforcement and government agencies, including the FBI.

• Expunged records become confidential and exempt from public access, but may be disclosed to specified agencies for law enforcement or firearm eligibility purposes.

• Victims granted expungement may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the expunged arrest or conviction, except when applying to criminal justice agencies or as a defendant in criminal prosecution.

• Certain serious offenses, such as homicide, sexual abuse, kidnapping, arson, and others, are excluded from eligibility for expungement under this bill.

Makes changes to criminal investigation procedures, including preservation of biological evidence, incarcerated witness testimony, and post-conviction access to investigative files.

Requires a court to seal eviction action court records within three days if the defendant is found not guilty, the case is dismissed, the plaintiff does not appear for the hearing, or the court finds there is no genuine issue. Takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Creates a formula for judicial officer salaries. Takes effect June 20, 2025.

Makes it an aggravated misdemeanor to distribute personal information about a person without a legitimate purpose, without consent and with intent to threaten or intimidate the person.

Modified statute of limitations for certain civil actions relating to minors and individuals with mental illness. Takes effect upon enactment.

Makes changes to mandatory minimum sentences related to possession of firearms by a felon.

Prohibits issuing a subpoena or search warrant seeking menstrual health data.

Increases parole eligibility age limit to 20 for a person convicted of a class A felony.

Allows civil actions relating to sexual abuse, human trafficking, or exploitation of a minor to be brought at any time. Takes effect upon enactment.

Makes provisions related to collecting, storing, and testing sexual abuse evidence kits within certain time frames. Requires all involved facilities to submit a report on untested kits annually beginning Jan. 15, 2026.

Appropriates money from the victim compensation fund to cover care for victims of sexual assault, including emergency contraception and other health care treatment.

Allows the death penalty for certain first degree murders.

Places limitations on discovery and procedure related to a claim for post conviction relief. 

Prohibits a diminished capacity defense when a person who is the subject of a nonviolent sexual advance commits a violent crime or assault based on victim's sex, orientation, or gender identify.

Makes changes to the definition of "pecuniary damages" relating to criminal restitution.

Increases annual fee for individuals required to register as a sex offender from $25 to $50.

Raises the required minimum portion of a sentence that must be served before parole eligibility for several criminal offenses. Specifically, it increases the required minimum to one-half of the sentence imposed by law for crimes involving dangerous weapons during forcible felonies, habitual offenders, and certain drug offenses involving minors. It also increases the minimum served for child endangerment and third or subsequent domestic abuse assault before parole or work release eligibility. These amendments replace previous fixed minimums or lower fractions of sentences with the new, higher threshold.

Key Points & Impact:

• Raises the mandatory minimum sentence to one-half of the imposed sentence for forcible felonies involving a dangerous weapon, replacing the previous five-year minimum.

• Increases the mandatory minimum for habitual offenders to one-half of the sentence imposed by law, up from a fixed three-year minimum.

• Changes the minimum period before parole eligibility for those convicted of first-time manufacturing or delivering methamphetamine or amphetamine to minors to one-half of the imposed sentence, replacing the prior ten-year minimum.

• Increases the minimum time served before parole/work release for child endangerment (under specific sections) to between one-half and seven-tenths of the sentence, from the previous range of three-tenths to seven-tenths.

• Raises the minimum time before parole/work release for third or subsequent domestic abuse assault convictions to between one-half and the full sentence, up from one-fifth to the maximum.

• Removes all references to specific year or fraction-based minimum sentences, standardizing to one-half of the sentence imposed for the affected offenses.

• Maintains that parole is not available until the new mandatory minimums are served for these offenses.

• Does not alter the classes of offenses affected, but significantly increases required prison time before eligibility for parole or work release.

Makes changes to continuing education requirements. Prohibits boards from adopting CE requirements that require a licensee to obtain CEs not directly related to practice.

Repeals the education savings account program that provides funds to non-public school students for eligible expenses.

Prohibits certain diversity, equity, and inclusion, and critical race theory requirements for students and faculty at Regents' institutions.

Requires Regents' institutions to post online a syllabus for all undergraduate courses offered for credit. Takes effect December 31, 2025.

Requires students complete a course in American history and civil government to receive a baccalaureate degree. 

Requires students in grades 9-12 to complete one unit of US government instruction.

Requires the legislative council to conduct a review of the state's public education system. Takes effect upon enactment. Review to be completed by Jan. 1, 2026.

Requires higher education institutions to adopt a policy relating to certain expressions of support for terrorist activities or organizations by non-immigrant visa holders at the institutions. Takes effect December 31, 2025.

Requires DOE to develop gun safety courses for K-12 students. 

Prohibits higher education private institutions that participate in the Iowa tuition grant program from establishing or sustaining a diversity, equity, and inclusion office.

Prohibits community colleges from establishing a diversity, equity, and inclusion office.

Allows schools to employ chaplains or use volunteer chaplains to provide support, services, and programs for students.

Makes changes to several education laws, including private instruction, world language instruction, dual enrollment, and the tuition and textbook tax credit.

Makes changes regarding school district requirements to publish information regarding policies and procedures, and educational materials available to students.

Directs the legislative council to enter into an agreement with a qualified, independent, and nonpartisan individual or organization to conduct a thorough review of Iowa’s prekindergarten through 12th grade public education system. The review must examine historical trends, audit funding, evaluate and propose improvements to funding streams, assess district structures, consider rural and urban challenges, analyze innovative models, and solicit input from education professionals. A report with detailed recommendations must be filed by January 1, 2027, followed by a public presentation and forums to discuss and implement the findings. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Mandates a comprehensive review of all aspects of Iowa's preK-12 public education system by an independent, nonpartisan entity with no political or special interest affiliation.

• The review will include a 30-year analysis of education trends, a full audit of funding sources and expenditures, and evaluation of current and alternative funding streams.

• Requires proposals for simplifying and equitably distributing education funds, and identification of cost-saving measures that maintain or improve student outcomes.

• Mandates analysis of school district structure and potential realignment impacts, including transportation, staffing, and student performance.

• Requires special attention to the unique financial and operational challenges of rural and urban schools, with proposals for equitable funding and policy solutions.

• Includes an assessment of innovative models such as competency-based learning, technology integration (including AI), alternative teacher credentialing, and new funding mechanisms.

• The qualified reviewer must gather input from Iowa educators and study high-performing international education systems for applicable strategies.

• Results in a report with actionable recommendations, estimated costs, and implementation strategies, to be publicly presented and followed by legislative forums for stakeholder input.

Changes the process for nominating candidates for school district offices by requiring nomination petitions, objections, and candidate withdrawals to be filed with the county commissioner of elections rather than the school board secretary. It updates deadlines and procedures for handling petitions and objections, and reassigns the authority for considering objections from school board members to a panel of three elected county officers appointed by the chairperson of the county board of supervisors. The bill also clarifies the handling of petitions and objections in multi-county school districts and makes additional conforming updates to related timelines and processes.

Key Points & Impact:

• Nomination petitions for school district offices must now be filed with the county commissioner of elections, not the school board secretary.

• In multi-county school districts, any non-controlling county commissioner receiving nomination papers must immediately transfer them to the controlling commissioner.

• Objections to nomination petitions or candidate eligibility, and candidate withdrawals, must be filed with the county commissioner of elections.

• The authority to consider objections to nominations is shifted from a panel of school board members to three elected county officers appointed by the chairperson of the county board of supervisors.

• Deadlines for filing petitions and objections are adjusted to align with the county commissioner's schedule and authority.

• Special procedures and transfer requirements are established for nomination papers received by the wrong county commissioner in multi-county districts.

• The bill amends relevant sections to remove the school board secretary's role in filing, accepting, and processing nomination petitions.

• Procedures for objecting to petitions for public measures in school districts remain unchanged.

Mandates that school districts implement policies to address students who disrupt the educational process or violate the student handbook. It authorizes teachers to take disciplinary action and, under certain circumstances, to remove disruptive students from class. The bill also sets procedures following repeated removals and prohibits retaliation against teachers for enforcing discipline. Takes effect December 31, 2026.

Key Points & Impact:

• Requires all school districts to adopt policies for disciplining students who disrupt the educational process or violate the student handbook.

• Authorizes teachers to take disciplinary action, including immediate classroom removal of students whose behavior is disruptive or poses a safety threat.

• Mandates that after a student's third classroom removal, the teacher and principal must confer about behavior patterns and possible disciplinary actions before new actions are taken.

• Requires a conference involving the teacher (or designee) and the student's parent/guardian (or the student if emancipated) before a student returns to class after a third removal, to discuss causes and potential solutions.

• Prohibits principals or administrators from discouraging, prohibiting, or retaliating against teachers for taking disciplinary action in accordance with district policies.

• Prevents school districts from adopting policies that restrict teachers' rights to discipline as outlined in the bill and prohibits retaliation against teachers for exercising these rights.

• Specifies that the bill does not allow teachers to violate district policies adopted under these provisions.

• Establishes the bill's effective date as December 31, 2026.

Expands the definition of "school infrastructure" under the SAVE fund law to include increased insurance expenses resulting from employing individuals with a professional permit to carry weapons. This allows school districts to use SAVE funds to pay for such insurance costs, which are associated with hiring armed personnel under specific state permitting provisions.

Key Points & Impact:

• Expands the definition of 'school infrastructure' for SAVE fund purposes.

• Allows SAVE fund expenditures for increased insurance premiums linked to employing armed staff.

• Applies to employees with a professional permit to carry weapons issued under Code section 724.6(1)(a)(3).

• Targets insurance costs that result specifically from hiring armed personnel, not general insurance costs.

• Potentially facilitates the employment of armed staff by offsetting related insurance expenses.

• Does not require, but permits, such use of SAVE funds—districts retain discretion.

• No changes to the types of staff eligible to carry weapons—only funding mechanism is affected.

• May impact district budgeting and insurance procurement strategies.

Requires additional oversight, training, and accountability regarding curriculum, educational materials, and training in public institutions of higher education and school districts. It expands the list of individuals responsible for ensuring compliance (including employees, contractors, and volunteers), prohibits the use of any funds or resources for violating activities, and allows for civil actions against school districts without demonstrating personal harm. It also mandates training for relevant personnel on these requirements and prohibitions.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Requires administrators of public higher education institutions to ensure all employees and contractors providing staff or student training receive training about legal requirements and prohibitions regarding specific defined concepts.

• Expands responsibility in school districts to include not only superintendents and employees, but also contractors and volunteers, in ensuring that no curricula, educational materials, or training teach, advocate, encourage, promote, or act upon specific stereotyping or scapegoating based on demographic group membership or identity.

• Prohibits school districts from using any funds (state appropriations or any other sources) to provide curriculum, materials, or training that violate the anti-stereotyping provisions, directly or indirectly.

• Bans the use of district resources, facilities, or staff/student time to support or encourage violations of anti-stereotyping requirements.

• Requires all employees, contractors, and volunteers involved in providing curriculum, materials, or training in school districts to undergo training on compliance with these legal requirements.

• Creates a new civil enforcement mechanism: parents/guardians of students, school district employees, or district residents may file for injunctive relief against districts violating these requirements without needing to show personal harm.

• Clarifies that the new civil enforcement right is an exception to previous limitations on enforceability of the law.

• Does not appropriate new funds, but restricts the use of existing funds for prohibited activities.

