BW INSIGHTS

Government Relations Update 2.19.26

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 02.20.2026

With 257 days until the November 3, 2026 general election, the BrownWinick team continues to monitor developments that may affect our clients, including candidate announcements, voter registration trends, and campaign finance activity. This year’s Iowa general election ballot will feature several high profile races, including the U.S. Senate, U.S.... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Five

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 02.16.2026

Capitol Update The fast pace of the legislative session continued through Week five, with full days of bill discussions in both subcommittees and standing committees. As of Thursday, nearly 600 subcommittees have been held this session. Next week is funnel week, meaning that bills must be considered in a subcommittee and pass the full Committee by... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Four

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 02.10.2026

Capitol Update As week four comes to a close, 864 bills have been filed this year. With only two weeks remaining until the first funnel deadline, a significant number of subcommittees are scheduled in the next two weeks as legislators work to advance priority legislation through committee. At the current pace, this session is on track to meet or... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Three

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 02.02.2026

Capitol Update The third week of session was busy both at the Capitol and on the campaign trail. President Donald Trump visited Iowa, delivering a speech in Clive focused on affordability. Several members of the legislature attended the event, along with federal candidates currently seeking office. With less than six months until the 2026... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Two

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 01.27.2026

Capitol Update The second week of the legislative session gained momentum despite the short week due to the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. Today is the final deadline for individual members to request bills with the Legislative Services Agency. On Wednesday the first floor debate of the year took place on the House carbon... Read More

What the OBBBA Means for Qualified Overtime Compensation: Deduction and Reporting Updates

By Rachel A. Martinez & Christopher L. Nuss | 01.22.2026

Beginning with tax year 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) added a new above-the-line deduction for employees with “qualified overtime compensation” received during the taxable year that is included on statements furnished to them. This deduction is effective through 2028. Qualified overtime compensation is defined as “overtime... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week One

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 01.21.2026

Capitol Update First Day. This year’s General Assembly began on Monday, January 12, 2026. The State Constitution dictates that session be held annually starting on the second Monday of January and the Iowa Code directs the General Assembly to convene at 10:00 a.m. The first day began with an Administrative Rules Committee meeting followed by each... Read More

Copyright Infringement: Risks of Copying Images From the Internet

By David M. Breiner & Dylan T. Schuchard | 01.14.2026

In the United States, an original work of authorship, for example, an image, a book, and/or a musical composition, is protected by copyrights. The protection occurs as soon as the work is “fixed in a tangible medium of expression.” Under copyright laws only the owner of the copyright work has the right to reproduce, distribute, and modify the... Read More

Navigating Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) Compliance: Defend Your Business from Costly Class Actions

By Benjamin R. Merrill & Kelsey R. Schott | 11.25.2025

Businesses today use technology to reach their customers, whether it is text, call, email, or social media. However, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) can put businesses in danger of potential litigation while attempting to communicate with potential customers and clients. Understanding the TCPA The TCPA was passed in the early 1990s... Read More

Client Alert: USCIS Issues Operational Guidance on New $100,000 H-1B Payment

By Matt J. Mauntel-Medici | 10.23.2025

USCIS has issued updated guidance on the H-1B $100,000 payment, providing some much needed clarification for employers. Below is a breakdown of the update and what we now know. Who must pay The $100,000 payment applies to H-1B petitions filed on/after Sept. 21, 2025, in these scenarios: Beneficiary is outside the U.S. without a valid H-1B visa.... Read More