2026 Iowa legislative session concludes
May 8, 2026
After nearly 35 hours of continuous work, Iowa legislators adjourned the 2026 legislative session on Sunday, May 3.
This year, 1,790 bills were introduced, and 146 (8.1%) passed both chambers and were sent to the Governor for her signature. Gov. Reynolds has until Tuesday, June 2, to sign or veto legislation.
Of the three top priorities identified by legislators this session, only property tax reform and the state budget were passed; no legislation to address eminent domain was sent to the Governor.
Since this is the second year of the general assembly, any legislation that did not pass this year must be reintroduced next year to be considered. The Center will continue to meet with local leaders, legislators, and advocates over the interim to identify priorities for legislative action in 2027.
But first, here are the outcomes for our priority legislation this year.
No movement on rural grocery reinvestment program
The Center's priority bill focusing on rural grocery investment did not move forward this year. With a tight fiscal situation in Iowa, it was extremely tough to identify a funding source for the program. House File (HF) 1032 would have created grant programs for independent grocers to invest in their businesses through projects such as capital improvements, utility upgrades, equipment, or technology, and for Iowa-based entities seeking to increase local produce processing availability, access, efficiency, and capacity.
Double Up Food Bucks receives state funding for the first time
Passed in the final hours of the session, the standing appropriations bill included $1 million for the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program. The bill designates that Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative will be funded in fiscal year 2027 and each year following. DUFB offers dollar-for-dollar matching of fresh fruits and vegetables purchases through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Additional funding secured for Choose Iowa Purchasing Program
The budget focusing on agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection will fund the Choose Iowa Purchasing Program for both food banks at $200,000, and another $200,000 for schools. This important investment will help farmers and local food businesses thrive in rural economies by moving their food products through food banks and schools.
Beneficial policy passed for land restoration following transmission construction
HF 2227 has been signed by Gov. Reynolds and requires transmission companies to restore agricultural land to its original state after construction by repairing drain tiles, deep tilling soil, and removing construction debris like large rocks. The new law allows landowners to negotiate private restoration agreements and applies retroactively to projects approved as far back as July 1, 2020.
Nuanced water quality monitoring funding included
The budget focusing on agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection includes $300,000 for water quality monitoring; however, the funding is directed to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) instead of IIHR at the University of Iowa, which was the request. This is an important note because IIHR operates the real-time water quality sensors, and Iowa DNR does not. This change was made in the final hour of negotiations. Plus, in a last-minute announcement made on Friday, May 1, by Gov. Reynolds, more water quality funding was included in the final budget. This included another $500,000 dedicated to the Iowa DNR for water quality monitoring.
As we conclude our regular updates for this year, we extend our sincere appreciation to all of you for following along this session, engaging with your lawmakers, and caring about the issues that impact rural Iowa.
Click here to read more about bills we tracked this legislative session and where they ended up.
If you have questions or comments to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or 515.215.1294.
Thank you for making your rural voice heard.
Nearing the end
April 21, 2026
Today is the 100th day of the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session, which marks the final day of pay to state legislators. The lack of pay and the warmer temperatures are both driving factors pushing legislators to wrap up.
As discussed in the last Field Notes, the three priority tasks (eminent domain legislation, property tax reform, and balancing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year) remain incomplete.
As for budget negotiations, the House announced their targets on April 10, roughly $39 million above the Senate’s. Both chambers have been passing department budgets out of their respective subcommittees. Although the House did not take public comment on their Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget, we weighed in on the Senate’s version, asking for funding for the Iowa water quality monitoring network.
Now, most conversations will be happening behind closed doors. We continue to ask you to contact your legislators directly because our priorities remain either only partially addressed or not fully included at all in the process. Your voice continues to matter!
Take action
Ask Senators to:
- Increase funding in Senate File (SF) 2487 for the Choose Iowa Program at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, which connects consumers to Iowa produce and food products and expands markets for Iowa farmers. SF 2487 includes funding for food banks. The House version of the budget (House File [HF] 2771) includes $200,000 for food banks AND $200,000 for schools. We’d like to see both included in the SF 2487.
Ask all legislators to:
- Include a $1 million investment for Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), a program that promotes the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP customers. This funding should come from the Health and Human Services budget, SF 2483 and House Study Bill (HSB) 777.
- Increase funding to $600,000 to fully restore the IIHR water quality monitoring network and associated Iowa Water Quality Information System, and include an additional $500,000 in one-time funding to replace aging equipment. An appropriation of $300,000 is currently included in the House budget (HF 2771), but no funding is included in the Senate version (SF 2487).
