The Iowa Legislature Will Suspend Its Session for a Minimum of 30 Days

The Iowa Legislature announced that they will suspend the 2020 legislatives session for a minimum of 30 days following the announcement of community spread of COVID-19 in Iowa.

Municipal Firearms Restrictions Preemption Bill Advances in Iowa Senate

The Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that preempts local governments restricting Iowans from lawful possession of firearms and attachments.

Schneider Announces Retirement from Iowa Senate

Senate President Charles Schneider, R-West Des Moines, announced his retirement from the Iowa Senate at the end of his second term.

Bringing Welfare Reform to Iowa

Jason Schultz: With Iowa’s low unemployment rate, there has never been a more appropriate time to get people off welfare programs and into self-reliance and a better life.

Iowa Senate Democrats’ K-12 Funding Complaints Elicits Firey Response

State Senator Amy Sinclair, responding to Iowa Senate Democrat complaints about K-12 education funding, said their record is overpromising and underdelivering.

Iowa House and Senate Reach K-12 Funding Agreement

Iowa House and Senate leaders announced an agreement on a K-12 funding package of nearly $100 million of new funding for the 2020-21 school year.

Iowa Senate Passes Welfare Eligibility Verification Improvements

The Iowa Senate passed a bill that establishes a real-time verification system for public assistance programs managed by the Department of Human Services.

Victims’ Rights Amendment Clears Iowa Senate Committee

State Senator Zach Whiting: “My goal in all of this is to level the playing field between the rights of the defendant and the rights of crime victims.”

Government Wants to Ride in Your Car

Iowans for Tax Relief: A bill this legislative session provides a roadmap (terrible pun absolutely intended) to invade your privacy and use the tax code for social engineering.

Whitver Outlines Legislative Progress in Iowa Senate

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, highlighted the progress of a number legislative priorities in the Iowa Senate during the 2020 session.

Iowa Senate Panel Forwards Work Requirement Bill for Medicaid, SNAP

An Iowa Senate subcommittee forwarded a bill, SSB 3158, that adds a work requirement for Iowans on Medicaid or receiving SNAP benefits.

Bill Making Daylight Savings Time Permanent Advances in Iowa Senate

The Iowa Senate State Government Committee passed a bill, SF 2077, that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent in the state by an 11 to 4 vote.

Iowa Senate Ed Committee Votes to Remove Diversity Hurdle to Open Enrollment

The Iowa Senate Education Committee voted to remove diversity plans as a reason five Iowa school districts can use to deny open enrollment requests.

Iowa Senate Passes Amendment Declaring No Right to Abortion in Iowa Constitution

The Iowa Senate passed SJR 2001, an amendment to the Iowa Constitution that declares there is no constitutional right to abortion, by a 32 to 18 vote.

Iowa Senate Republicans Propose $91.7 Million in New K-12 Funding

Iowa Senate Republicans propose $91.7 million in new funding for K -12 education representing a total increase of more than $300 million since FY 2017.

Respecting Gun Rights: A Tale of Two States – Iowa and Virginia

State Senator Jason Schultz contrasts Virginia’s attempt to restrict gun rights to the Iowa Legislature’s work to respect and protect gun rights.