BW INSIGHTS

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 13

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 04.13.2026

Capitol Update PROPERTY TAX: Identified by both Republican and Democratic legislative leaders as a top priority this session, the Senate advanced its property tax proposal on a 41–4 vote. An amendment to the Senate Property Tax bill was filed Wednesday by Ways and Means Chair Dan Dawson (R–Council Bluffs) and adopted later that same day on the... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 12

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 04.06.2026

Capitol Update Senate Republicans released their budget targets this week, proposing a 1.2 percent increase for FY 2027 over the current FY 2026 budget. Fiscal year 2027 will mark the second full year under the state’s 3.8 percent flat income tax. The Senate Republican proposal sets a budget target of $9.623 billion, $47 million less than the... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 11

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 03.30.2026

Capitol Update This week was another abbreviated legislative week, with most lawmakers returning to their home districts by Wednesday and minimal activity at the Capitol on Thursday. Shortened schedules may become more common in the weeks ahead as leadership works to determine which policy priorities to advance and how to bring the session to a... Read More

IEEPA Tariff Refunds — Immediate Steps for Importers

By Tim C. Reilly | 03.24.2026

The Supreme Court’s decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump (Feb. 20, 2026) paved the way for refunds of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a March 4, 2026, order directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 10

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 03.23.2026

Capitol Update The second funnel week began slowly, as inclement weather forced the cancellation of floor debate in both chambers. Activity resumed Tuesday, with lawmakers returning to committee and floor work to advance legislation ahead of today’s second funnel deadline. This week also saw renewed movement on property taxes, as the House Ways... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Nine

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 03.16.2026

Capitol Update Today (March 13) marks the deadline for Iowa candidates to submit the signatures required to appear on the June primary ballot, prompting a wave of filings over the past week. Among the most closely watched contests is the race for U.S. Senate. The seat is currently held by Senator Joni Ernst (R), who is not seeking reelection.... Read More

REC Summary - March 12, 2026

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 03.13.2026

The Revenue Estimating Conference (“REC”) met today as part of their standard schedule of meetings to estimate future state revenues. REC members Kraig Paulsen (Gov.’s Appointee), Jennifer Acton (LSA), and Jeff Plagge (Public Member) serve on the three-member panel. A summary of the information discussed during the meeting is below, along with the... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Eight

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 03.10.2026

Capitol Update The Iowa Legislature continued floor debate this week, taking up several high-profile policy measures, including a “tough-on-crime” package which cleared the Iowa House on Wednesday. The package includes HF 2542, which establishes a “three strikes” system for certain crimes. Under the bill, individuals who accumulate three points,... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update – Week Seven

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 03.02.2026

Capitol Update With the first legislative funnel now behind them, lawmakers shifted their focus this week to floor debate, working to advance legislation out of their respective chambers. Education funding legislation, SF 2201, returned to the Senate floor Monday for concurrence with the House amendment increasing the funding rate from 1.75% to... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Six

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Kelsey R. Schott | 02.23.2026

Capitol Update The first legislative funnel has come and gone, with approximately 770 subcommittee meetings scheduled thus far this session, 183 of which were scheduled this week alone. Any policy bills that did not advance out of both a subcommittee and full committee prior to the funnel deadline is considered “dead” for the session. Exceptions... Read More