Food systems
SUPPORT SF 2027 (Sen. Dawson): This bill appropriates $1 million to DUFB. Funding is directed to the Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative to increase access for fresh fruits and vegetables to participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal program with federal funding. This funding request has not been included in the Senate or the House Health and Human Services budgets (SF 2483 and HSB 777). Legislators still have time to make a state investment in DUFB.
UNDECIDED SF 2487 (Gov. Reynolds) and HF 2771 (House Appropriations Committee): These bills make appropriations associated with agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection. Compared to last year, many of the line items are status quo, including the Choose Iowa Purchasing Program, listed at $200,000 for food banks. Improved from the Senate version, the Choose Iowa Purchasing Program is listed at $200,000 for food banks, and $200,000 is committed for schools. More investment is needed to help farmers and local food businesses thrive in rural economies.
Environment and resilience
SUPPORTED SF 2214 (Senate Commerce Committee): This bill was signed by Gov. Reynolds on April 9. The new law allows the Department of Transportation to permit transmission lines in the right-of-way along interstates in Iowa, reducing the number of eminent domain issues while ensuring more timely investments in a reliable grid. Read more about Iowa's plan to improve its power grid.
UNDECIDED SF 2487 (Gov. Reynolds) and HF 2771 (House Appropriations Committee): These bills make appropriations associated with agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection. Compared to last year, many of the line items are status quo. Support for the IIHR water quality monitoring network is not included in the Senate version; however, $300,000 is included in the House version. Funding for this network was initially removed by the legislature in 2023 and has been funded by a patchwork since then. If not fully funded, the public stands to lose access to 60 sensors that provide real-time water quality data at the same scale and level of detail as the Iowa Water Quality Information System. For those reasons, we believe the state should fully reinvest in the water quality monitor sensors that provide transparent and publicly accessible water quality data.
Click here to read more about bills we are still tracking this legislative session.
If you have any questions or would like to share the rural issues important to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or 402.687.2100 ext. 1034.
Thank you for making your rural voice heard.
Appropriation funding requests need your support
April 2, 2026
At the beginning of the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session, the Governor and legislators prioritized three tasks: eminent domain legislation, property tax reform, and balancing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
As we chip away at the remainder of session, these three priority tasks remain undone, though they continue to be the focus of legislative activities. With roughly 10 working days to accomplish these goals, legislators might need to remain in Des Moines past the scheduled wrap-up of April 21.
The Senate's budget projections currently total $9.623 billion, and the Governor’s projection is about $47.8 million above the Senate’s. We have not seen the House budget projections; however, we expect them to come in above the Governor’s. With negotiations underway to meet in the middle, final budgets will likely settle near the Governor’s targets.
As budget negotiations continue, we ask once again for you to contact your representative and senator to support programs and policies that will strengthen the rural communities we care about.
Take action
- Ask Senators to:
- Support Senate File (SF) 2027, which funds Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), a program that promotes the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP customers.
- Increase funding in Senate Study Bill (SSB) 3190 for the Choose Iowa Program at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, which connects consumers to Iowa produce and food products and expands markets for Iowa farmers. Under the program, only $200,000 is currently allocated for the Purchasing Program in SSB 3190. More investment is needed to help farmers and local food businesses thrive in rural economies.
- Ask all legislators to support:
- The Iowa Flood Center’s (IFC) funding requests: An appropriation of $600,000 annually is needed to fully restore funding for the IIHR water quality monitoring network and associated Iowa Water Quality Information System. An additional $500,000 in one-time funding is needed to replace aging equipment. This appropriation is not included in SSB 3190 or any other bill at this time. Read more about SSB 3190 below.
What we're following
Food systems
SUPPORT SF 2027 (Sen. Dawson): This bill appropriates $1 million to Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB). Funding is directed to the Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative to increase access for fresh fruits and vegetables to participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Legislators on the Health and Human Services Appropriation Subcommittee have the ability to make a state investment in DUFB before the end of the legislative session.
UNDECIDED SSB 3190 (Gov. Reynolds): This bill makes appropriations associated with agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection. Compared to last year, many of the line items are status quo, including the Choose Iowa Purchasing Program listed at $200,000. Additionally, support for the IIHR water quality monitoring network is not included in this appropriations bill. Funding for this network was initially removed by the legislature in 2023 and has been funded by a patchwork since then. If no investments are made, the public stands to lose access to 60 sensors that provide real-time water quality data at the same scale and level of detail as the Iowa Water Quality Information System. For those reasons, we believe the state should reinvest in the water quality monitor sensors that provide transparent and publicly accessible water quality data.
