Iowa Bills Aim to Limit Governor's Disaster Powers

Proposed legislation would restrict authority over places of worship, business closures, and emergency declarations

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Three bills have advanced in the Iowa legislature that would limit the powers of the state's governor during emergencies and disasters. The bills would prohibit closing places of worship, restrict the governor's authority over emergency declarations and business closures, and make it harder for the executive branch to enact certain administrative rules.

Why it matters

The proposed bills come after actions taken by current Governor Kim Reynolds during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are being considered as Iowa voters prepare to elect a new governor in November. The legislation reflects an effort by the Republican-controlled legislature to curb the executive branch's authority in future emergencies.

The details

One bill would prohibit governors from closing places of worship, even during a declared disaster. Another would restrict a governor's ability to determine the length of a state of emergency, order business closures, change election procedures, or limit in-person healthcare visits. A third bill would make it more difficult for the executive branch to implement certain administrative rules.

  • The bills have advanced ahead of a Friday deadline for committee approval of policy bills in the Iowa legislature.
  • Governor Kim Reynolds is not seeking re-election, and Iowa voters will choose the state's next governor on November 3rd.

The players

Samantha Fett

Republican Representative from Carlisle who led the debate on a bill restricting the governor's authority during emergencies.

Beth Wessel-Kroeschell

Democratic Representative from Ames who voted against the bills limiting the governor's powers.

Kim Reynolds

The current Governor of Iowa, who is not seeking re-election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The proposed bills in Iowa reflect a broader effort by state legislatures to limit the executive branch's authority during emergencies, particularly in the wake of actions taken by governors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation raises questions about the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches, and the appropriate scope of a governor's emergency powers.