Establishes mandatory consequences for state entities and school districts that violate existing prohibitions on DEI offices or officers and on certain concepts in educational curricula and trainings. If a violation is proven in court, the individual responsible and their knowing supervisor must be terminated, and professional licenses or certifications are subject to mandatory revocation. The bill also imposes significant civil penalties on state entities or school districts, scaled by budget size, and provides new avenues for enforcement through actions by the attorney general or affected individuals. Conforming changes to licensing and revocation procedures are included.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Creates a new requirement for mandatory termination of employment for individuals who violate DEI prohibitions in state entities or school districts, and for supervisors who were aware and failed to act.

• Mandates revocation of professional licenses, certificates, authorizations, or statements of recognition for individuals terminated due to violations.

• Imposes civil penalties on state entities or school districts found in violation: $50,000 if the budget is under $100 million, $100,000 if $100 million or more, to be deposited in the state general fund.

• Allows the attorney general or affected parties (students, alumni, employees) to bring actions to enforce compliance and seek injunctive relief against violations by school districts.

• Establishes specific venue options for bringing civil actions related to school district violations.

• Requires licensing boards, the board of educational examiners, and the Iowa Supreme Court to revoke licenses or certifications when employment is terminated for these violations.

• Adds an exception in existing law to reference new enforcement provisions for school districts.

• Creates new sections of law detailing prohibited training/curriculum concepts, enforcement actions, penalties, and license revocation procedures.

Eliminates the state tuition organization (STO) tax credit by prohibiting credits for contributions made on or after July 1, 2026, and reduces the aggregate credit cap for calendar year 2026. The code section authorizing the credit is repealed effective July 1, 2032. Related statutory references are also stricken to reflect the repeal. The measure does not contain direct appropriations.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Prohibits the use of STO tax credits for contributions made on or after July 1, 2026.

• Prevents school tuition organizations from issuing tax credit certificates for contributions received on or after July 1, 2026.

• Reduces the maximum aggregate STO tax credits available for calendar year 2026 from $20 million to $10 million.

• Eliminates authorization for new STO credits for calendar years after 2026.

• Sets the repeal of the STO tax credit code section (422.11S) for July 1, 2032, allowing time for carryforward of existing credits.

• Strikes statutory references to the STO tax credit effective July 1, 2032, to align with the repeal date.

• Does not impact STO credits for contributions made prior to July 1, 2026, allowing for continued use and carryforward until repeal.

• No appropriations or new funding are included in the bill.

Creates a nonrefundable individual income tax credit for recent graduates of Iowa Board of Regents institutions who paid nonresident tuition and are now Iowa residents employed as healthcare professionals, teachers, licensed veterinarians, or professional engineers. The credit equals the difference between nonresident and resident tuition rates for the years attended. Excess credit can be carried forward up to five years but cannot benefit those who become nonresidents. The Board of Regents is required to publish tuition data for transparency. The bill applies retroactively to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Establishes a nonresident tuition tax credit for individuals who graduated from an Iowa Board of Regents institution within the past three years and are now employed in Iowa as a healthcare professional, teacher, licensed veterinarian, or professional engineer.

• The tax credit amount is 100% of the difference between nonresident and resident tuition paid by the graduate for each year of attendance.

• Credit is nonrefundable, but unused amounts may be carried forward for up to five years or until exhausted, whichever comes first.

• If the taxpayer becomes a nonresident, remaining credit cannot be applied to future tax liability.

• Married taxpayers filing separately must allocate the credit proportionally to earned income.

• Board of Regents must publish a decade's worth of tuition data for both resident and nonresident students at each institution.

• Applies retroactively to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

• Targets high-need professions (healthcare, teaching, veterinary, engineering) to encourage retention of graduates in Iowa.

Imposes a new annual tax on the endowment values exceeding $500 million for public and private colleges and universities. The tax rate is set at the highest corporate income tax rate (currently 7.1%). Revenues from public institutions go to the Iowa workforce grant incentive fund, while revenues from private institutions are deposited in a new account to supplement tuition grants for students in high-wage and high-demand job majors. The bill also caps gift processing fees at 5% and endowment management fees at 1% for institutions governed by the board of regents. New administrative rules and appropriations mechanisms are established to implement these changes.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Imposes an annual endowment tax on Iowa colleges/universities with endowments exceeding $500 million, at the highest corporate income tax rate.

• Defines 'endowment' and 'endowment value' for purposes of the tax, including assets held by related organizations.

• Tax revenues from public institutions (board of regents) are appropriated to the Iowa workforce grant incentive fund.

• Tax revenues from private institutions are appropriated to a new 'high-wage and high-demand jobs' account within the Iowa tuition grants fund.

• Funds in the new account are used to supplement tuition grants for students in majors leading to high-wage, high-demand jobs, as identified by state workforce authorities.

• Caps fees for processing gifts to institutions at 5% of gross proceeds, and annual endowment management fees at 1% of endowment value for board of regents institutions.

• Requires new administrative rules for the approval and awarding of supplemental tuition grants after January 1, 2028.

  • Establishes appropriations mechanisms to ensure funds do not revert to the state general fund and are available for future tuition grants.

Requires expanded instruction in civics and United States government for students in grades 7-12. It mandates at least one-half semester of civics and U.S. government instruction in both grades 7 and 8, and increases the high school graduation requirement from a half-unit to a full unit of civics and U.S. government, specifying content that must be covered. These requirements are extended to charter and innovation zone schools. The changes take effect for school years beginning on or after July 1, 2028.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Adds explicit requirement for instruction in both civics and United States government for grades 7 and 8, mandating at least one-half semester (or equivalent) in each grade.

• Expands the requirement for high school social studies to include one full unit (increased from one-half unit) of civics and United States government instruction.

• Specifies that the civics and U.S. government unit must include: (a) voting procedures, and (b) a study and assessment of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

• Extends new curriculum requirements to charter schools and innovation zone schools, not just public and accredited nonpublic schools.

• Amends compliance language in Iowa Code to ensure these schools are subject to the same social studies standards as school districts.

• Clarifies that instruction in voting procedures must cover statutes, voter registration, paper ballots, voting systems, and absentee ballots.

• Establishes an effective date for these changes: applicable to school years starting on or after July 1, 2028.

• Removes and replaces references to 'one-half unit' with 'one unit' of civics and U.S. government in high school graduation requirements.

Changes eligibility requirements for the state's ESA program. It restricts universal eligibility to only the 2025-2026 school year, after which ESA eligibility is limited to students from households with annual incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Restricts universal ESA eligibility to the 2025-2026 school year only.

• Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, eligibility for ESA payments is limited to students from households earning no more than 400% of federal poverty guidelines.

• Adds a new income-based eligibility requirement for ESAs, replacing the prior universal eligibility.

• Applies to resident pupils attending nonpublic schools in grades K-12.

• The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

• Clarifies the specific school year (2025-2026) for which universal eligibility applies.

Creates new responsibilities for school district teachers and staff who work with students with IEPs or Section 504 plans. Teachers must read the relevant plan and provide written confirmation to the appropriate staff member. School employees assisting in instruction must attend all related meetings unless a parent objects. The state mandates that costs for these requirements are to be covered by existing school foundation aid, and no additional state funding will be provided.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Teachers who instruct students with IEPs must read the IEP and provide written notice to the IEP team's special education teacher.

• Teachers who instruct students with Section 504 plans must read the plan and provide written notice to either the student's special education teacher or principal.

• All school district employees assisting in classroom instruction for students with IEPs or Section 504 plans are required to attend all related meetings for those students, unless objected to by a parent or guardian.

• These new requirements are established as a new section (279.89) in the Code.

• The bill specifies that school districts must use state school foundation aid to pay for costs associated with these requirements.

• No additional state funding will be provided for implementing these mandates; compliance is required with existing resources.

• The bill addresses both students with IEPs (special education) and those with Section 504 plans (disability accommodation).

• Parents or guardians retain the right to object to employee attendance at their child's meetings.

Prohibits school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from entering into agreements with public libraries that allow students to use school-issued ID cards to access library resources. It also prohibits these schools from allowing mobile libraries to visit school property for book lending events. Definitions for 'mobile library' and 'public library' are established. These prohibitions are applied to charter and innovation zone schools in the same manner as traditional school districts.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Prohibits school districts from entering agreements with public libraries that allow student IDs to be used for accessing library resources.

• Bans school districts from permitting mobile libraries to access school property for book checkout events involving students.

• Defines 'mobile library' as a motor vehicle owned or operated by a public library for transporting books and educational materials.

• Defines 'public library' as city-established libraries or library districts under chapter 336.

• Extends these prohibitions to charter schools and innovation zone schools, requiring compliance as with school districts.

• Amends Iowa Code sections 256E.7 and 256F.4 to include compliance requirements for charter and innovation zone schools.

• Creates new section 279.89 establishing the prohibitions and definitions.

• Direct and immediate implication: restricts students' access to public library materials via school-facilitated means.

Prohibits schools from discriminating against students for engaging in religious, political, or ideological speech and expression on equal terms with other students. It requires the Iowa Department of Education to distribute federal guidance and develop professional training and a model policy on protected expression. Schools must notify employees of these rights, offer related professional development, and certify annual compliance. The bill allows students or their clubs to seek civil remedies and imposes a minimum $5,000 penalty for violations, and waives sovereign immunity for such cases. Exceptions are made for unprotected speech and disruptive conduct.

Key Points & Impact:

• Prohibits discrimination or penalties against students for religious, political, or ideological speech and expression, provided it is on equal footing with other students' rights.

• Mandates the Department of Education to annually distribute federal guidance on constitutionally protected prayer and religious expression to all relevant school officials and staff, both electronically and by mail.

• Requires publication of federal guidance on the Department's website and development/distribution of a professional development training program on protected expression.

• Directs the Department to develop a model policy for schools to comply with federal religious expression standards and requires schools to adopt and annually certify such a policy.

• Explicitly extends protected speech and expression provisions to charter and innovation zone schools, requiring compliance as with school districts.

• Allows students or student clubs to bring civil actions for violations, including declaratory and injunctive relief, damages, attorneys fees, and a mandatory minimum $5,000 penalty payable to the prevailing party.

• Waives sovereign immunity for school districts in these matters and allows federal court jurisdiction; sets a two-year statute of limitations for claims, with tolling for ongoing violations.

• Specifies that schools may still prohibit speech not protected by the First Amendment, unwelcome speech that denies educational opportunities, and conduct that disrupts school operations or others' expressive activities.

Prohibits school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation to students in kindergarten through grade 12. Previously, this prohibition applied only to students in kindergarten through grade 6. 

Key Points & Impact:

• Expands the prohibition on instruction, programs, or surveys related to gender theory or sexual orientation from grades K-6 to K-12 in all public, charter, and innovation zone schools.

• Amends curriculum requirements so that human growth and development instruction in grades 7-12 must comply with the prohibition on gender theory and sexual orientation content.

• Clarifies that any health education unit content options (e.g., personal health, nutrition, substance use, emotional health) must exclude gender theory and sexual orientation topics in grades K-12.

• Updates references and compliance requirements in statutes governing charter and innovation zone schools to align with the expanded prohibition.

• Requires all human growth and development instruction (including that on human sexuality, self-esteem, stress management, interpersonal relationships, and domestic abuse) for grades 7-12 to be subject to the new law.

• Replaces previous language referring to grades K-6 with grades K-12 in all relevant code sections.

• Ensures that the new restrictions apply equally across traditional public schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

• Does not alter the requirement for age-appropriate and research-based health education, but subjects it to the new prohibitions.

Requires undergraduate students at Iowa regents institutions complete introductory survey courses in American history and American government as part of general education or core curriculum requirements (with specified exceptions). The bill also establishes requirements for university centers to designate qualifying courses, institutes an annual review and reporting process, and requires the creation of an ongoing lecture and debate series to promote civil discourse. It additionally strikes an existing requirement for the University of Iowa's center for intellectual freedom to offer a specific course.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Requires all undergraduate students at regents institutions (beginning enrollment on or after July 1, 2028) to complete introductory survey courses in American history and American government as part of general education or core curricula.

