Iowa lawmakers advance bills on agriculture, commerce, education and more

Several high-profile issues like property taxes and eminent domain for carbon pipelines remain unresolved as first funnel deadline passes

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Iowa lawmakers took on hundreds of bills in the first six weeks of the 2026 legislative session, though several measures named as top priorities heading into the year, like eminent domain and property taxes, have yet to find consensus. Thursday was the last day lawmakers met to consider legislation before the first 'funnel' deadline of the year, with many bills advancing while others did not survive the cutoff.

Why it matters

The funnel deadline is a key milestone in the Iowa legislative process, as it determines which bills will continue to be considered this session. The lack of movement on high-profile issues like property taxes and eminent domain for carbon pipelines suggests ongoing divisions among Republican lawmakers, while Democrats have criticized the majority party for focusing on 'divisive social issues' rather than issues they say are more important to Iowans.

The details

Numerous bills advanced past the funnel deadline, including measures related to agriculture, commerce, education and more. On agriculture, bills advanced to address emissions lawsuits, the Iowa Farm Act, raw milk sales and the right to repair farm equipment. In commerce, bills moved forward on community solar, data center regulations, grid enhancement and precious metals as legal tender. In education, bills advanced on topics like antisemitism reporting, charter school funding, civics education and loan repayment for law school graduates. However, high-profile issues like property taxes and eminent domain for carbon pipelines remain unresolved, with lawmakers saying negotiations are ongoing.

  • Thursday was the last day lawmakers met to consider legislation before the first 'funnel' deadline of the year.
  • The House passed legislation banning the use of eminent domain in carbon capture pipeline projects early in the session, but the measure was significantly amended during the Senate committee process and has not been taken up for floor debate.

The players

Mike Klimesh

Senate Majority Leader, who said negotiations are ongoing on property tax proposals.

Brian Meyer

House Minority Leader, who criticized Republicans for focusing on 'divisive social issues' rather than issues important to Iowans.

Pat Grassley

House Speaker, who said House Republicans plan to focus on limiting minors' access to explicit materials in public libraries.

Mike Naig

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, who crafted language for a comprehensive agriculture policy bill.

Kim Reynolds

Iowa Governor, whose proposal on issues like SNAP eligibility, ivermectin access and food dyes advanced with amendments.

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What they’re saying

“I think for the most part, (the) policy areas that I wanted to see movement in, we've seen bills that are introduced. And again, you know, is the process finished? No, it's not, right. I mean, we'll negotiate and we'll have conversations, and what you see moved out of the committee today will look different, probably, when it comes off the floor. That's the way we work.”

— Mike Klimesh, Senate Majority Leader (1630kcjj.com)

“We want to get everybody on the record going into the election where you stand on affordability, lowering costs and protecting Iowans' rights. And we won't be getting votes on these things. Instead, they focus on, again, divisive social issues that have nothing to do with anything that Iowans care about.”

— Brian Meyer, House Minority Leader (1630kcjj.com)

“The objective that I think we're trying to get as House Republicans … if there's explicit material that needs to be in a different section, that's something we need to discuss. If there's something that does not involve parental parental notification or parental sign-off for the kind of material that the children are able to see, those are the kind of conversations we want to have.”

— Pat Grassley, House Speaker (1630kcjj.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.