Iowa Legislature Advances Budget, Trucking, and Raw Milk Bills; Former First Lady Remembered and Highway Honor Proposed

Bills to maintain budget spending, require English proficiency for truck drivers, and expand raw milk sales move forward as state mourns former first lady and considers highway renaming.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Iowa legislature has advanced several bills, including one to maintain budget spending levels if a new budget isn't reached, another to require truck drivers to pass an English proficiency test, and a third to expand the sale of raw milk and cottage foods. Additionally, the state is remembering former First Lady Billie Lee Ray, who passed away at age 97, and lawmakers have proposed renaming a section of Highway 30 to honor a slain Iowa National Guard soldier.

Why it matters

These legislative actions reflect ongoing debates in Iowa around government spending, transportation safety, food regulations, and honoring fallen service members. The budget bill aims to avoid a government shutdown, while the trucking and raw milk bills touch on public health and safety concerns. The remembrance of the former first lady and proposal to rename a highway highlight the state's efforts to commemorate important figures and sacrifices.

The details

The budget bill would keep spending at current levels if lawmakers fail to pass a new budget by the June 30th deadline, preventing a government shutdown. The trucking bill would require commercial drivers to pass an English proficiency test, which supporters say would improve road safety. The raw milk bill would expand sales of unpasteurized milk and cottage foods, drawing opposition from some who argue the state already has adequate licensing for home food processors. Former First Lady Billie Lee Ray, wife of the late Governor Robert D. Ray, passed away at 97 and was known for her philanthropic work at Drake University. Lawmakers have proposed renaming a section of Highway 30 to honor Staff Sergeant Nate Howard, an Iowa National Guard member killed in Syria.

  • The budget bill advanced through a Senate subcommittee.
  • The trucking bill passed a House subcommittee and now goes to the full Transportation Committee.
  • The raw milk bill cleared a House subcommittee.
  • Billie Lee Ray passed away on Wednesday at the age of 97.
  • Staff Sergeant Nate Howard was killed on December 13th in Syria.

The players

Iowa Republican lawmakers

Republican lawmakers in the Iowa legislature who powered the budget bill proposal through subcommittee.

Iowa Democrats

Iowa Democratic lawmakers who argue the budget bill is 'injecting D.C.-style politics into Iowa.'

Iowa Motor Truck Association

An association representing commercial truck drivers in Iowa, which supports the trucking bill as a way to improve road safety and professionalism.

Billie Lee Ray

The former First Lady of Iowa, who passed away at the age of 97 and was known for her philanthropic work at Drake University.

Nate Howard

A Staff Sergeant in the Iowa National Guard who was killed on December 13th in Syria, and whom lawmakers have proposed renaming a section of Highway 30 to honor.

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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)

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.