• Each required course must be comprehensive and carry at least three semester hours of credit.

• Courses may satisfy social sciences or humanities general education/core requirements, as designated by the institution.

• Transfer students must receive equivalent credit for substantially similar previous coursework in these subjects.

• The requirement does not apply to students in degree programs of three years or less.

• University centers (at University of Iowa, Iowa State, and University of Northern Iowa) must annually designate courses that fulfill these requirements.

• Eliminates the current statutory requirement that the University of Iowa’s center for intellectual freedom offer at least one three-credit course in American history and civil government.

• Mandates each center to establish a lecture and debate series promoting civil dialogue, and requires annual reports on achievements and development challenges from specified university centers.

Changes the timing for school district bond elections, requiring that such elections can only be held on the same date as the general election (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year). Previously, the law did not specifically restrict school district bond elections to this date. The change aims to standardize and potentially increase voter participation in these elections.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Adds a new provision specifying that school district bond elections must be held on the general election date in even-numbered years.

• Distinguishes between bond elections for school districts and other political subdivisions, with the new restriction applying only to school districts.

• Previously, bond elections could be scheduled on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, without specifying even-numbered years for school districts.

• Intended to align school district bond elections with higher turnout general elections.

• May limit the flexibility of school districts to schedule bond elections at other times.

• Could impact the planning and timing of school district funding initiatives.

Prohibits any courses or requirements containing DEI or CRT-related content from being included in undergraduate general education and core curricula at regents institutions. The board must review all existing requirements and ensure removal of such content or courses by December 31, 2026.

Key Points & Impact:

• Defines 'diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory-related content' in detail, including topics such as systemic racism, whiteness, intersectionality, and more.

• Prohibits undergraduate general education requirements or core curricula from including courses or requirements with DEI or CRT-related content at regents institutions.

• Mandates the Board of Regents to establish and implement these prohibitions as formal policy.

• Requires a comprehensive review of all undergraduate general education and core curricula to identify and remove DEI/CRT-related content or requirements.

• Sets a deadline of December 31, 2026, for policy implementation and curriculum review and revision.

• Specifies that the restriction applies to course descriptions, objectives, outcomes, exams, assignments, or any requirements involving DEI/CRT content.

• Aims to prevent teaching or promoting concepts such as systemic or institutional racism, implicit bias, gender identity, social justice, and related topics in general education.

• Applies only to general education and core curriculum, not to all courses offered at institutions.

Adds a new requirement for private institutions participating in the Iowa tuition grant program: they must not establish, sustain, support, or staff DEI offices. It defines what constitutes a DEI office and outlines specific exceptions (e.g., legal compliance, academic departments, recruitment, student organizations). The bill provides a process for reporting violations to the attorney general, who is responsible for enforcement. Non-compliant institutions may lose eligibility for the tuition grant program until corrective action is taken. Additional amendments clarify that institutions must adopt policies for compliance with the new requirements.

Key Points & Impacts

• Adds new eligibility criteria for private colleges in the Iowa tuition grant program, requiring compliance with new anti-DEI office rules (amends 'accredited private institution' and 'eligible institution' definitions to reference new paragraph 'l').

• Strikes old reference to eligibility criteria paragraphs 'a'–'k' and replaces with 'a'–'l', incorporating the new compliance policy requirement.

• Requires private institutions to adopt a policy for compliance with the new DEI prohibition (new paragraph 'l').

• Creates Chapter 261M, defining 'diversity, equity, and inclusion office' and enumerating activities and offices that are excluded from the definition (e.g., legal compliance, academic departments for credit, recruitment, student organizations).

• Prohibits private institutions from establishing, supporting, or staffing DEI offices, except as required by law or accreditation standards.

• Lists exceptions, clarifying that the prohibition does not apply to academic course instruction, research, student organizations, guest speakers, or licensed health services.

• Establishes a complaint and enforcement process through the attorney general; institutions have 30 days to correct violations or demonstrate compliance.

• Institutions found in violation and not correcting it in the given time become ineligible for the Iowa tuition grant program the following academic year; eligibility may be restored if compliance is achieved by October 1 of an academic year.

Requires the Board of Educational Examiners revoke or deny educator licenses or certificates for publicly celebrating acts of politically motivated violence, including the killing of Charles J. Kirk. A single verified instance, whether on social media or other public forums, is sufficient for such action, provided certain criteria are met (e.g., moral turpitude, disruption, undermining public confidence). The bill defines key terms, requires initiation of proceedings upon credible evidence, and clarifies that constitutionally protected speech cannot alone be grounds for disciplinary action. These provisions are effective immediately and retroactively to September 10, 2025.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Requires BOEE to revoke or deny educator licenses/certificates for publicly celebrating politically motivated violence, specifically including the killing of Charles J. Kirk.

• A single verified public instance (e.g., social media post, public statement) is sufficient for disqualification or revocation if it meets specified criteria (moral turpitude/unfitness, disruption, undermining confidence).

• Defines 'celebrate' to include public expressions of approval or joy about politically motivated violence, listing explicit examples (e.g., 'Good riddance', 'One less fascist', 'He deserved it').

• Defines 'credible evidence' to include screenshots, videos, sworn complaints, and similar documentation.

• Mandates BOEE to initiate revocation proceedings upon receipt of credible evidence of celebration of such acts.

• Prohibits BOEE from revoking/suspending/denying licenses solely based on speech protected by the First Amendment or on religious, political, or ideological viewpoints, except as provided in the new subsection on celebrating violence.

• Clarifies that protection for First Amendment/religious/political speech does not shield those who publicly celebrate politically motivated violence from disciplinary action.

• Applies retroactively to September 10, 2025, and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires all school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools install video recording systems in each special education classroom. The recording systems and any resulting footage must comply with state and federal privacy laws, including FERPA. The cost of compliance is to be covered by the existing state school foundation aid received by school districts, with no additional state appropriations required for implementation.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Mandates installation of video recording systems in every special education classroom within public, charter, and innovation zone schools.

• Requires that video systems and recordings comply with all relevant state and federal privacy laws, including FERPA.

• Adds compliance requirements to relevant sections for charter and innovation zone schools, treating them the same as school districts for this mandate.

• Establishes a new section (279.89) in the Iowa Code to specifically address video recording in special education classrooms.

• Specifies that the cost of implementing this mandate must be covered by the existing state school foundation aid provided to districts.

• Explicitly states that no additional state funding will be provided for this requirement beyond current aid.

• Ensures that the mandate is considered fully funded per state requirements by specifying payment source.

• Applies to all relevant educational entities beginning with the effective date of the bill.

Makes modifications for school districts and entities supported by taxation. Key changes include alternative notice publication options for small school districts, removal of certain public hearing requirements, expanded access for school board members to instructional and professional development materials, authorization for electronic signatures and contracts, changes in the publication of school board proceedings, updated rules for the sale of public bonds, reallocation of excess school funds without public hearings, and clarifies voting procedures for conference boards. It also removes special open enrollment deadlines for online learning. Appropriations are not included; the bill is focused on governance, transparency, and procedural reforms.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Allows small school districts (≤1,200 students) to publish hearing notices via the district website, attendance centers, and administrative offices instead of newspapers.

• Removes the requirement for school boards to hold certain public hearings before participating in instructional support programs, transferring funds from flexibility accounts, or moving excess before/after school funds.

• Gives school board members explicit access to curriculum, library materials, and professional development content, and allows classroom observation with prior notice.

• Permits use of electronic signatures and contracts for hiring support staff and for the board president or designee to authorize payments and electronic funds transfers.

• Changes the publication of school board proceedings and claims: salary information now published only annually online; regular claims and proceedings must be published with details but salary claims are excluded from meeting proceedings.

• Updates bond sale notice requirements to allow publication in recognized electronic/written national outlets, not just local newspapers, and modernizes electronic bidding procedures.

• Eliminates the special open enrollment deadline exemption for students seeking online learning, standardizing open enrollment application deadlines.

• Clarifies and updates the composition and voting units of county and city conference boards, replacing 'high school districts' with 'school districts containing a high school' and adjusting voting rules.

Allows community-based providers, not just school districts, to directly implement and receive state funding for the statewide preschool program for four-year-old children. It defines eligibility, participation requirements, and funding rules for community-based providers, including limitations on administrative costs and allowable uses of funds. The bill also amends the school tuition organization tax credit to include licensed nonpublic preschools. These changes take effect for school budget years starting July 1, 2026, with tax credit changes applying to tax years beginning January 1, 2027.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Authorizes community-based providers to directly participate in the statewide preschool program for four-year-olds, not just as partners with school districts but as independent implementers.

• Defines new terms and requirements for community-based providers, including readiness to implement high-quality instruction, data collection, and professional development plans.

• Allows direct state preschool funding (preschool foundation aid) to community-based providers, with a formula based on eligible student enrollment, mirroring the funding process for school districts.

• Limits administrative costs to 5% of state preschool funding for both school districts and community-based providers, with specified permissible uses (e.g., outreach, facility rent).

• Prohibits the use of state preschool funding for facility construction, but permits a wide range of program enhancements and operational costs.

• Sets accountability provisions, including performance measurement and department on-site review, as conditions for continued provider participation and funding.

• Expands the definition of 'qualified school' for the school tuition organization tax credit to include licensed nonpublic preschools, effective for tax years 2027 onward.

• Requires the State Board of Education to adopt emergency rules for rapid implementation and clarifies the applicability dates for the new provisions.

Requires, beginning July 1, 2027, that higher education institutions providing practitioner preparation programs remove all instruction, training, or frameworks in required coursework, practicums, seminars, or assessments that include or derive from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) theories or practices, multiculturalism as a classroom management framework, or social and emotional learning (SEL) or behavior conditioning models. It also prohibits institutions from using these concepts to require, promote, or assess student competencies. The bill mandates these programs instead include explicit, skills-based training in firm, authority-centered classroom management and historical/traditional approaches. The State Board of Education must adopt rules requiring compliance review and notification by the Director of Education, with a 12-month remediation period for noncompliance before program approval may be rescinded.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Prohibits, beginning July 1, 2027, the inclusion of DEI theories/practices, multiculturalism as a management framework, and SEL in required practitioner preparation program content or assessments.

• Defines 'diversity, equity, and inclusion,' 'multiculturalism,' and 'social and emotional learning' for purposes of compliance.

• Mandates that higher education institutions do not require, promote, or assess student competencies using prohibited concepts.

• Requires programs to include explicit, skills-based training in firm, consistent, authority-centered classroom management practices (e.g., clear rules, assertive discipline, immediate correction of behavior, structured routines).

• Mandates training in historical or traditional classroom management approaches emphasizing teacher authority, order, discipline, and minimal behavioral ambiguity; may include pre-1990 models if compliant with law.

• Directs the State Board to adopt rules, by July 1, 2027, for Director of Education compliance review of practitioner preparation programs regarding new requirements, including notification to the institution and board.

• Institutions found noncompliant have 12 months to address deficiencies before the board must rescind program approval if compliance is not achieved.

• Applies to students admitted to practitioner preparation programs on or after July 1, 2027.

Modifies calculation for school foundation aid. Takes effect July 1, 2026.

Requires schools to adopt policies related to excusing student absences for civic or political events. Applies to students in grades 9-12.

Makes changes related to human growth and development instruction, including required curriculum.

