Iowa House Committee Advances Bill Limiting Local Anti-Discrimination Ordinances

The measure would prevent cities and counties from enacting their own protections for groups not covered by state law.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Republican-led Iowa House committee has moved forward a bill that would prevent cities and counties from enacting their own anti-discrimination ordinances for groups not protected by the state. The measure was highly contested during a public hearing, with Republicans arguing it would prevent a "patchwork" of local laws, while Democrats said it would leave uncertainty for vulnerable groups.

Why it matters

This bill is part of a broader debate over LGBTQ+ rights in Iowa, as the state legislature recently removed additional civil rights protections for transgender and non-binary residents. The proposed law would limit the ability of local governments to fill in gaps left by the state, potentially leaving some Iowans without legal recourse against discrimination.

The details

The Republican-backed bill would prohibit cities and counties from enacting anti-discrimination ordinances that go beyond the protections provided by state law. This comes after nearly 20 Iowa municipalities established their own ordinances to protect LGBTQ+ residents following the state legislature's rollback of those safeguards last year.

  • The Iowa House committee advanced the bill in a 14-7 vote on February 12, 2026.
  • The state legislature removed additional civil rights protections for transgender and non-binary residents during the legislative session last year.

The players

Steve Holt

Republican Committee House Chair who said the law would prevent a "patchwork" of local civil rights requirements.

Ross Wilburn

Democratic ranking member who argued that local governments should have the ability to determine their own anti-discrimination policies.

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What they’re saying

“I think this legislation is important to prevent a patchwork of different civil rights requirements across multiple local government jurisdictions.”

— Steve Holt, Republican Committee House Chair (1011now.com)

“I think it's important at the local level with this particular issue that it's important for cities to have the ability to determine what is safe, what they want to monitor.”

— Ross Wilburn, Democratic ranking member (1011now.com)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full Iowa House of Representatives for further debate and consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of a broader debate over LGBTQ+ rights in Iowa, as state lawmakers seek to limit the ability of local governments to enact their own anti-discrimination protections. The outcome could have significant implications for vulnerable communities across the state.