Government : Week Thirteen of the 2026 Legislative Session

This week marked the thirteenth week of our 100-day session, and we continue to make meaningful progress on key priorities. Much of our time was spent reviewing legislation returning from the House after amendments, as well as considering proposals from the Appropriations and Ways and Means committees.

Following the Easter weekend with our families, the Senate resumed a busy schedule focused on important issues facing Iowans. One major topic of debate was House File 2254, which directs the Board of Regents to establish a policy prohibiting the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) from including noncompete clauses in physician contracts. The bill also applies to contracts involving nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals entered into or renewed after the bill takes effect. This represents a significant step forward for rural hospitals, strengthens our healthcare workforce, and expands opportunities for Iowans seeking care and employment within the state. It builds on previous efforts to address ongoing workforce challenges in healthcare.

Another bill passed this week, Senate File 2426, requires the Department of Transportation to assess English proficiency for applicants seeking a commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit. This aligns with federal requirements that drivers must be able to read road signs, communicate with officials, and maintain records in English. Given recent incidents involving unsafe driving, this measure is intended to improve roadway safety for all Iowans.

Each year, local governments and schools manage billions in taxpayer dollars. As stewards of these funds, we are committed to ensuring they are used responsibly and effectively. Senate File 2286, passed this week, limits the amount of public funds that can be placed in joint investment trusts to 25 percent of a two-year average. Currently, a significant portion of these funds is invested outside Iowa, with minimal benefit to in-state institutions. The bill also restricts payments to entities that do not provide legitimate operational services. This ensures more taxpayer dollars are reinvested into Iowa’s economy and communities.

Senate Republicans also advanced the Iowa Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) Act, which focuses on improving nutrition, physical activity, and access to healthy foods—particularly for children. The bill promotes healthier habits early in life and includes measures such as removing artificial food dyes from school lunches. Additionally, it requires SNAP purchases to align with USDA-approved nutritional guidelines, ensuring taxpayer dollars support healthier food choices.

Education saw positive developments this week as well. Iowa’s high school graduation rate rose to 88.8% in 2025—the highest in five years—reflecting continued progress in student achievement. Nearly 35,116 students graduated, an increase of about 1,000 from the previous year, and the rate has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels. These gains reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen educational outcomes and prepare students for future success.

We also welcomed a legal ruling affirming a law that requires age-appropriate classroom content for students in kindergarten through sixth grade and restricts sexually explicit materials in school settings. The decision reinforces the importance of prioritizing parents’ rights and maintaining a focus on core educational fundamentals.

Historic Property Tax Reform Advances

After months of discussion and input, the Iowa Senate passed a comprehensive property tax reform proposal aimed at delivering meaningful relief, modernizing the system, and supporting infrastructure improvements. Senate File 2472 provides a 50 percent reduction in taxable value for homeowners, increasing to 60 percent at age 60, with additional increases over time. The bill also includes safeguards that automatically reduce tax levies when property values rise too quickly.

The proposal simplifies the property tax system by eliminating outdated mechanisms and improving transparency, including allowing public notices to be posted online. It also provides flexibility for local governments by permitting adjustments to local option sales taxes to help fund essential services while reducing reliance on property taxes.

To address infrastructure needs, the bill introduces a fuel tax indexing system to support road and bridge improvements while capping annual increases. With a significant portion of these funds directed to local roads, the measure aims to strengthen Iowa’s infrastructure and support long-term economic growth.

This legislation represents one of the most significant property tax overhauls in decades. It moves away from short-term fixes and toward a more stable, transparent, and taxpayer-focused system. The bill passed the Senate with strong support and now moves to the Iowa House for consideration.

Thank You District 42!

Feel free to contact me with any comments, questions, or concerns regarding how I can best serve you as your Senator. I look forward to another great week of representing the people of District 42!