Prohibits schools from enrolling a pupil in human growth and development classes without parental consent.

Changes the preschool budget enrollment used to determine funding. Applies to school budget years beginning on July 1, 2026.

Prohibits schools and libraries from providing digital materials to students grades K-12 under certain circumstances. Takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Modifies current law regarding prohibited education on sexual orientation and gender identify, and prohibits DIE efforts at public schools, community colleges, and universities.

Establishes the school security personnel grant program for school districts with a total enrollment of less than 1,000 students.

Establishes the school security personnel grant program to offset costs associated with employing or retaining the services of security personnel.

Allows schools to offer elective religion classes to grades 9-12.

Expands the permissible uses of SAVE fund moneys by amending the definition of "school infrastructure." It now includes increased insurance costs related to employing individuals with a professional permit to carry weapons. This change specifically refers to employees permitted under Code section 724.6(1)(a)(3) and allows districts to use SAVE funds to offset related insurance expenses.

Key Points & Impact:

• Adds a new subparagraph to the definition of 'school infrastructure' in Iowa Code 423F.3.

• Permits expenditure of SAVE funds for increased insurance costs due to employing staff with a professional weapons permit.

• Applies specifically to those with a professional permit to carry weapons under section 724.6(1)(a)(3).

• Broadens the allowable uses of the SAVE fund beyond traditional infrastructure.

• Addresses liability/insurance cost increases as a result of arming certain school staff.

• Does not mandate employment of armed staff, only allows funding flexibility if such staff are employed.

Amends the definition of "qualified educational expenses" under Iowa's education savings account program to require that any nonpublic school receiving ESA tuition payments must comply with the same accountability, transparency, data reporting, and auditing requirements as public school districts. The bill adds a new subsection to explicitly prohibit noncompliant nonpublic schools from receiving such tuition payments.

Key Points & Impact:

• Adds a requirement that nonpublic schools must comply with subsection 12 to be eligible for ESA tuition payments.

• Creates a new subsection (12) mandating nonpublic schools adhere to the same accountability and transparency standards as public school district boards.

• Requires nonpublic schools to follow public school district data reporting requirements for ESA eligibility.

• Mandates that nonpublic schools comply with auditing requirements applicable to public school districts for ESA eligibility.

• Nonpublic schools failing to meet these requirements cannot receive ESA tuition payments from parents or guardians.

Shifts the obligation of providing special education services for students enrolled in accredited nonpublic schools from public school districts and area education agencies (AEAs) to the nonpublic schools themselves. It removes current requirements for public entities to offer special education support to nonpublic school students, prohibits nonpublic schools from accessing AEA services or state/AEA funding for these activities, and mandates that nonpublic schools identify, evaluate, and serve students needing special education at their own expense. The state board of education is tasked with monitoring compliance and may establish rules for direct access to federal IDEA funds. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027.

Key Points & Impact:

• Strikes requirements that public school districts and AEAs provide special education services to nonpublic school students, eliminating such services from the public sector for these students.

• Removes the obligation for the director of the department of education to report on the costs of providing special education to nonpublic school students and eliminates related weighting plan adjustments in school budgeting.

• Strikes language requiring AEAs to furnish educational services and programs to nonpublic school students and removes the requirement that these services be comparable to those offered to public school students.

• Mandates that accredited nonpublic schools must identify and evaluate their enrolled students for special education needs and provide appropriate services at their own cost, including creating individualized plans similar to IEPs and offering necessary transportation and equipment.

• Requires nonpublic schools to employ or contract with licensed special education professionals and submit documentation and reports to the state education department.

• Prohibits nonpublic schools from using AEA-provided special education services, staffing, or receiving state/AEA funding for required special education activities, but allows for potential direct access to federal IDEA funds if permitted by state board rules.

• Directs the state board of education to monitor nonpublic school compliance, establish recordkeeping and reporting rules, and provide technical assistance; also allows rulemaking for direct federal funding access.

• Clarifies the bill does not limit students' rights to a free appropriate public education from public school districts as required by federal law (IDEA).

Establishes the Nonpublic School Safety Infrastructure Fund to provide grants to nonpublic schools for safety and security infrastructure projects. The fund will receive $1 million per year from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund starting in FY27, in addition to other accepted contributions. 

Key Points & Impact:

• Creates a separate Nonpublic School Safety Infrastructure Fund in the state treasury, managed by the Department of Education.

• Funds are designated solely for grants to nonpublic (accredited) schools for school safety and security infrastructure projects.

• Allows the fund to accept gifts, grants, bequests, private contributions, as well as state or federal funds.

• Explicitly appropriates all moneys in the fund to the Department of Education for the stated grant purposes.

• Requires the Department of Education to adopt rules for competitive grant distribution, including eligibility, application process, and award limits.

• Provides that unawarded funds do not revert at fiscal year end, and interest earned is credited to the fund.

• Amends Code section 423F.2 to direct $1 million per year from the SAVE fund to the new fund, effective July 1, 2026.

• Adds a new distribution step to the SAVE fund, prioritizing the new grant fund after existing allocations.

Requires school districts adhere to all provisions of Iowa Code chapter 22 regarding public records. It allows individuals who believe their rights under the public records law have been violated by a school district to seek enforcement through existing legal channels, which include civil actions, monetary damages, attorney fees, and potential removal from office for repeated violations.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Requires school district boards of directors to comply with all public records laws under Iowa Code chapter 22.

• Empowers individuals aggrieved by a school district's failure to provide public records access to enforce their rights via chapter 22's provisions.

• Enforcement mechanisms available include seeking writs of mandamus or injunctions against non-compliant school district boards.

• Civil remedies such as monetary damages, recovery of costs, and attorney fees are available for prevailing parties.

• Repeat violations by a lawful custodian may result in removal from office.

• Clarifies that all public records provisions applicable to other governmental bodies also apply to school districts.

• Emphasizes accountability and transparency in school district record-keeping and public access.

• Does not introduce new penalties, but reinforces existing civil enforcement measures.

Reduces the foundation property tax rate required of Iowa school districts from $5.40 to $4.04 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, with proportional reductions for recently reorganized and dissolved districts. It also repeals the education savings account (ESA) program and removes all related references from the Iowa Code. The bill adjusts the calculation of family farm and agricultural land tax credits to align with the new lower levy rate. The tax rate amendments apply to school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. The education savings account program is fully repealed for school years starting on or after July 1, 2026. Both divisions of the bill take effect upon enactment.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Reduces the general foundation property tax levy for school districts from $5.40 to $4.04 per $1,000 of assessed value.

• Lowers corresponding foundation property tax rates for reorganized and dissolved school districts over the transition years, aligning with the new base rate.

• Updates the calculation method for family farm and agricultural land tax credits to reference the new lower levy rate instead of the former $5.40 benchmark.

• Strikes all statutory language establishing and referencing the education savings account (ESA) program, including funding mechanisms and eligibility.

• Removes ESA-related adjustments from calculations of several school supplemental funding programs (teacher salary, professional development, early intervention, teacher leadership).

• Ensures property tax credits for FY 2026-2027 are calculated with the amended levy rates.

• Specifies that the statutory changes to levy rates and tax credits apply to school budget years on or after July 1, 2026.

• Both the tax and ESA repeals are effective immediately upon enactment, with the substantive changes applying to the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.

Requires annual reporting related to antisemitism for all Iowa public school districts, community colleges, and regents institutions. Each institution must report incidents and complaints of antisemitism, as well as the outcomes of related investigations, to designated state boards by September 1 each year. The State Board of Regents is also required to annually review institutional policies concerning antisemitism and include its findings in its report. The State Board of Education must compile these reports and submit a comprehensive report to the General Assembly and Governor by October 1 each year.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Creates a new annual reporting requirement for incidents and complaints of antisemitism in all public school districts, community colleges, and regents institutions.

• Public school districts, community colleges, and regents institutions must report by September 1 each year to designated state boards.

• Reports must include findings and outcomes of any investigations into antisemitism incidents or complaints.

• Defines 'antisemitism' according to the existing definition in section 216F.1 of Iowa Code.

• The State Board of Regents must conduct an annual review of its institutions' policies regarding antisemitic actions and speech and include this in its report.

• The State Board of Education is responsible for compiling all submissions and providing a comprehensive report to the General Assembly and Governor by October 1 each year.

• Establishes new subsections or sections in Iowa Code for these requirements (sections 256.7, 260C.14, 262.93A, and 279.89).

Requires the Department of Education to initiate and oversee a pilot program where selected rural and urban school districts must each establish an attendance center for students needing special education or who have significant behavioral challenges. The program requires targeted funding from existing special education allocations, defines strict eligibility and district criteria, and institutes annual reporting to the legislature. The pilot program is scheduled for repeal in 2031.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Requires the Department of Education to select one rural and one urban school district to participate in the pilot program.

• Mandates each selected district to establish a dedicated attendance center for eligible students requiring special education or with behavioral issues.

• Defines 'eligible students' as those needing special education or whose behavioral/emotional needs impede success in regular environments.

• Requires at least 48% of the 90% of special education support funds (per section 257.10(7)) received by participating districts to be used for the pilot program.

• The Department, together with the districts, determines curriculum, course offerings, and facilities for the centers.

• Participating districts must submit annual reports covering participation, outcomes, feedback from students, parents, and teachers, and recommendations.

• The Department must compile district reports and submit them to the legislature annually.

• The pilot program and its requirements are set to be repealed on July 1, 2031.

Expands prohibitions on teaching, advocating, or promoting stereotyping and scapegoating based on demographic group membership or identity within public institutions of higher education and school districts. It requires training for employees, contractors, and volunteers on these prohibitions, bans the use of any funding or resources for activities violating these rules, and allows parents, employees, or residents to bring civil actions to enforce compliance without showing harm. Additional tracking and quality standards for compliance training are established.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Expands responsibility for compliance to all school district employees, contractors, and volunteers—not just superintendents and contractors.

• Explicitly prohibits use of any funds or resources (including appropriations, grants, donations, tuition, etc.) for curriculum, educational materials, or training that violate anti-stereotyping/scapegoating provisions.

• Requires all employees, contractors, and volunteers in public higher education institutions and school districts to receive training on these legal requirements and prohibitions.

• Mandates that this compliance training be tracked and held to the same quality standards as other required professional development.

• Allows parents, employees, and residents to bring civil actions for injunctive relief against school districts violating these provisions, with no requirement to show personal harm.

• Clarifies that curriculum, educational materials, and training provided by any employee, contractor, or volunteer must not teach or promote the prohibited concepts.

• Prohibits the use of district resources, facilities, or staff/student time to violate or encourage violation of the anti-stereotyping provisions.

• Creates an explicit exception to allow civil actions for enforcement, despite a general bar on creating individual rights or benefits in this section.

Consolidates and updates the legal framework for charter schools by eliminating provisions for innovation zone schools, transferring and reorganizing relevant code sections, and introducing significant operational, funding, and service changes for charter schools. Key reforms include expanding funding provisions, mandating area education agency services for charter schools, altering how and when charter schools open, and clarifying access to extracurricular activities and driver education for charter school students. The bill also lengthens contract terms for legacy charter schools, adds performance framework requirements, and establishes modernized procedures for charter school operations and oversight.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Eliminates all statutory language authorizing 'innovation zone schools,' effectively prohibiting their future establishment and removing related operational, funding, and reporting provisions.

• Transfers, consolidates, and reorganizes existing charter school (chapter 256E) and legacy charter school (former chapter 256F) statutes into a single chapter with two subchapters, clarifying governance and applicability.

• Lengthens the term of legacy charter school contracts from four to five years and requires incorporation of a performance framework akin to new charter school contracts; applies to renewals after the bill's effective date.

