The Iowa Legislature is entering a key phase as the first “funnel” deadline approaches, when bills must clear committee to stay alive this session making it a busy third week of the 2026 legislative session. With that in mind, many committees are spending long hours passing bills before the deadline approaches.
Public safety and crime are a major focus for House Republicans, who are advancing three proposals:
- A “career criminals” bill creating a three-strikes system with a 20-year mandatory minimum for repeat offenders.
- Bail and pretrial reform aimed at limiting release for higher-risk defendants and tightening verification requirements.
- A judicial data dashboard bill to publish information on judges’ bail, sentencing, and case decisions to inform voters during retention elections.
Other major topics debated this week include property taxes, E15 Ethanol Sales, and eminent domain laws.
Representative Taylor Collins serves House District 95. You can read his newsletter “Collins Capitol Connection” here. To reach Rep. Collins with any questions or concerns email taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave a message at (515) 281-7340.
Representative Blaine Watkins serves House District 100. You can read his update on week three in “The Watkins Wire” here. Email blaine.watkins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave a message (515) 281-7340.
To view Iowa State Senator Mark Lofgren’s update for Senate District 48, click here. For questions or concerns, Senator Lofgren can be reached by phone 563-272-8683 or email to mark.lofgren@legis.iowa.gov
Iowa State Senator for District 44, Adrian Dickey, can be reached at adrian.dickey@legis.iowa.gov