Environment and Resilience
UNDECIDED SF 2447 (Senate Commerce Committee); House File (HF) 2580 (House Commerce Committee): These bills establish uniform state standards for siting and operating renewable energy facilities; we previously provided an overview of these bills. Both of these bills have been placed on the Unfinished Business Calendar, which allows either chamber to bring the bills forward until the end of the legislative session. Several amendments are likely to be introduced if the bills are debated on their respective floors. The Center encourages a balanced approach to clean energy siting, including support for reasonable siting standards, local control, and the opportunity for community input.
Click here to read more about bills we are still tracking this legislative session.
If you have any questions or would like to share the rural issues important to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or 402.687.2100 ext. 1034.
Thank you for making your rural voice heard.
Second funnel elapses, budget decisions forthcoming
March 20, 2026
We are now less than five weeks away from the tentative end of the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. Today is the second legislative funnel deadline, further narrowing down priorities.
Of note, property tax legislation is moving in both chambers; however, the bills differ significantly. To reach the Governor’s desk, they must be identical, which will require negotiations and amendments.
Furthermore, the Revenue Estimating Conference met last week for state budget projections, confirming that available revenue for the upcoming fiscal year will be lower than previously expected. In the coming weeks, legislators will focus on passing a budget for the state’s 2027 fiscal year and advancing their remaining legislative priorities. Projected budget bills have not yet been released.
Take action
- Ask legislators to support:
- Senate File (SF) 2027, which funds Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB).
- House File (HF) 2227, which supports land restoration.
- Appropriations from this budget subcommittee for:
- Increased funding for the Choose Iowa Program at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. When investments are made to support farmers and businesses in the local food system, rural economies thrive.
- The Iowa Flood Center’s (IFC) funding requests: An appropriation of $600,000 annually is needed to fully restore funding for the IIHR water quality monitoring network and associated Iowa Water Quality Information System. An additional $500,000 in one-time funding is needed to replace aging equipment. IFC continues to be a great partner for the Center’s watershed work in the state.
What we're following
Food systems
SUPPORT SF 2027 (Sen. Dawson): This bill appropriates $1 million to Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB). Funding is directed to the Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative to increase access for fresh fruits and vegetables to participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Legislators on the Health and Human Services Appropriation Subcommittee have the ability to make a state investment in DUFB before the end of the legislative session.
Environment and Resilience
SUPPORT HF 2227 (House Commerce Committee): This bill provides for land restoration standards after the construction of transmission lines, including the repair of drain tiles, deep tillage of the soil, and removal of debris. We support this bill as it supports landowner rights and environmental restoration. The bill passed the House floor unanimously and passed a subcommittee and committee in the Senate. It now awaits consideration by the full Senate.
Bypast bills
The following previously highlighted bills supported by the Center, are effectively “dead” this legislative session.
Food Systems
HF 1032 (Reps. Lohse and Ingels): The grocery reinvestment and local produce processing bill.
Environment and resilience
HF 2511 (Rep. Barker): The bill to require the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to develop and adopt an Iowa state resilience plan in coordination with state agencies and other stakeholders.
HF 2672 (House Commerce Committee): The bill creating a mechanism for community solar programs.
Click here to read more about bills we are still tracking this legislative session.
If you have any questions or would like to share the rural issues important to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or 402.687.2100 ext. 1034.
Thank you for making your rural voice heard.
Advocate for priority area funding
March 6, 2026
The eighth week of the 2026 Iowa legislative session concludes today. Floor debate has been the primary focus for the last two weeks. Bills that passed out of their respective committees before the funnel are eligible for debate.
Legislators have begun focusing on tax and funding bills. This is our chance to advocate for priority programs and policies to be included in the state’s budget.
Take action
- Ask your legislator to appropriate funding to HF 1032 for the grocery reinvestment and local produce processing grant programs, and to support local food systems through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Choose Iowa Program.
- Ask your legislator to support the Iowa Flood Center’s (IFC) funding requests: An appropriation of $600,000 annually is needed to fully restore funding for the IIHR water quality monitoring network and associated Iowa Water Quality Information System. An additional $500,000 in one-time funding is needed to replace aging equipment. IFC continues to be a great partner for the Center’s watershed work in the state.
- Track legislation affecting rural communities by following priority bills and staying informed throughout the session at cfra.org/policy/bill-tracker.
Food systems
SUPPORT House File (HF) 1032 (Reps. Lohse and Ingels): This grocery reinvestment and local produce processing bill creates grant programs for independent grocers to invest in their businesses through projects including capital improvements, upgrades for utilities, equipment, or technology, and for Iowa-based entities looking to increase local produce processing availability, access, efficiency, and capacity. We continue to work with legislators on the Senate Appropriations Committee to move this bill forward.