• Expands charter school funding by adding the 'teacher salary supplement state cost per pupil' to the funds charter schools receive, effective for school budget years beginning after July 1, 2026.

• Mandates that Area Education Agencies (AEAs) provide educational and media services to students enrolled in charter schools and outlines a mechanism for AEA funding by deducting from district state aid accordingly.

• Requires public school districts to allow charter school students to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests under specific conditions, and clarifies responsibility for associated student fees.

• Mandates both public school districts and charter schools to offer or make available driver education courses to eligible charter school students, with cost responsibilities specified.

• Modifies charter school contract commencement: contracts now generally open two school years after execution (with an early opening option if the state board deems preparation adequate), and requires detailed start-up monitoring in the contract.

Allows school districts to choose between maintaining the current 10-hour weekly preschool instruction minimum or providing increased instructional hours (15 hours in FY 2026-2027 and 20 hours from FY 2027-2028 onward) for students from families with incomes below 185% of the federal poverty level, while other students remain at 10 hours. Funding calculations for districts adopting heightened requirements are adjusted to provide greater weight for low-income students receiving increased hours.

Key Points & Impacts:

• School districts may opt to provide a higher minimum of weekly preschool instruction hours for low-income children (15 hours in FY 2026-2027; 20 hours in FY 2027-2028 and beyond), while maintaining a 10-hour minimum for other children.

• Families of eligible low-income children can choose between the standard 10 hours or the higher minimum hours offered by the district.

• Funding (preschool budget enrollment) is recalculated for districts adopting higher hour minimums: for 2026-2027, low-income students receiving 15 hours per week count as 75% enrollment, while for 2027-2028 and beyond, those receiving 20 hours count as 100% enrollment; all other students remain at 50%.

• Districts that maintain the current 10-hour minimum for all students continue to calculate budget enrollment at 50% of eligible students.

• Districts must decide their instructional hour structure at the start of each school year.

• The bill specifically targets increased preschool access and funding for students from households below 185% FPL.

• The bill does not change funding or requirements for districts that do not adopt the heightened hour minimums for low-income students.

• The changes are phased in over two school years, with different hour and funding requirements for each phase.

Modifies provisions related to electric power, including generation, storage, transmission facility rate-making principles, creating tariffs for public utility innovation programs, implementing land restoration standards, and modifying the energy infrastructure revolving loan program.

Requires any pipeline company applying for a permit with eminent domain powers must disclose the names, home addresses, and investment ranges of all project investors. Non-compliance results in a civil penalty of at least $1 million and allows Iowa residents to sue for damages. These provisions apply retroactively to relevant applications since July 1, 2019, and the law takes effect immediately.

Key Points & Impact:

• Adds new section 479B.34 requiring pipeline companies seeking eminent domain to disclose all project investors' names, addresses, and investment ranges in permit applications.

• Defines 'investor' as any natural person with a beneficial interest exceeding $1, directly or via a business association.

• Investment ranges to be disclosed are: $1–$9,999.99, $10,000–$49,999.99, $50,000–$99,999.99, $100,000–$499,999.99, $500,000–$999,999.99, and $1 million or over.

• Failure to fully and accurately disclose required information results in a mandatory civil penalty of at least $1 million, assessed by the commission.

• Creates a private cause of action for any Iowa resident to seek damages resulting from a pipeline company's disclosure violation.

• Amends Section 479B.4 to reference the new investor disclosure requirements for permit issuance.

• Applies retroactively to any pipeline permit application submitted on or after July 1, 2019.

• Takes effect immediately upon enactment, overriding standard effective date delays.

Creates new water usage reporting requirements for certain large facilities in Iowa. Facilities that use or can use 25,000 gallons or more of water per day and are primarily engaged in data processing, ethyl alcohol manufacturing, or cryptocurrency mining must submit detailed annual water use reports to the Department of Natural Resources by March 31 each year.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Defines 'large water use facility' as one that uses or is capable of using 25,000 gallons or more of water per day.

• Specifies that the reporting requirement applies to facilities primarily engaged in data processing (NAICS 518210), ethyl alcohol manufacturing (NAICS 325193), or cryptocurrency mining.

• Defines 'cryptocurrency' and 'cryptocurrency mining' for the purposes of the law.

• Requires each large water use facility to submit an annual water usage report to the Department of Natural Resources.

• Sets the reporting deadline as March 31 for the previous year's water usage data.

• Mandates that reports include detailed information about the facility's water use.

 Makes provisions related to electric transmission lines, including right of first refusal and land restoration requirements.

Requires a landowner having an interest in property adjoining a public water source to establish and maintain a riparian protection measure.

Prohibits Iowa Utility Commission from considering climate change when determining hazardous liquid pipeline permits.

Prohibits the intentional emission of air contaminants into the atmosphere with the intention to affect temperature, weather, or sunlight intensity.

Prohibits DNR from placing any state water on the impaired waters list due to fecal indicator bacteria unless the department conducts an analysis to designate, by percentage, the contribution of each animal species to the impairment. The analysis may include microbial source tracking. This change aims to ensure greater specificity and accuracy in identifying pollution sources before regulatory action is taken under the Clean Water Act.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Adds a new requirement for the DNR to conduct an analysis before listing waters as impaired due to fecal bacteria.

• The analysis must designate by percentage each animal species contributing to the impairment, if any.

• Microbial source tracking may be used as part of the analysis process.

• Prevents waters from being placed on the 303(d) list for fecal bacteria without source identification.

• Intended to improve accuracy in attributing pollution sources.

• Applies specifically to waters impaired by fecal indicator bacteria under the Clean Water Act framework.

• Aims to impact regulatory decisions and potential remediation efforts by clarifying pollutant origins.

Creates a pilot program to increase groundwater monitoring across Iowa by retrofitting up to 100 existing wells owned by private entities with certified monitoring equipment. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in consultation with the Iowa Geological Survey, will administer the program, which is funded by a $100,000 appropriation for FY 2026-2027. The program aims to provide more comprehensive statewide groundwater data, improve water management, and protect public health. Participation is voluntary, and installations must meet strict safety and quality standards. All collected data will be integrated into the state's monitoring network, and a report on the pilot's results is required by December 31, 2028. The program is repealed July 1, 2029, and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for FY 2026-2027 to establish and administer a groundwater monitoring pilot program.

• Pilot program will retrofit up to 100 existing wells (owned by businesses or private entities) with certified monitoring equipment; participation is voluntary with owner consent.

• Unspent funds do not revert at the end of FY 2026-2027 and remain available through FY 2028-2029.

• Installations must use sanitary well caps, be performed by licensed professionals, and meet national safety standards for potable wells.

• Monitoring equipment must at minimum measure static water level and temperature, with preference for submersible pressure transducers; telemetry may use various cost-effective technologies.

• All monitoring data will be securely transmitted to the Iowa Geological Survey and integrated into the existing network; well owners have access to their own data.

• All costs for installation and equipment are covered by the program within the appropriated amount.

• A report to the legislature is required by December 31, 2028, detailing wells retrofitted, data quality, costs, and recommendations for statewide expansion.

Establishes a new water quality practice program for farmers, providing tax credits for the implementation of edge-of-field and cover crop practices intended to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff. Eligible taxpayers—those who qualify for the family farm tax credit and have a net worth not exceeding $2 million—may apply for tax credits covering up to 50% of the actual or estimated cost of these practices, for a minimum commitment period of 10 years. The total annual tax credit awards are capped at $10 million per fiscal year. The Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, in coordination with the Department of Revenue, is authorized to inspect and verify compliance, issue tax credit certificates, and revoke credits for non-compliance. The bill also outlines definitions, application procedures, and limitations on transferability and refundability of the credits.

Key Points & Impacts

• Establishes a water quality practice program administered by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS) for edge-of-field and cover crop practices.

• Creates two new tax credits: an edge-of-field practice tax credit and a cover crop practice tax credit, both covering up to 50% of qualifying costs.

• Eligibility limited to those who qualify for the family farm tax credit and have a net worth not exceeding $2 million.

• Tax credits require a minimum 10-year commitment to maintain water quality practices.

• Total annual tax credit awards are capped at $10 million statewide per fiscal year.

• Tax credits are non-transferable except to an estate or trust upon the taxpayer's death, and are not refundable but may be carried forward for up to 10 years.

• DALS and soil and water conservation district commissioners are authorized to inspect properties for compliance and may revoke credits for non-compliance, with repayment required as a tax liability.

• Applicants cannot receive both tax credits and other forms of non-repayable financial assistance (such as cost-share) for the same practice costs.

Appropriates funds and establishes new programs to improve water quality. It funds a water quality monitoring network at the Iowa Flood Center, expands the water quality initiative, creates an agricultural best management practices (BMP) income tax credit, establishes an Iowa Clean Water Farm program with a property tax credit, and creates a water quality practices loan and grant program. The bill provides detailed mechanisms for certification, funding, and administration of these initiatives, with the goal of reducing nutrient loads and protecting Iowa's water resources. The tax credits and property tax credits are targeted at landowners implementing approved water quality practices, and substantial appropriations are made for fiscal years 2026–2027 and beyond.

Key Points & Impacts

• Appropriates $600,000 from the general fund to support a water quality monitoring network at the Iowa Flood Center for FY 2026-2027.

• Appropriates $7,125,000 from the environment first fund and $24,600,000 from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund for the water quality initiative to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for FY 2026-2027.

• Establishes an Agricultural Best Management Practices Tax Credit: 50% of unreimbursed costs for eligible water quality practices, up to $150,000 over 10 years, refundable, applicable to tax years 2027+.

• Creates the Iowa Clean Water Farm Program and a property tax credit of $5 per certified acre for land placed in the program, effective for assessment years 2027+; the program is funded by general fund appropriations.

• Requires comprehensive review, certification, and ongoing verification for property and income tax credit eligibility, focusing on nutrient load reduction.

• Establishes a Water Quality Practices Loans and Grants Program (subject to funding) offering no-interest loans and grants to individuals, local governments, and financial institutions for water quality infrastructure projects.

• Allows appropriated funds to be used for demonstration projects, cost-share programs, education/outreach, and urban water conservation, with a 10% cap on administrative costs.

• Mandates rulemaking by relevant departments and includes confidentiality provisions for sensitive landowner information.

Makes changes to current law regarding animal feeding operations, including rewriting AFO definitions and eliminating the provision preventing certain Environmental Protection Commission rules from being more stringent than federal law.

Establishes a regulatory relief program.

Makes the office of consumer advocate an independent agency. Requires the consumer advocate to be appointed by the governor with senate confirmation.

Allows the state auditor to investigate state departments to pursue efficiency in state government.

Automatically resigns a member of Congress if Congress fails to pass a budget by Oct. 31 each year or if the member votes for a continuing resolution automatically extending funding.

Extends the period in which a person may file a complaint with the Iowa Public Information Board for alleged violations of open meetings or open records laws from 60 days to 90 days after the violation occurred or the complainant could have reasonably become aware of it. This change aims to provide complainants with more time to seek recourse.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Extends the complaint filing deadline from 60 days to 90 days after the alleged violation or discovery of the violation.

• Applies to complaints regarding violations of open meetings (chapter 21) and open records (chapter 22) laws.

• No change to who is eligible to file a complaint (aggrieved persons, taxpayers, citizens, attorney general, or county attorneys).

• All complaints filed remain public records.

• No change to the form, content, or means of filing a complaint, only the filing deadline is amended.

• Intended to give complainants increased opportunity to identify and report violations.

