This Week in the Iowa Legislature
With the first funnel deadline now behind them, lawmakers returned and shifted their attention to floor debate and negotiations on major policy issues. We saw movement on some of the session’s hot topics including immigration policy and property tax reform. As priorities become clearer, lawmakers are increasingly focused on the bills that have a realistic path forward before the second funnel deadline – in 3 weeks!
K-12 education funding was finalized on Monday when the Senate sent the agreed upon 2% increase to Supplemental State Aid proposal (SF 2201) to the Governor. On Thursday, February 26th, she signed the bill into law, directing $82 million in new resources to public schools.
Government Oversight Reports on Court Debt Funds
The House Government Oversight Committee convened for the first time this session, issuing competing majority and minority reports regarding the misallocation of approximately $25–$27.5 million in court debt funds by the Iowa Judicial Branch.
The majority report concluded that programming errors and delayed corrective action allowed funds to be deposited into incorrect accounts. It recommends further independent review and raises concerns about oversight by State Auditor Rob Sand’s office.
Minority members released a separate report disputing several of the majority’s findings. Their report emphasizes that the Judicial Branch has acknowledged the issue, implemented corrective measures, and cooperated with the review process. They also expressed confidence in the State Auditor’s examination. The release of dueling reports underscores ongoing disagreement over legislative oversight and whether additional policy or procedural changes are warranted moving forward.
Legislature Advances Immigration and Citizenship Bills
Immigration policy was a major theme in both chambers this week as the Senate passed several bills requiring verification of citizenship or legal presence through the federal database SAVE for voter registration (SF 2203), vehicle registration (SF 2189), driver’s licenses (SF 2187), and certain public employment (SF 2218). The database SAVE has been criticized for its gaps in accuracy and, at times, outdated information. The Senate also approved legislation establishing English proficiency requirements for commercial driver’s licenses, with the bills now moving to the House for consideration.
At the same time, the House passed legislation that would prohibit cities and counties from issuing local identification cards (HF 2296). Taken together, the Senate’s verification bills and the House proposal reflect the broader national debate over immigration policy, with supporters emphasizing enforcement and consistency and opponents raising concerns about access and unintended consequences to Iowans.
Property Tax Reform Discussions Continue
Property tax reform remains one of the largest unresolved issues being considered this legislative session, with lawmakers continuing conversations on competing proposals from the Governor, the House, and the Senate. This week, the Senate held a hearing on the Governor’s Property Tax proposal (SSB 3034) and will begin formal consideration of its own property tax proposal (SSB 3001) next Tuesday. While negotiations continue, legislative leaders have made clear that property tax reform remains a top priority this session. At this time, however, it is uncertain whether a significant compromise will ultimately be reached.
Looking Ahead
Next week, lawmakers will continue focusing on floor debate as leadership works to move bills to the opposite chamber for consideration ahead of the second funnel deadline on March 20th. In the coming weeks, policy bills will need to advance through the opposite chamber’s committee process to remain eligible this session.
We expect to see subcommittee activity begin to pick up slightly as bills start moving across the rotunda for consideration in the opposite chamber. Both chambers have scheduled committee work next week – the House is designating time for the budget subcommittees while the Senate has scheduled time for all their policy committees. At the same time, lawmakers will continue narrowing the list of proposals that have a viable path forward as the legislature keeps marching toward sine die.
To stay informed on scheduled committee and subcommittee meetings, including virtual access information, please follow this link.