Environment and resilience
SUPPORT HF 2682 (Rep. Thomson): This bill requires public utilities to submit feasibility studies every three years to identify opportunities for implementing grid-enhancing technologies. These would maximize electricity transmission across existing electricity lines. The primary goal is to lower costs for consumers by reducing transmission "congestion," which prevents the delivery of the lowest-cost electricity. The Center submitted a supportive comment highlighting that this bill would increase transmission grid reliability, reduce line losses, minimize land-use conflicts, and maintain the highest safety standards. The bill passed the full Commerce Committee in the House and is eligible for floor debate.
UNDECIDED Senate File (SF) 2447 (Senate Commerce Committee); HF 2580 (House Commerce Committee): These bills establish uniform state standards for siting and operating renewable energy facilities; we previously provided an overview of these bills. SF 2447 was passed by the Senate Commerce Committee 13-4. Both bills are eligible for debate in their respective chambers, but nothing has been scheduled yet.
SUPPORT HF 2511 (Rep. Barker): This bill requires the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to develop and adopt an Iowa state resilience plan in coordination with state agencies and other stakeholders. We see this as a thoughtful approach to preparing for natural disasters, especially flooding, and offered supportive comments on these bills during subcommittee hearings. The bill was passed unanimously by the House and awaits consideration by the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee.
UNDECIDED HF 2687 (Rep. Gearhart): The bill establishes a pilot program to monitor groundwater and allocates $100,000 to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to do so. We support the need for groundwater monitoring, as water quantity becomes a bigger conversation in Iowa. However, we are waiting to learn more about the predicted impact of this bill based on its appropriation level. It passed the House Natural Resources Committee and must next be considered by the House Appropriations Committee.
Click here to read more about bills we are tracking this legislative session.
If you have any questions or would like to share the rural issues important to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or 402.687.2100 ext. 1034.
Thank you for making your rural voice heard.
First legislative funnel has passed
Feb. 20, 2026
As we wrap up the sixth week of the 2026 Iowa legislative session, today marks the first funnel deadline. This means bills that have not passed out of the committee in which they originated are now considered “dead.” Bills in the Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees are not subject to this funnel timeline.
Food systems
SUPPORT House File (HF) 1032 (Reps. Lohse and Ingels): This grocery reinvestment and local produce processing bill creates grant programs for independent grocers to invest in their businesses through projects including capital improvements, upgrades for utilities, equipment, or technology, and for Iowa-based entities looking to increase local produce processing availability, access, efficiency, and capacity. We continue to work with legislators on the Senate Appropriations Committee to move this bill forward.
Environment and resilience
SUPPORT HF 2511 (Rep. Barker) and Senate File (SF) 2111 (Sen. Sweeney): These companion bills require the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to develop and adopt an Iowa state resilience plan in coordination with state agencies and other stakeholders. We see this as a thoughtful approach to preparing for natural disasters, especially flooding, and offered supportive comments on these bills during subcommittee hearings. The House version passed through the Public Safety Committee and remains eligible for consideration; however, the Senate version did not pass through the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, so it is considered dead.
UNDECIDED HF 2580 (House Commerce Committee Chairperson Young): This bill establishes uniform state standards for siting and operating renewable energy facilities, including wind, solar, and battery storage. Intended to eliminate the current patchwork of local regulations, the bill would set specific statewide siting requirements for projects, such as standardized setback distances and noise requirements. While the Center understands the need for balanced siting guidance, we believe local control is an important aspect that ensures development is conducted in a way that meets community needs, and prefer a voluntary approach. The bill passed the House Commerce Committee and remains eligible for consideration.
UNDECIDED HF 2117 (Rep. Gearhart): The bill establishes a pilot program to monitor groundwater and allocates $100,000 to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to do so. We support the need for groundwater monitoring, as water quantity becomes a bigger conversation in Iowa. However, we are waiting to learn more about the predicted impact of this bill based on its appropriation level. It passed the House Natural Resources Committee and remains eligible for further consideration.
What can you do to help?
- Contact senators on the Senate Appropriations Committee, asking for their support of HF 1032, the bill for rural grocery reinvestment and local produce processing.
- Track legislation affecting rural communities by following priority bills and staying informed throughout the session at cfra.org/policy/bill-tracker.
- Participate in the public input process by calling, emailing, or writing your representative and senator to let them know how proposed bills may impact your community.
Click here to read more about bills we are tracking this legislative session.
Community solar and state resiliency plan bills move forward
Feb. 6, 2026
The fourth week of the Iowa legislature has concluded. Bill introductions plus committee and subcommittee meetings continue to keep lawmakers busy.