Changes requirements for distributing the state employee salary report. Instead of distributing it for free upon request to legislative caucuses, the legislative services agency, the chief clerk of the house, and the secretary of the senate, the Department of Administrative Services must make the report available on its website. Copies will only be provided upon request, and a fee may be charged, not to exceed the cost of providing the copy. The bill also clarifies that these requests must be in electronic format, and all proceeds from report sales go to the printing revolving fund.

Key Points & Impact:

• Removes the requirement to distribute the report for free to legislative caucuses, the legislative services agency, the chief clerk of the house, and the secretary of the senate.

• Requires the Department of Administrative Services to make the state employee salary report available on an internet site it maintains.

• Allows individuals to request electronic copies of the report for a fee not exceeding the cost of providing it.

• Clarifies that only upon request will electronic copies be provided, rather than proactive distribution.

• Specifies that funds from report sales are deposited in the printing revolving fund.

• Updates language regarding report distribution to reflect current technology and practices.

Requires that lawful custodians of public records promptly acknowledge receipt of public records requests, provide contact information for the designee handling the request, give an approximate date for an estimate of reasonable expenses and release of records, and inform requesters of any expected delays. It also clarifies that any expenses for producing records must be reasonable and communicated as specified by new procedures.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Requires lawful custodians to promptly acknowledge public records requests and provide contact information for the authorized designee.

• Mandates that the custodian provide an approximate date for when an estimate of expenses and access to records or a response will be given.

• Obligates the custodian to notify the requester of any expected delays in producing the requested records.

• Clarifies that expenses charged must be reasonable and communicated to the requester following the new notification process.

• Defines 'promptly' as acting with reasonable, good-faith efforts given the circumstances at the time of the request.

• Encourages custodians to provide records at no cost other than copying fees for requests that take less than thirty minutes to fulfill.

• Allows requesters to contest the reasonableness of expenses as provided in the chapter.

• Permits lawful custodians to adopt reasonable rules for examination and copying, and to require payment of necessary expenses for off-site examination if needed.

Requires that if the General Assembly does not enact the state percent of growth and categorical state percent of growth for the next budget year within 30 days after the transmission of the governor’s budget, legislative salaries will be suspended. Salaries withheld during this suspension are permanently forfeited and cannot be paid retroactively. The bill makes the payment of legislative salaries explicitly subject to these new suspension and forfeiture requirements.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Adds a new subsection to Section 2.10 making legislative salary payments subject to suspension and forfeiture as outlined in Section 257.8(2A).

• Establishes a new subsection 257.8(2A) requiring the General Assembly to enact state percent of growth and categorical state percent of growth for the upcoming budget year within 30 days after the governor submits the budget.

• If the legislature fails to act within this timeframe, payment of legislative salaries is suspended starting on day 31 and continues until the required legislation is enacted.

• Suspended legislative salaries under this provision are forfeited and will not be paid retroactively, even after the required action is eventually taken.

• Applies these requirements specifically to the regular legislative session beginning in the base year as referenced by Code section 8.21.

• Creates a direct financial consequence for legislative inaction on timely school funding decisions.

• Clarifies that the provisions governing legislative pay are overridden by this bill's requirements.

• Intended to incentivize prompt legislative action on education funding.

Specifies members of advisory boards, councils, or committees appointed by a school board, city council, or board of supervisors are exempt from mandatory open meetings training. It also clarifies that the exemption applies to any member of a governmental body excluded from the Iowa public information board’s jurisdiction, rather than just a generic member. These changes provide more explicit and broader exemptions from the educational course requirements for certain public officials.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Replaces ambiguous single exception with a list of specific exemptions to member education course requirements.

• Exempts members of governmental bodies excluded from Iowa public information board jurisdiction under section 23.12 from training requirements.

• Adds exemption for members of boards, councils, or committees established solely to provide advice or recommendations.

• Applies this new exemption specifically to those appointed by a school board, city council, or board of supervisors.

• Clarifies which public officials do not need to complete training on open meetings law.

• Limits mandatory training to only those officials not covered by these specific exemptions.

• May reduce training and compliance obligations for advisory committee members.

• Potentially increases clarity for governmental bodies and members regarding training expectations.

Establishes new requirements for 'major rules' adopted by executive branch agencies, mandating that such rules must be ratified by the General Assembly via joint resolution before they become effective. It prescribes expanded content for regulatory analyses and notice procedures, and provides the legislative services agency with a formal review role for major rules. The bill further requires ratification for amendments to Iowa's Clean Air Act state implementation plan before federal submission. Additionally, it shortens terms of service for specified board appointments from six years to four years for those appointed on or after July 1, 2026.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Defines 'major rule' as one that meets certain expenditure thresholds, causes significant adverse effects, or amends the Clean Air Act state implementation plan.

• Requires that major rules adopted by agencies cannot take effect until ratified by the General Assembly and approved by the Governor, with temporary approval possible by the legislative council when necessary.

• Mandates enhanced notice and regulatory analysis requirements for all rules, including detailed cost-benefit comparisons, sources, assumptions, and uncertainties.

• Empowers the legislative services agency to conduct independent regulatory analyses of major rules and, upon request, other rules, with required publication and reporting.

• Requires the administrative rules review committee to review major rule notices before adoption.

• Allows judicial review of whether a rule is a major rule, the completion of required procedures, and the rule's effective date, without ratification extinguishing legal claims.

• Prohibits submission of proposed amendments to the state implementation plan under the Clean Air Act for federal approval until ratified by the legislature and governor.

• Reduces terms of service for specified executive branch board appointments from six to four years for appointments made on or after July 1, 2026.

Requires the Secretary of State to set up a 'red tape reduction' internet site. This site must allow the public to request information about executive branch regulatory restrictions and communicate concerns or suggestions regarding those restrictions. Additionally, the Secretary of State is required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly summarizing the issues raised and information requested through the site.

Key Points & Impacts

• Creates a new legal section requiring a 'red tape reduction' website.

• Website must permit public requests for information on regulatory restrictions.

• Website must enable public communication with the Secretary of State about regulatory restrictions.

• Focuses explicitly on executive branch regulations.

• Mandates an annual report by the Secretary of State to the General Assembly on requests and communications received via the site.

• Report must detail which regulatory restrictions were the subject of public engagement.

• Intended to increase transparency and reduce bureaucratic obstacles ('red tape').

Creates new procedures for state agencies seeking to apply for or accept high-impact federal grants. Agencies must obtain prior approval from the General Assembly (or the legislative council when not in session) before applying for or accepting such grants, defined as grants exceeding $5 million, requiring state matching funds, or requiring new state legislation. Agencies must submit a detailed federal grant request report to the Legislative Services Agency (LSA) before applying or accepting, and the LSA must publish these reports online. Agencies must also promptly submit federal guidance documents and impact statements to the LSA, which will maintain a public database of these documents.

Key Points & Impacts

• Prohibits state agencies from applying for or accepting high-impact federal grants without prior legislative approval.

• Defines 'high-impact federal grant' as those exceeding $5 million in a fiscal year, requiring state match, or requiring new state legislation.

• Requires submission of a federal grant request report to the Legislative Services Agency (LSA) before application or acceptance, detailing grant amount, requirements, and a withdrawal plan.

• Mandates that the LSA publish federal grant request reports on the General Assembly’s website for public access.

• Mandates agencies to submit copies of federal guidance documents related to grants to the LSA within 10 business days of receipt.

• Requires agencies to submit a guidance impact statement summarizing operational and fiscal impacts of federal guidance.

• The LSA must maintain a publicly accessible database of all received federal guidance documents.

• Applies to all state executive departments and agencies, but excludes the courts and the General Assembly.

Prohibits the following provisions in state contracts for goods and services: 1) requiring the state assume a contractor's debt; 2) imposing vendor terms not known at the time of signing or terms that can be changed unilaterally by the vendor; 3) not allowing the Attorney General to defend the state agency; 4) allowing someone other than the Attorney General to consent to a settlement on behalf of the state; 5) requiring the laws of another state or nation to govern the contract; 6) terms requiring blanket confidentiality of contract's terms; 7) making all payment terms, cost proposals and other pricing information confidential; 8) requiring a court venue outside of state courts or federal courts in Iowa; 9) requiring the state to pay for attorney fees and court costs for contract disputes; 10) imposing binding arbitration or other extrajudicial dispute resolution process; 11) waiving state's right to jury trial; 12) requiring state agency to pay late payment charge, higher than typical interest rates, or cancellation charges; 13) obligating the state to pay a tax; 14) requiring prior notification as condition of automatic renewal of software licenses; 15)  obligating the state to assume risk of loss before receipt of goods/services; 16) requiring the state to pay for commercial insurance; 17) requiring the state grant full or partial intellectual property rights to the vendor; 18) shortening the time allowed under Iowa law for the state can pursue a legal claim; and 19) adding documents to a bid that seeks to change the state's contract or impose new contract terms.  Gives state departments the ability to waive these prohibitions if the good/service is otherwise impossible to procure.  Applicable to all contracts entered into or renewed after the effective date of the bill (July 1, 2025).

Establishes definitions for 'original government body' (the entity creating or primarily responsible for a record) and 'secondary lawful custodian' (an entity in physical possession of a record from an original government body). It permits secondary lawful custodians to defer decisions on disclosure to the original government body, relieves them of independent determination duties, and shields them from liability when acting on the original body's instructions. It also requires notification to the requester when deferral occurs and clarifies that reasonable reliance on the original government body's decision constitutes good faith.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Defines 'original government body' as the creator or primary responsible entity for a public record.

• Defines 'secondary lawful custodian' as a custodian in possession of a record provided by the original government body.

• Allows secondary lawful custodians to defer decisions on record disclosure to the original government body.

• Requires secondary lawful custodians to promptly notify requesters of deferrals and provide the identity of the original government body.

• Removes the requirement for secondary lawful custodians to independently determine confidentiality or disclosure eligibility of records.

• Clarifies that reasonable reliance by secondary lawful custodians on the original government body’s determination is deemed good faith under the law.

• Protects secondary lawful custodians from injunctive relief, damages, attorney fees, or costs when acting in reasonable reliance on the original government body’s instructions.

• Specifies that delays for the purpose of deferral do not constitute violations if actions are taken in good faith.

Reduces the number of calendar days members of the Iowa General Assembly receive per diem payments for expenses of office while in session. The first regular session's per diem eligibility is reduced from 110 to 55 days, and the second regular session's eligibility is reduced from 100 to 50 days. All other provisions related to salary, travel, and expense allowances remain unchanged.  This basically cuts session in half.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Reduces per diem eligibility for the first regular session from 110 to 55 days.

• Reduces per diem eligibility for the second regular session from 100 to 50 days.

• All other compensation and expense provisions for legislators remain unchanged.

• The per diem is for expenses of office, not including travel.

• Members from Polk county continue to receive three-fourths of the non-Polk county per diem rate.

• The $300 per month allowance for constituency expenses is unchanged.

• Travel reimbursement remains limited to once per week unless otherwise provided by the General Assembly.

Sets up a process for continuing appropriations if the Iowa General Assembly does not pass an annual budget by July 1. In such cases, the Department of Management, with the Legislative Services Agency, will identify and replicate the prior fiscal year's line item, standing limited, and standing unlimited appropriations (including from federal and nonstate funds) for the new fiscal year. Appropriations will be made to the same entities as in the prior year, excluding one-time appropriations. Duplicative standing appropriations for the fiscal year will be supplanted by this process. All associated provisions—such as allocations, nonreversions, and full-time equivalent positions—will also be carried forward. If a budget is subsequently enacted, the continuing appropriation mechanism ceases for that year.

