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Week 11 of the 2026 legislative session was filled with work and ceremony. The Senate considered legislation in debate, its committees reviewed the lists of board, commission, and department appointments from the Governor, and we continued the work of setting a state budget and developing a bill that addresses property tax issues. The Pioneer Lawmakers’ Association of Iowa held their annual ceremony to induct new members (current and former state legislators first elected 20 years ago), and I presided over a candle-lighting memorial service that was held to pay respect to 23 former members of the Iowa Legislature. The Hoover Presidential Uncommon Public Service Award ceremony was also held to recognize Senator Dave Rowley this week, and the Pella Tulip Queen and her court entertained us with a vocal performance.
LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
National Agriculture Week was celebrated last week, and this Tuesday was National Ag Day. In 1973, National Ag Day was founded by the Agriculture Council of America to bring awareness to the role of agriculture in modern society. Too many people underestimate the role and huge contributions agriculture has on them – so this day aims to change people’s mindset. Iowa’s legislature is well represented by elected officials who are actively involved in Iowa’s agriculture industry. This week the Iowa Senate passed a few bills to support the state’s agriculture industry.
House File 2527 limits liability on human and natural producers of greenhouse gas against civil or criminal actions from any effect on the climate. It places the legal burden of proof on the person bringing civil or criminal action. This adds protection for Iowa farmers and the agriculture industry from bad actors looking to disrupt production.
House File 2227 passed unanimously in the Iowa Senate. It establishes mandatory land restoration standards for electric transmission lines. Transmission line owners must repair drainage tiles, remove foreign rocks, and perform deep tilling (up to 18 inches) on agricultural land to return the property to its original condition after an installation or repair. Additionally, it mandates the filing of restoration plans and empowers the Iowa Utilities Commission to inspect properties and order corrective actions for violations. This topic has been talked about for many years in the Capitol and implements important protections for landowners for these utilities. It now goes to the Governor for her signature.
Similarly, the Senate unanimously passed House File 2583, which requires electric transmission owners to file emergency response plans with the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) by December 31, 2026, including 24-hour contact details and methods for prioritizing restoration to essential facilities like hospitals. The bill mandates owners notify the IUC of significant service interruptions exceeding six hours and coordinate repairs during proclaimed disaster emergencies. The legislation aims to apply uniform safety standards to all operators, drawing on lessons from the 2020 derecho.
VISITORS TO THE CAPITOL
The Iowa Corn Growers Association members attended their day on the hill this week. Grassroot members from across Iowa are active in guiding ICGA policy priorities and advocating for their enactment. I enjoyed meeting with members in my office for some serious policy and legislative discussions and to share stories from the district.
Senator Whitver and I were able to spend a few minutes before debate to visit with the Dallas Center-Grimes High School social studies class. We enjoyed their energy and they seemed to enjoy learning about how legislative policy is enacted.
STAYING IN TOUCH
I rely on your input because everything we do as a General Assembly affects you personally. You can email me at amy.sinclair@legis.iowa.gov or call me at 515-725-4122 to voice your support or concerns on upcoming legislation.
Visit the legislative website for information about bills important to you or to follow the work of the legislature: www.Legis.Iowa.Gov.
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