Government : Week Fifteen of the 2026 Legislative Session

We are now in the fifteenth week of the legislative session. Tuesday marked the 100th day and the scheduled final day, but as expected, we are moving into overtime. We remain focused on major issues and key legislation, and we are committed to delivering meaningful results for our constituents and our state.

One major topic this week was additional funding for pediatric cancer research. Senate File 2480 establishes an additional tax on alternative nicotine and vapor products and directs $3 million to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital for pediatric research. During subcommittee hearings, we heard powerful testimony from families who have witnessed both the life-saving care provided at the hospital and the heartbreaking loss of children to cancer. This bill creates a dedicated, sustainable funding source for pediatric cancer research, clinical therapies, and physician-scientist leadership. The first $3 million generated will support these efforts and help advance our fight against cancer in Iowa.

We also passed Senate File 2428, addressing student-caused disruptions in classrooms. This legislation responds to concerns from teachers who have experienced both nonviolent and violent disruptions, sometimes resulting in personal injury. The bill broadens the definitions of such disruptions and establishes clearer policies for safely reintegrating students into the classroom. Ensuring a safe learning environment is essential so teachers can focus on educating students effectively. This measure is an important step toward protecting both educators and students.

Additionally, we heard from constituents interested in becoming foster parents who were discouraged by cumbersome requirements. Senate File 473 provides protections for individuals’ sincerely held religious or moral beliefs, while keeping the focus on their ability to provide care. The bill does not impose any specific beliefs or alter training requirements, but ensures that future policies do not discriminate against qualified individuals based solely on those beliefs. Our goal is to encourage more Iowans to step forward as foster parents or kinship caregivers.

Fiscal responsibility and property tax relief remain top priorities. Senate File 2500 addresses transparency and oversight in township governance by updating outdated code. The bill requires standardized training for township trustees and clerks, increases financial transparency through itemized budgets and annual reports, and introduces tiered oversight. It also transitions some smaller counties to an appointment system for these roles. Additional provisions protect funds, maintain contractual obligations during transitions, and ensure proper handling of fire service payments. Overall, this legislation strengthens accountability, improves training, and reduces administrative burdens in rural areas. An amendment did exempt counties with a population over 75,000.

The Senate also continues to focus on real property tax relief. Progress was made as the House passed an amended version of Senate File 2472, incorporating elements of their own proposal. While this keeps the conversation moving, there are still concerns with the House approach that must be addressed.

Iowa’s property tax system has become increasingly complex after decades of incremental changes. In 2023, the legislature took the first step toward reform by lowering levy rates and simplifying parts of the system. Earlier this session, the Senate passed Senate File 2472 with near-unanimous support. This comprehensive proposal would provide lasting relief and predictability by simplifying the tax code and prioritizing homeowners. It includes a 50 percent reduction in taxable home value—growing by 10 percent each decade—automatic levy adjustments tied to inflation, elimination of the rollback system, and stronger controls on local government spending.

During public hearings, some landlords and developers argued these changes could lead to higher rents. However, similar promises in the past—that tax cuts would benefit renters—did not materialize. Despite significant tax reductions for certain properties over the past decade, rents have continued to rise. Meanwhile, many everyday Iowans have consistently voiced their need for property tax relief.

The Senate’s focus remains clear: delivering meaningful, long-term relief for homeowners. We are committed to simplifying the system, making homeownership more affordable, and advancing reforms that address longstanding issues. These conversations will continue as we work toward a final solution that better serves Iowans.

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!