Key Points & Impacts

• Creates a new section mandating automatic continuing appropriations if annual budget bills are not passed and presented by July 1.

• Directs the Department of Management and Legislative Services Agency to determine and replicate the previous year's appropriations (excluding one-time appropriations).

• Continuing appropriations include all line item, standing limited, and standing unlimited appropriations (including federal and nonstate funds).

• Entities receiving prior-year appropriations will receive the same amounts unless otherwise limited by law.

• Any duplicative standing appropriations for the fiscal year are supplanted by this mechanism.

• All powers, duties, limitations, requirements, allocation amounts, nonreversion provisions, and authorized FTE positions associated with appropriations are continued for the new year.

• Excludes one-time and special project appropriations from being automatically continued.

• The process is discontinued for the fiscal year if a new budget is subsequently passed and presented to the governor.

Expands eligibility for paid parental leave for state employees. Previously, only employees entitled to leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) could receive paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The bill removes this FMLA entitlement requirement, allowing all state employees to receive paid parental leave for qualifying events within twelve months of the birth or adoption of a child.

Key Points & Impact:

• Removes the requirement that state employees must be eligible for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to access paid parental leave.

• Expands paid parental leave eligibility to all state employees, regardless of FMLA status.

• Paid parental leave remains available for the birth or adoption of a child.

• Leave must still be taken within twelve months following the birth or adoption.

• May increase the number of state employees eligible for paid parental leave by removing FMLA restrictions.

Raises annual salaries for Iowa General Assembly members and specified officers from 2027 through 2032, then returns them to previous amounts starting in 2033. It also increases the salaries of the governor, lieutenant governor, and other statewide officials for the period beginning January 1, 2027, until December 31, 2032, after which salaries revert to prior statutory amounts. Funding for these increases is to be provided from appropriated departmental budgets.

Key Points & Impacts

• Increases annual salaries for rank-and-file legislators from $25,000 to $37,000 for years 2027-2032; reverts to $25,000 in 2033 and beyond.

• Raises salaries for legislative leaders (Speaker, Senate presiding officer, majority/minority leaders) from $37,500 to $49,500 for 2027-2032; reverts to $37,500 in 2033 and beyond.

• Raises salaries for president pro tempore and speaker pro tempore from $27,000 to $39,000 for 2027-2032; reverts to $27,000 in 2033 and beyond.

• Maintains existing per diem, travel, and expense allowances for legislators and officers.

• Sets salaries for Governor ($142,000), Lt. Governor ($115,212), Secretary of Agriculture ($115,212), Attorney General ($135,669), Auditor of State ($115,212), Secretary of State ($115,212), and Treasurer of State ($115,212) for 2027-2032.

• Repeals executive salary increases on December 31, 2032; executive salaries revert to those provided in 2005 law.

• Salary increases for both legislators and executives take effect with the convening of the 92nd General Assembly in January 2027.

• All increased salaries are to be paid from department/office appropriated funds.

Prohibits policies providing third-party payment or prepayment of health expenses from imposing cost-sharing for supplemental and diagnostic breast exams that are less favorable than screening mammograms. Applies to policies issued after Jan. 1, 2026.

Requires University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to offer an interview for available medical residency positions to individuals with certain specialties, who is an Iowa resident, earned an undergraduate degree from an Iowa college, or earned a medical degree from an Iowa medical school 

Makes it a crime to manufacture, distribute, prescribe, dispense, sell or transfer abortifacient drugs in the state.

Allows pharmacists to dispense a 12-month supply of self-administered hormonal contraceptives. Requires coverage by Medicaid and third party insurers.

Prohibits a vaccine from being administered unless the manufacturer waives any immunity for an injury arising from a vaccine design defect.

Places restrictions on medication abortion providers. Requires mifepristone to be dispensed directly to a patient in a health care setting. 

Creates a nonrefundable individual income tax credit for recent graduates of Iowa Board of Regents institutions who paid nonresident tuition and are now Iowa residents employed as healthcare professionals, teachers, licensed veterinarians, or professional engineers. The credit equals the difference between nonresident and resident tuition rates for the years attended. Excess credit can be carried forward up to five years but cannot benefit those who become nonresidents. The Board of Regents is required to publish tuition data for transparency. The bill applies retroactively to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Establishes a nonresident tuition tax credit for individuals who graduated from an Iowa Board of Regents institution within the past three years and are now employed in Iowa as a healthcare professional, teacher, licensed veterinarian, or professional engineer.

• The tax credit amount is 100% of the difference between nonresident and resident tuition paid by the graduate for each year of attendance.

• Credit is nonrefundable, but unused amounts may be carried forward for up to five years or until exhausted, whichever comes first.

• If the taxpayer becomes a nonresident, remaining credit cannot be applied to future tax liability.

• Married taxpayers filing separately must allocate the credit proportionally to earned income.

• Board of Regents must publish a decade's worth of tuition data for both resident and nonresident students at each institution.

• Applies retroactively to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

• Targets high-need professions (healthcare, teaching, veterinary, engineering) to encourage retention of graduates in Iowa.

Prohibits the distribution, sale, or administration of any vaccine in Iowa unless the manufacturer waives any legal immunity from lawsuits for injuries resulting from design defects. This includes immunity granted by the federal National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any vaccine manufacturer whose product is distributed, sold, or administered in Iowa is considered to have waived such immunity, making them liable for civil suits regarding vaccine design defects.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Prohibits the distribution, sale, or administration of vaccines in Iowa unless the manufacturer waives immunity from design defect injury lawsuits.

• Explicitly includes immunity granted by the federal National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act in the waiver requirement.

• Deems manufacturers to have waived immunity if their vaccine is distributed, sold, or administered in Iowa, regardless of any expressed waiver.

• Creates a new section in state law (139A.27) specifying the limitation of vaccine distribution dependent on immunity waiver.

• Creates a new section in state law (613.22) establishing the presumed waiver of manufacturer immunity for vaccine injuries.

• Shifts liability exposure for vaccine manufacturers, potentially enabling more civil suits related to vaccine design defects.

• Overrides any contrary provision of law that might otherwise grant or uphold immunity for vaccine manufacturers in these cases.

Appropriates $2 million to the Department of Health and Human Services for FY 2026-2027 to expand the Iowa return to community program. It requires a report on the outcomes of the investment. The bill also maintains existing reimbursement rates for medical assistance, state supplementary assistance, and social service providers, except for a 5% increase for adult day care services under a home and community-based services waiver. Exceptions are made for reimbursements negotiated by contract or updated fee schedules.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Appropriates $2,000,000 for FY 2026-2027 from the general fund to expand the Iowa return to community program.

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report on the outcomes of this investment by December 31, 2027.

• Maintains reimbursement rates for medical assistance, state supplementary assistance, and social service providers at the levels in effect on June 30, 2026, unless otherwise negotiated or scheduled.

• Provides an exception for reimbursement rates negotiated by contract or pursuant to an updated fee schedule.

• Increases reimbursement for adult day care services under a home and community-based services waiver by 5%.

• Targets funding and rate adjustments to support community-based care and provider stability.

Requires health insurance policies, contracts, or plans providing third-party payment or prepayment of health or medical expenses in Iowa to offer a special enrollment period for pregnant women. This period allows a pregnant woman to enroll after pregnancy is certified by a health care professional, up to 16 weeks gestation, without any enrollment fee or penalty. Coverage becomes effective on the first day of the month in which pregnancy is certified, or the following month if the woman chooses. The bill specifies which types of insurance are included and excluded from this requirement and authorizes the insurance commissioner to adopt administrative rules.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Mandates a special enrollment period for pregnant women in specified health insurance policies, contracts, and plans.

• Enrollment is allowed after certification of pregnancy by a licensed health care professional, up to 16 weeks gestation.

• Prohibits fees or penalties for special enrollment of pregnant women.

• Coverage becomes effective on the first day of the month of certification or optionally the following month.

• Applies to individual and group accident and sickness insurance, hospital or medical service contracts, HMO contracts, and public employee plans.

• Excludes certain policies (e.g., accident-only, specified disease, dental/vision, Medicare supplement, long-term care, workers’ compensation, automobile medical payment insurance).

• Effective for policies delivered, issued, continued, or renewed in Iowa on or after January 1, 2027.

• Authorizes the commissioner of insurance to adopt rules to administer the new requirements.

Creates the Iowa rural health transformation fund, which will be managed by the Department of Health and Human Services and will consist of monies from the federal rural health transformation program. The fund is to be used for purposes authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under federal law. The department must report quarterly to the legislature on fund expenditures by city and transmit federal program reports. The bill is repealed October 1, 2032.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Establishes the Iowa rural health transformation fund in the state treasury, separate from the general fund.

• Funds consist of monies received from the federal rural health transformation program (One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Pub. L. No. 119-211).

• Money in the fund is appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services for uses permitted by federal law and CMS guidance.

• Interest and earnings on the fund remain in the fund; funds do not revert to the general fund.

• Quarterly reporting to the legislature is required, detailing expenditures and locations by city.

• All federal financial and performance reports must be shared with the general assembly.

• The fund and its provisions are repealed on October 1, 2032.

• Includes appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services from the fund.

Allows schools to employ an athletic trainer to provide health services to students.

Allows pharmacists to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives (oral, patch, or vaginal ring) to adults (18+) under a standing order without a separate practitioner prescription. It establishes specific requirements for pharmacist training, patient assessment, counseling, and supply limitations (3 months initial, 12 months subsequent). The bill amends insurance law to require coverage for these contraceptives, including under Medicaid, and mandates the collection of dispensing data. Liability protections are provided for pharmacists and the medical director establishing standing orders. The bill also clarifies limitations on replacement coverage for lost or stolen prescriptions.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Allows pharmacists to dispense FDA-approved self-administered hormonal contraceptives to adults (18+) under a standing order without a separate prescription.

• Initial dispensing is limited to a 3-month supply; subsequent dispensing of the same contraceptive may be up to a 12-month supply at one time.

• Pharmacists must complete standardized training, obtain a patient risk assessment, verify age/identity, perform blood pressure screening, and provide counseling and written information to patients.

• Standing order prohibits requiring appointments for dispensing, restricts dispensing beyond 27 months without practitioner consultation, and requires referral if risk assessment indicates safety concerns.

• Amends insurance law to require group and individual health plans (including Medicaid) to cover self-administered hormonal contraceptives dispensed under a standing order, with specific supply requirements.

• Prohibits insurers from denying coverage, imposing extra costs, or penalizing providers for contraceptive prescribing/dispensing; aligns copay/deductible rules with other prescriptions.

• Expands the prescription drug monitoring program to collect data from pharmacists on dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives.

• Provides civil and criminal liability immunity for pharmacists and the medical director acting under the standing order.

Creates a state-based health insurance exchange, including the submission of a state innovation waiver application by the insurance commissioner. It establishes a dedicated fund in the state treasury to support the exchange, outlines the use of appropriated and other available funds, and sets forth confidentiality rules for exchange-related information. The bill gives the commissioner authority to adopt rules, including emergency rules, and is effective immediately upon enactment.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Authorizes the commissioner of insurance to develop, implement, and operate a state-based health insurance exchange upon direction of the governor.

• Requires the commissioner to submit an application for a federal state innovation waiver by December 31, 2026.

• Creates a state-based exchange fund in the state treasury, funded by legislative appropriations, federal funds, user fees, and grants.

• Allows funds in the state-based exchange fund to carry over from year to year and credits interest earned to the fund.

• Establishes that most documents and information related to the exchange are confidential and not subject to public records laws, subpoenas, or discovery, with limited exceptions.

