Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment Passes Iowa House

The Iowa House passed HJR 2009, a “right to keep and bear arms” amendment that would amend the Iowa Constitution to add language affirming the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, by a 54 to 42 vote.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act Advances in Iowa Senate

Iowa’s version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) survived the first funnel week of the 2018 legislative session. SSB 3171, sponsored by State Senator Julian Garrett (R-Indianola) was passed out of the Iowa Senate Local Government Committee by a 7 to 4 vote.

Fetal Heartbeat Bill Advances in Iowa Senate

A bill, SSB 3143, that would ban abortions of pre-born babies when a heartbeat is detected passed through its subcommittee in the Iowa Senate on a 2 to 1 vote.

McCoy Wants Independent Private Instruction Parents to Notify Schools

State Senator Matt McCoy (D-Des Moines) introduced a bill into the Iowa Senate that would require parents who homeschool under independent private instruction (IPI) to submit a written notice to their local school districts by September 1st of their intent to do so.

Republicans Seek to Reform Iowa’s Collective Bargaining Law

Governor Terry Branstad and Iowa Senate and House Republicans seek to reform the state’s collective bargaining law that has not been reviewed since 1974.

Iowa Lawmakers Reach for Local Control of Education

There have been several bills filed in the Iowa House and Senate this year dedicated to devolving the power and control the Iowa Department of Education.

A Wave of Pro-Life Bills Filed in the Iowa Senate

The Iowa Senate with its new GOP majority have six pro-life bills filed including bills defunding abortion providers and banning abortions at 20-weeks.

Life at Conception Bill Filed in the Iowa House

HF 2142, a bill that would protect the unborn at the moment of conception introduced into the Iowa House, must be passed out of committee this week.

UMC Official Calling for Boycott of Holocaust Museum to Visit Iowa

A United Methodist Official who called for the boycott of holocaust museums plans to visit Iowa for an event with the Iowa United Methodists on June 6th.