Outline:
Key Issues Facing Iowa’s 2026 Legislative Session
Iowa’s 2026 legislative session officially begins on Monday, and lawmakers are already preparing to tackle some of the most pressing issues in the state. Two of the primary concerns for this session are education funding and the state budget. Both of these matters must be resolved before the session can conclude.
Per pupil education funding is expected to be addressed within 30 days of Governor Kim Reynolds’ budget proposal. While this deadline is self-imposed, it does not carry any penalties if missed. However, it adds complexity for schools trying to plan their budgets for the upcoming year.
"We need to fully fund education and we need to lower class sizes," said House Minority Leader Brian Meyer. "When we look at those two things, I think we can start making progress towards getting back to being number one in education."
The state budget is another critical issue that lawmakers will address later in the session. Recent revenue projections indicate a decline, which may force legislators to draw from reserve funds to balance the budget.
"We are going to be scrutinizing every dollar we spend as a state," said House Speaker Pat Grassley. "It’s part of the reason why we’ve been continuing to be ranked so high in fiscal management all across the country when you look at what other states are facing. That’s why we have a cash reserve that’s completely full. That’s why we have an ending balance. That’s why we have a taxpayer relief fund."
The First Day of the 2026 Legislative Session
The first day of the session will begin with a legislative breakfast hosted by Republicans before they head to the Iowa Capitol. House Speaker Pat Grassley emphasized the importance of addressing crime during this session.
"We’ve caucused on twice now and have a ton of support I feel like in the caucus is looking at making sure that we are gonna be tougher on crime here in the state," Grassley said.
Both the House and Senate chambers will convene at 10 AM on Monday, with leaders from both parties delivering opening speeches. Several committee meetings are also scheduled for the day.
"We’re gonna be focusing on affordability," said Rep. Meyer. "I think that’s a big issue across the country, and finally, we are going to be focusing on making Iowa the best place to live and raise a family."
How the Legislative Process Works
Over the next few months, hundreds of bills will be introduced, but only those that pass multiple hurdles will become law. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Subcommittee Review: A bill is assigned to a three-person subcommittee, typically consisting of two Republicans and one Democrat. It moves forward if at least two members vote to advance it.
- Committee Debate: The bill is debated in a larger committee of around a dozen lawmakers. Again, due to Republican control, committees are dominated by GOP members. If the bill receives a majority vote, it advances.
- Floor Debate: The bill is then debated on the floor of the chamber. After debate, lawmakers vote on the proposal. If it passes, it moves to the other chamber for similar steps before reaching the governor’s desk.
Once a bill passes both the House and Senate, it goes to Governor Kim Reynolds, who can either sign it or veto it.
Republican and Democratic Leadership Dynamics
Republicans hold majorities in both the House and Senate, making it difficult for Democrats to pass legislation without some Republican support.
"We would love to work across the aisle on some of our childcare and housing bills in particular because those are things that really should not be partisan," said Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner. "That said, we are obviously not in the majority."
This session will also see leadership changes as several lawmakers run for congressional seats. State Rep. Matt Windschitl (R) is running for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, and State Rep. Jennifer Konfrst (D) is running for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. New leaders have been elected, including GOP Rep. Bobby Kaufmann as House Majority Leader and Rep. Brian Meyer as the top House Democrat. Pat Grassley remains the Speaker of the Iowa House.
Top Issues for 2026
Property taxes are expected to be the top issue this session. Rep. Grassley noted that this topic has been a central focus since the previous session.
"The topic of the year and even back into last session has been property taxes," Grassley said. "I think that’s gonna consume a lot of the conversation this session looking at making sure we are providing certainty for Iowans."
Democrats have proposed plans to lower residential property taxes, while specifics from Republicans and the governor remain pending.
"We are gonna be focused, as Iowa House Democrats, on lowering residential property taxes," said Rep. Meyer. "So your average everyday person that owns a home under our plan would see a significant cut in their property taxes."
Other issues include the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines, business fraud, the Iowa Farm Act, protecting victims of crimes, improving fraud investigations, and more.
Important Dates to Note
- January 12: First day of the 2026 legislative session.
- January 13: Governor Kim Reynolds delivers her annual "Condition of the State" address.
- January 14: Address by Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen on the judiciary.
- January 15: Speech by Major General Stephen Osborn on the National Guard.
- April 21: Current last day of the session, though it could be extended if the state budget isn’t passed.