• Permits the commissioner to share and receive confidential information with other state and federal authorities under certain conditions.

• Authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules and emergency rules to implement the bill's provisions.

• Bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires HHS to establish a health equity program to improve menstrual and post-menstrual health.

Requires hospitals to submit nondiscrimination and reproductive health care policies to DIALS by September 1, 2025. Policies must be posted on the DIAL's internet site.

Requires HHS and DOE to expand evidence-based home visiting services for women and infants to promote healthy pregnancies, positive birth outcomes, and healthy infant growth and development.

Requires Medicaid to coverage standard fertility preservation services.

Allows local officials and employees to accept monetary donations from other local officials or employees, specifically to offset medical or health care expenses resulting from a diagnosed condition. These donations must be made and received via online crowdfunding or fundraising platforms and are limited to $100 per donor per calendar year. The bill maintains penalties for violations, including potential misdemeanor charges and employment sanctions.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Creates a new exception in government ethics law allowing local officials and employees to receive donations from peers for medical/health care expenses.

• Permitted donations must be made and received through online crowdfunding or fundraising platforms.

• Limits each donor to contributing no more than $100 per recipient per calendar year.

• Applies only to donations made for expenses resulting from a diagnosed medical condition.

• Does not alter existing prohibitions or limitations on gifts from other sources or for other purposes.

• Defines eligible recipients and donors as local officials and local employees (excluding independent contractors).

• Violations remain subject to serious misdemeanor penalties and employment sanctions.

Establishes new restrictions and regulatory requirements for manufacturers and distributors of gene-based vaccines (defined as vaccines using mRNA or DNA technologies) in the state. It requires manufacturers to conduct specific safety studies before distributing such vaccines, removes immunity from liability for design defects, imposes penalties for distributing vaccines deemed an unreasonable public health risk, and authorizes state rulemaking for enforcement.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Defines key terms including 'gene-based vaccine,' 'deoxyribonucleic acid contamination,' 'shedding,' and 'transmission.'

• Requires manufacturers to perform studies on vaccine transmissibility, DNA contamination, and shedding prior to distributing gene-based vaccines in the state.

• Imposes a $1,000 fine per occurrence for distributing gene-based vaccines that pose an unreasonable risk of harm due to transmission or shedding, as determined by the FDA.

• Subjects violators to potential licensing discipline under existing medical licensing law.

• Removes immunity for manufacturers from liability related to injury or death caused by design defects in gene-based vaccines distributed, sold, or used in the state.

• Authorizes the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to adopt rules for implementing and enforcing these requirements.

Prohibits discrimination, requirements, or penalties based on a person's status regarding medical interventions (e.g., vaccination, treatment) by businesses, educational institutions, and government entities, with limited exceptions for foreign jurisdiction travel requirements. It repeals or amends statutes mandating or tracking immunizations, and significantly curtails state authority to order medical interventions during public health emergencies. Enforcement is provided via civil action by the attorney general or county attorney, and compliance is tied to licensure. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Strikes and replaces Section 27C.2 to prohibit businesses, schools, and government from requiring or discriminating based on medical intervention status (e.g., vaccination), with narrow exceptions for foreign jurisdiction jobs.

• Prohibits businesses, ticket issuers, educational institutions, and government from denying services, admission, employment, or compensation based on medical intervention status.

• Allows one-time incentives for medical interventions but bans ongoing compensation differences based on intervention status.

• Explicitly bars healthy individuals from being excluded from any public or private activity based on medical intervention status.

• Removes state authority to order or administer treatment or prophylaxis (including vaccinations) during public health disasters, allowing only isolation or quarantine of infected, unwilling individuals and recommendations for exposed persons.

• Repeals requirements for childhood immunizations (striking Section 139A.8 and related reporting/verification statutes for schools and child care) and repeals employer COVID-19 vaccination mandates/waivers and related unemployment provisions.

• Prohibits compelled use of personal protective equipment authorized solely by emergency use authorization, while still allowing standard PPE requirements per workplace safety laws.

• Mandates enforcement via civil actions with attorney fees for successful prosecution and ties compliance to licensure for businesses, schools, and government entities; applies at all times, including during emergencies.

Creates a new tax credit, effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, that allows individuals and entities to receive a credit equal to 100% of their donation to qualified maternity group homes. The credit can be applied to individual, corporate, franchise, insurance premium, and moneys and credits taxes, but is subject to annual statewide and per-organization limits. The credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be carried forward or back. The Department of Revenue will administer the application and allocation process, including a waitlist for oversubscribed years.

Key Points & Impacts

• Establishes a 100% tax credit for donations to maternity group homes, applicable to various state taxes.

• Credit applies to individual, corporate, franchise, insurance premium, and moneys and credits taxes.

• Annual statewide cap for all such tax credits is set at $3.5 million.

• Maximum credit per organization operating a maternity group home is $500,000 per year.

• The credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be carried forward or back to other tax years.

• Taxpayers must apply to the Department of Revenue for each donation and receive approval; applications are processed first-come, first-served until limits are reached.

• If credit requests exceed annual limits, a waitlist is established for future years, but does not guarantee future credits.

• Credit claimed for a donation cannot also be deducted from state taxable income.

Prohibits health insurance providers from imposing cost-sharing for supplemental diagnostic breast exams. Applies to policies issued after Jan. 1, 2026.

Establishes a task force to identify and analyze state and local regulatory barriers to affordable housing, evaluate the public benefit of such regulations, and make recommendations for statutory or administrative changes. The task force will include representatives from relevant state agencies, housing developers, local officials, and legislators. It is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations by December 1, 2026.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Creates an affordable housing task force to study regulatory barriers impacting affordable housing costs.

• Mandates examination of zoning and land use regulations, building codes, permitting processes, and funding mechanisms.

• Task force membership includes state officials, housing developers, city and county representatives, and state legislators.

• Members serve without compensation, but are reimbursed for actual expenses incurred.

• Legislative members are compensated per existing law (section 2.32A), others reimbursed from appropriated funds.

• Task force required to submit findings and recommendations to the general assembly by December 1, 2026.

• Recommendations may include proposed statutory or administrative changes to reduce barriers while preserving public health and safety.

• Focuses specifically on regulatory impacts, not direct funding or programmatic changes.

Requires HHS to participate in the summer EBT program for children during summer 2025. Takes effect upon enactment and retroactively applicable to July 1, 2024.

Requires all law enforcement agencies to participate in the federal immigration and national act enforcement by Jan. 1, 2026. While this bill failed to make it through the first funnel, another bill (HSB 285 - which will get a new bill number) did make it through.

Requires schools to cooperate with federal immigration officers and prohibits schools from discouraging cooperation by employees or contractors.

Requires state agencies and regents institutions to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility for new hires. It creates a SAVE program clearinghouse within the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to verify citizenship/immigration status for professional licensing, mandating denial or revocation for individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. The bill disqualifies unauthorized aliens from voter registration and requires a new oath on voter registration forms. It also extends the statute of limitations for election misconduct in the first degree. For pretrial detention, the bill establishes rebuttable presumptions against bail for those charged with forcible felonies and for unauthorized aliens charged with indictable offenses.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Mandates use of E-Verify by state agencies and regents institutions to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires.

• Establishes a SAVE program clearinghouse to verify citizenship and immigration status for all professional license applicants, requiring denial/revocation if lawful presence cannot be verified.

• Licensing boards must use the SAVE clearinghouse and cannot issue or renew professional licenses for individuals not lawfully present in the U.S.; appeals go to the department director.

• Adds 'unauthorized alien' as a defined term for voting and licensure disqualifications; unauthorized aliens are disqualified from voter registration and voting.

• Requires new voter registration oath affirming U.S. citizenship, with penalties for false statements including potential deportation and criminal liability.

• Extends the statute of limitations for prosecution of election misconduct in the first degree from three to five years.

• Creates a rebuttable presumption against bail for persons charged with forcible felonies; such persons may be detained without bail unless they can rebut the presumption.

• Creates a presumption against bail for unauthorized aliens charged with indictable offenses, requiring them to demonstrate that conditions of release will ensure court appearance.

Prohibits policies providing third-party payment or prepayment of health expenses from imposing cost-sharing for supplemental and diagnostic breast exams that are less favorable than screening mammograms. Applies to policies issued after Jan. 1, 2026.

Requires third party health insurers to provide a special enrollment period for pregnant women.

Requires health insurance policies, contracts, or plans providing third-party payment or prepayment of health or medical expenses in Iowa to offer a special enrollment period for pregnant women. This period allows a pregnant woman to enroll after pregnancy is certified by a health care professional, up to 16 weeks gestation, without any enrollment fee or penalty. Coverage becomes effective on the first day of the month in which pregnancy is certified, or the following month if the woman chooses. The bill specifies which types of insurance are included and excluded from this requirement and authorizes the insurance commissioner to adopt administrative rules.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Mandates a special enrollment period for pregnant women in specified health insurance policies, contracts, and plans.

• Enrollment is allowed after certification of pregnancy by a licensed health care professional, up to 16 weeks gestation.

• Prohibits fees or penalties for special enrollment of pregnant women.

• Coverage becomes effective on the first day of the month of certification or optionally the following month.

• Applies to individual and group accident and sickness insurance, hospital or medical service contracts, HMO contracts, and public employee plans.

• Excludes certain policies (e.g., accident-only, specified disease, dental/vision, Medicare supplement, long-term care, workers’ compensation, automobile medical payment insurance).

• Effective for policies delivered, issued, continued, or renewed in Iowa on or after January 1, 2027.

• Authorizes the commissioner of insurance to adopt rules to administer the new requirements.

Creates a state-based health insurance exchange, including the submission of a state innovation waiver application by the insurance commissioner. It establishes a dedicated fund in the state treasury to support the exchange, outlines the use of appropriated and other available funds, and sets forth confidentiality rules for exchange-related information. The bill gives the commissioner authority to adopt rules, including emergency rules, and is effective immediately upon enactment.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Authorizes the commissioner of insurance to develop, implement, and operate a state-based health insurance exchange upon direction of the governor.

• Requires the commissioner to submit an application for a federal state innovation waiver by December 31, 2026.

• Creates a state-based exchange fund in the state treasury, funded by legislative appropriations, federal funds, user fees, and grants.

• Allows funds in the state-based exchange fund to carry over from year to year and credits interest earned to the fund.

• Establishes that most documents and information related to the exchange are confidential and not subject to public records laws, subpoenas, or discovery, with limited exceptions.

• Permits the commissioner to share and receive confidential information with other state and federal authorities under certain conditions.

• Authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules and emergency rules to implement the bill's provisions.

• Bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for the diagnosis of and treatment for infertility and preservation services.

Requires health insurance providers that cover prescription drugs to cover contraceptive drugs and devices.

Removes current requirement for law enforcement officers to complete annual training on de-escalation techniques and prevention of bias.

Makes provisions to revoke or suspend a law enforcement officer or reserve peace officer's certification.

Requires all law enforcement agencies and officers in the state to cooperate and work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration agencies when requested. It also reinforces that local agencies must comply fully with immigration detainer requests and any other legal documents issued by federal agencies regarding immigration matters.

Key Points & Impact:

• Mandates that all state and local law enforcement agencies and officers must cooperate and work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration agencies when requested.

• Requires full compliance by local agencies with immigration detainer requests issued by ICE, including any instructions or legal documents provided by federal immigration authorities.

• Expands the scope of state and local cooperation beyond previous requirements, encompassing any federal immigration-related agency when requested.

• Eliminates potential discretion or local policy non-cooperation with federal immigration requests.