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Week 12 of the 2026 legislative session is showing signs of winding down. Senate Republicans released our budget target this week to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer money. Now we will begin to see budget bills start moving through the process and look forward to the work of the appropriation subcommittees.
LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
The Senate debated bills this week as we continue to address topics brought to us by our constituents, inspired by recent events, or strengthening policies already in Iowa code. We took one day off from debate to allow members to return home to enjoy time with their families over the Easter weekend. Here are a few bills we passed in the Senate this week.
House File 2337 makes misrepresenting an academic degree or credential to obtain employment or for any other personal gain a fraudulent practice and subject to penalties. This bill addresses issues we saw from the former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent’s actions and subsequent arrest.
House File 2534 helps a new industry, shellfish feeding operations, in Iowa by adding them to the list of regulated agriculture production. Iowans are showing an interest in growing their own shrimp as a business and buying old agricultural buildings to support their production. They have run into issues with government regulations in their efforts to be successful. This bill will help reduce the roadblocks and will encourage Iowans to start or expand a local business.
House File 2543 addresses Iowans’ need for mental health care. To improve access for Iowans and to lessen the burden on emergency departments and other health care facilities, the bill highlights five specific policy changes. It removes regulatory barriers related to patient admissions, it accelerates prior authorization reviews, it removes barriers impacting employment at subacute mental health facilities, it brings transparency in bed availability at facilities for children, and it requires Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to review its capabilities to implement subacute and psychiatric services at the Mental Health Institute in Independence, Iowa.
VISITORS TO THE CAPITOL
The visitors this week included Iowans in recovery, those with disabilities, advocates for individuals with disabilities, and members of the Iowa Housing Partnerships. They were available to help us understand the successes from their programing and they advocated for opportunities to improve support.
Organizations representing professionals, including architects, bankers and engineers, helped their Iowa members meet with legislators to discuss industry specific policy issues.
Secretary Pate, a Major in Civil Air Patrol and a member of the Iowa Wing Legislative Squadron, visited my office mid-week to certify my membership as a State Legislative Member of the Civil Air Patrol, Iowa Wing. He presented me with a pin, worn to show my support for this volunteer organization in recognition of its humanitarian services to the state of Iowa.
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.
If you, or someone you know, would like to receive these weekly updates electronically, please visit https://iowasenaterepublicans.com/senators/amy-sinclair/ to sign up for my weekly newsletter.