2026 Legislative Session – Week 2

Week 2 of the House Legislative Session concluded today (Friday, January 23). We are off to a fast start, and it was a busy week. The legislative session in even-numbered years is two weeks shorter than odd-numbered years, so we have to hit the ground running in those years.

I love to be busy and productive at the Capitol. If I am going to take time from my family and my business to serve as a “citizen legislator”, then I want to make the time count. My wishes have been answered!

Even with no session Monday due to MLK observance, I had six subcommittees on bills (five of which I chaired), two committee meetings, several meetings and visitors at the Capitol, and a busy schedule of networking receptions where much business takes place.

What Happened This Week?

House Republicans Property Tax Proposal Puts Taxpayers First

This week, Iowa House Republicans released House Study Bill 596 , our property tax proposal to finally put the taxpayers first. This plan is not about protecting the status quo for taxing entities; it is about creating predictability and protecting the bank accounts of hardworking Iowans.

For too long, the property tax system has prioritized certainty for government budgets over certainty for family budgets. With this proposal, Republicans are flipping that script. Key components include:

• Capping revenue growth at 2% plus new construction, with exceptions for schools and the debt levy.
• Delivering immediate relief to homeowners by creating a $25,000 residential property tax exemption.
• Improving transparency by revamping the informational mailer sent to property taxpayers.
• Requiring a 60% affirmative vote for all bonds payable with property taxes.
• Requiring Councils of Government (COGs) to help local governments identify efficiencies and reduce waste.

A major difference in our proposal is the exemption on the first $25,000 of assessed value for every residential property. This delivers immediate tax relief to every homeowner in Iowa. Seniors on fixed incomes, first-time homebuyers, and working families will all see relief.

This plan prioritizes taxpayers over taxing entities. It brings simplicity, transparency, and—most importantly—relief.

Comparing the Property Tax Proposals

With the release of House Study Bill 596 , we now have proposals from Governor Reynolds, the Senate, and the House. While there is significant overlap, there are also key differences. Negotiations are now underway, and the final proposal will likely include elements from each.

Iowans for Tax Relief has produced a helpful side-by-side comparison of the three proposals. The image below is included for quick reference.

Property Rights and Eminent Domain

(A Narrow, Important Fix)

This week, the Iowa House advanced House File 2104 , addressing a question I hear often: Should a private company be able to use eminent domain to take private land for a carbon oxide (CO₂) pipeline? HF 2104 answers with a clear “no.”

HF 2104 does not ban pipelines, prohibit carbon capture projects, or prevent energy or infrastructure development. Developers may still pursue projects through voluntary agreements.

What the bill does require is that pipeline companies negotiate voluntary easements with landowners—projects must move forward through agreement, not coercion.

For landowners, easements affect soil, drainage, crop yields, and long-term land use. At its core, this bill reinforces a simple truth: private property is a constitutional right, not a government courtesy.

Eminent domain should be reserved for true public necessities. HF 2104 reinforces that private development should rely on voluntary agreements—not forced takings.

Economic development and property rights do not have to conflict. If a project is sound, it should proceed with willing partners. And if a landowner says “no,” that “no” should mean something.

That is what HF 2104 is about—protecting property rights while keeping Iowa open for responsible growth, without crossing a bright line Iowans have long understood: private land should not be taken without consent for private purposes.

Scenes from the Subcommittee Chair

BELOW: The second subcommittee I chaired Wednesday was for HSB 570 . The other members were Representatives Williams and Ramirez. HSB 570 was proposed by Attorney General Bird to update and expand several victim-protection laws—including confidentiality for victim counselors, protective orders, sex offender registration requirements, sexual abuse victim rights, mental competency/civil commitment procedures, restitution, and broader victim rights. This bill passed subcommittee 2-0.

The final subcommittee I chaired Wednesday was for HSB 569 , which included Representatives Watkins and Wichtendahl. This bill revises declaration-of-value requirements for recording certain real estate transfers. It passed unanimously.

Thursday I chaired one subcommittee for HF 824 . Representatives Wheeler and Wessel-Kroeschell served on the subcommittee. This bill relates to custody proceedings and passed 3-0.

Wednesday was Veteran’s Day at the Capitol, among several other groups having their days at the Capitol. ABOVE: I was a pleasure to see retired Marine and former State Representative Stan Gustafson, with whom I had the honor of serving and sitting next to in my first term in the House. BELOW: Veterans Day brings a huge crowd to the Capitol. This time that included John Thompson (Founder of Salute to the Fallen, a nonprofit aimed to help veterans and first responders with mental health struggles) and Jackie Schmillen, VP of Public Affairs for the Iowa National Guard. If you’ve ever been to an Iowa Wild or Iowa Barnstormers game, you know Jackie brings high energy to any room.

FFA Day at the Capitol also brings one of the largest crowds to the Capitol each year. On Wednesday the 41st Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium was no exception. BELOW LEFT: Representative Dunwell and I met with the Bondurant-Farrar FFA members. Pictured with us in the House Rostrum are (L-R) Preston (club President), Marli, Chloe, and Josh. Seated in the Speaker’s chair is their teacher, Katelyn Remington. BELOW RIGHT: Representative Lohse and I also had the privilege of meeting with the SE Polk FFA members that day. Many thanks to their teacher, Nicole Morrill, for bringing this great group of students. Unfortunately, I missed getting their names.

4-H Day at the Capitol

Wednesday was also 4-H Day at the Capitol, and the future of agriculture is looking bright with students like these Polk County 4-H members. Below are a few images taken with some of the students in the House Rostrum.

Left: Polk County 4-H members in the House Rostrum.

Right: Additional members of the Polk County 4-H group.

YMCA Legislative Reception

At the end of the day, I met with Cameron Nicholson, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, who was at the Capitol for the YMCA Legislative Reception.

Above: Cameron Nicholson, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines.

Iowa Pork Congress

The marathon Wednesday concluded with the Iowa Pork Congress, where I was able to connect with several key figures in the pork industry.

Below Left: I met with Dean Frazer, President of the Iowa Pork Producers, during the Producer Recognition and Legislative Reception at the event.

Below Center: It was also great to reconnect with longtime friend Kevin Hall, the Pork Producer Communication Director.

Below Right: A pleasant surprise was encountering Altoona constituents Marv and Cinda Schut. Marv received the Iowa Pork Producers Truck Driver of the Year award!

Final Thoughts

The day ended with the Iowa Pork Congress and a late dinner with my daughter, son-in-law, and his parents, who were visiting from out of town. It was a long but rewarding day.

Above Left: Dean Frazer, President of the Iowa Pork Producers, with me at the Iowa Pork Congress.

It’s an honor to represent the people of House District 40. Please reach out with any thoughts or concerns—I love hearing from my constituents as I work on important issues to benefit the people of Iowa. Come visit me at the Capitol!