The first legislative funnel is two weeks away, where all introduced bills must progress through a subcommittee and committee in the chamber they were introduced in. This process helps legislators narrow down their priorities as the weeks progress. Bills in the Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees are not subject to this funnel timeline.
Food systems
House File (HF) 1032 (Reps. Lohse and Ingels) - Support:
- The grocery reinvestment and local produce processing bill creates grant programs for independent grocers to invest in their businesses through projects including capital improvements, upgrades for utilities, equipment, or technology, and for Iowa-based entities looking to increase local produce processing availability, access, efficiency, and capacity. We continue to work with legislators on the Senate Appropriations Committee to move the bill through a subcommittee and committee.
Environment and resilience
House Study Bill (HSB) 629 (House Commerce Committee Chairperson Young); Senate Study Bill (SSB) 3092 (Senate Commerce Committee Chairperson Bousselot) - Support:
- These companion bills establish a community solar program. The program would offer additional options for Iowans to invest in solar energy generation to help meet growing energy demand while helping to lower participants’ energy bills. To be eligible, a community must have at least three subscribers. The program is limited to 250 total megawatts statewide and requires a decommissioning plan with required financial assurance to fund restoration of land at the end of the project’s lifespan. The House and Senate Commerce subcommittees moved the bills forward after discussion on Feb. 5. Next, they will be considered by the full Commerce committee in their respective chambers.
HF 2158 (Rep. Barker); Senate File (SF) 2111 (Sen. Sweeney) - Support:
- These companion bills require the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to develop and adopt an Iowa state resilience plan in coordination with state agencies and other stakeholders. Amendments to these bills are forthcoming, but we think this is a thoughtful approach to preparing for natural disasters, especially flooding. We supported these pieces of legislation as they were considered in subcommittees, and we look forward to their progression through the House Public Safety Committee and the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee, respectively.
Take action
- Reach out to members on the House and Senate Commerce Committees, asking for their support for the community solar bills, HSB 629 and SSB 3092.
- Track legislation affecting rural communities by following priority bills and staying informed throughout the session at cfra.org/policy/bill-tracker.
- Participate in the public input process by calling, emailing, or writing your representative and senator to let them know how proposed bills may impact your community.
Click here to read more about bills we are tracking this legislative session.
A biweekly review of Iowa's Legislative Session
Jan. 23, 2026
Having first gavelled in on Jan. 12, the Iowa Legislative Session now has two weeks under its belt. This is the second year of the 91st General Assembly, which means any bills introduced last year that did not make it to the governor’s desk are once again eligible for consideration.
As we look ahead to the third week of session, the Center for Rural Affairs will continue to monitor movement on bills that intersect with our legislative priorities.
Food systems
HF 1032, the grocery reinvestment and local produce processing bill, continues to be our top priority and is still eligible for consideration following last year’s efforts. The bill creates grant programs for independent grocers to invest in their businesses through projects including capital improvements, upgrades for utilities, equipment, or technology, and for Iowa-based entities looking to increase local produce processing availability, access, efficiency, and capacity. We are actively working with legislators on the Senate Appropriations Committee to move the bill through a subcommittee and committee.
SF 2027, a bill relating to the Double Up Food Bucks program, was introduced on the first day of session. We support the bill, which, if passed, would appropriate $1 million to Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative to increase access for fresh fruits and vegetables to participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Environment and resilience
- HF 736 allows the Department of Transportation to permit transmission lines to be located in the rights-of-way along interstates in Iowa. Siting transmission projects along highway corridors helps alleviate land disputes and eminent domain issues. We support the premise of this bill, but are watching for amendments as it moves to the full Commerce Committee.
- HSB 526 provides for land restoration standards after the construction of transmission lines. We support this bill as it supports landowner rights and environmental restoration. The bill passed the subcommittee and is waiting for consideration by the Commerce Committee.
- HF 2046 sets up requirements for plug-in solar, an option for consumers to offset their electric consumption through electricity generation at home. Enabling increased adoption across Iowa, the bill is just one of many being introduced across the country to foster a nationwide marketplace.
What can you do to help?
- Contact senators on the Senate Appropriations Committee, asking for their support of SF 2027 and HF 1032.
- Track legislation affecting rural communities by following priority bills and staying informed throughout the session at cfra.org/policy/bill-tracker.
- Participate in the public input process by calling, emailing, or writing your representative and senator to let them know how proposed bills may impact your community.
If you have any questions or would like to share the rural issues important to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or 402.687.2100 ext. 1034.
Thank you for making your rural voice heard.
