Petersen Stepping Down As Iowa Senate Minority Leader

State Senator Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, announced that she would not seek re-election as the Iowa Senate Minority Leader.

Iowa Senate Republicans Select Whitver as Majority Leader, Chapman as Senate President

Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver said the pro-growth, pro-job policies Iowa Senate Republicans pursued are paying off and they want to build on that.

Nunn Called to Active Military Duty

State Senator Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant, will serve on active duty with the U.S. Air Force beginning July 20, 2020 through spring 2021.

Reynolds Signs 24-Hour Waiting Period for Abortions Into Law

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed HF 594, a bill requiring a 24-hour waiting period for abortions, into law that already faces a legal challenge by abortion advocates.

Iowans for Tax Relief: What Did Iowa’s Lawmakers Accomplish?

Iowans for Tax Relief provides a recap of the 2020 Iowa legislative session in light of sound tax policy, spending, transparency, and economic freedom.

Iowa Legislature Passes 24-Hour Waiting Period for Abortion

The Iowa Legislature passed a 24-hour waiting period for abortion during a final floor debate marathon that concluded the 2020 legislative session.

Iowa Legislature Passes Police Reform Bill Unanimously

The Iowa Legislature passed unanimously a bill that allows the Attorney General to prosecute police misconduct and restricts the use of chokeholds.

Breaking: Vote on Protect Life Amendment Delayed in Iowa House

Caffeinated Thoughts learned that the debate and vote on the Protect Life Amendment in the Iowa House is delayed due to some internal Republican debate.

Reynolds Signs Compromise Bill in Step to Automatically Restore Felon Voting Rights

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill that requires felons to repay restitution before restoring voting rights paving the way for a constitutional amendment.

Municipal Firearms Restrictions Preemption Bill Passes In Iowa Senate

The Iowa Senate passed a bill, 32 to 17, that preempts local governments restricting Iowans from lawful possession of firearms and attachments.

Iowa Legislature to Resume Session on June 3

Iowa House and Senate leaders announced the Iowa Legislature will reconvene on Wednesday, June 3 at 9:00 am after suspending it on March 16 due to COVID-19.

Iowa Legislature Extends Suspension of Session Through May 15

Iowa House and Senate leadership announced they would extend the suspension of the legislative session through May 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iowa Legislature Extends Suspension of Session

Iowa House and Senate leadership announced that the suspension of the legislative session will be extended until at least April 30 due to COVID-19.

State Sen. Jake Chapman Calls For COVID-19 Stimulus Checks to Be Tax-Exempt

State Senator Jake Chapman: “I want to allow Iowans to use that full refund or that stimulus check to spur economic activity.”

Iowa Legislature Pass Measures to Fund Government, Pause Session

The Iowa Legislature passed a series of resolutions to pause the legislative session for 30 days while the state works to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Iowa Will Not Expect Schools to Reschedule Missed Days Due to COVID-19 Closings

Legislation is expected to be passed and signed that waives the requirement that Iowa’s K-12 schools reschedule days missed for COVID-19 closings.