It was another busy week under the golden dome as legislators got to work in week three of the 2026 Legislative Session. While last Tuesday afternoon was quiet at the Capitol due to President Donald Trump visiting Iowa, legislators continued to introduce and advance legislation ahead of the first funnel deadline on February 20. Last week the House introduced 95 bills, and the Senate introduced 100, with dozens more previously introduced bills moving through subcommittee and committee this week.
Property Tax Subcommittees
Subcommittees were held on two of the three property tax bills Thursday afternoon. HSB 563, the Governor’s proposed tax plan, and HSB 596, the House property tax plan, were discussed in packed subcommittee rooms in the Iowa House at the end of the week. All three public proposals include a version of a 2% cap on local property tax revenue growth, which was a point of heavy feedback in the subcommittees. Other key topics were the bonding reforms in the House proposal and TIF and county elected office reforms in the Governor’s proposal.
Both bills advanced out of subcommittee; however, legislators indicated that none of the current bills are in their final form, and the conversation will continue the work to find the best in all the proposals and pass that version.
The Iowa Senate has not yet held subcommittees for the Governor’s proposal, SSB 3034, or its own proposal, SSB 3001.
Eminent Domain
Because of the contentious debate and subsequent veto of HF 639, relating to carbon pipeline bills in the 2025 legislative session, discussions of eminent domain have continued to dominate discussions in the first weeks of 2026. Last week, conversations continued in the Senate with two bills, HF 2104 and SF 2067, passing out of subcommittee and HF 2104 making its way through full committee after being substantially amended. HF 2104 passed out of the House two weeks ago and originally would have completely prevented the exercise of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines. However, the Senate Commerce amendments (S-5001 and S-5002) substantially amend HF 2104 to reflect the proposals unveiled by Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh earlier in session (SF 2067 and SF 2069). HF 2104 was placed on the calendar and could be debated as early as next week. If the bill passes with an amendment, the bill will go back to the House floor.
2026 Federal Elections
Three candidates, including two members of the Iowa Legislature, suspended their campaigns for higher office last week. Former House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst announced her endorsement of State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott for the Democratic nomination for Iowa’s Third Congressional District. This seat, which is currently held by U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (R), is projected to be one of the most competitive in the country. Representative Konfrst did not indicate if she would run again for her seat in Iowa House District 32.
In Iowa’s First Congressional District, Democrat Taylor Wettach suspended his campaign for the congressional seat, instead announcing that he will run for State Auditor. Current State Auditor Rob Sand is the front runner for the Democratic nomination for Iowa’s Governor, leaving the seat open in 2026. Currently, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer (R) and Iowa County Supervisor Abigail Maas (R) are facing each other in the Republican primary as the only other declared candidates in the field.
Iowa Representative Shannon Lundgren ended her campaign for the Republican nomination in Iowa’s Second Congressional District. This is an open seat currently held by U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R), who announced her campaign for U.S. Senate earlier this year. In the release, Representative Lundgren shared her intention to run for re-election to her seat in the Iowa House representing House District 65.
Former Representative Joe Mitchell and current State Senator Charlie McClintock remain in the race for the GOP nomination for IA-02. President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson each endorsed Joe Mitchell last week, likely clearing the way for Mitchell to face the winner of the Democratic primary in November. Four Democrats—Representative Lindsay James, Clint Twedt-Ball, Kathy Dolter, and Guy Morgan—are still contending for the Democratic nomination. Primary elections in Iowa will be held on June 2, 2026.
President Trump in Iowa
President Donald Trump visited Iowa last Tuesday, and large numbers of Republican legislators attended the event and rally Tuesday afternoon. During his remarks, President Trump affirmed his support for year-round E15 sales, which is a significant win for Iowa corn growers and the ethanol industry. The President pushed Congressional leadership to support this proposal and claimed the policy will economically benefit farmers and consumers alike. Additionally, President Trump announced John Deere’s expansion of two new production and distribution facilities.
What’s next?
This week will be a slightly shortened week on the Hill as many legislators stay in their home districts for party caucuses today. Both the House and the Senate will gavel in late Tuesday morning. The full 2026 Session Timetable is here.
