Lawmakers discuss collaboration needed for effective government reform and debt reduction strategies.

Congress debates Elon Musk's influence and federal funding freezes causing employee distress.

Governor initiates agency reforms, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency in Iowa.

The Iowa Senate on April 29, 2026 passed House File 2694, approving amendments that (1) create a continuing-appropriations mechanism that can take effect if the Legislature passes and presents a budget that is not enacted and (2) correct drafting in public-health language. Critics called the continuing-appropriations provision a bid to limit a future governor's authority; the Senate approved the bill by a constitutional majority and immediately messaged it to the House.

The House concurred with Senate amendments and passed House Files 960, 2490 and 2562 (sales-tax exemption, public meetings/records, and care facility placement decisions). Vote tallies were recorded; each bill was sent to the Senate or readied accordingly.

The Senate passed several bills by roll call or unanimous consent: HF22‑15 (DNR changes, park fees, hunting age), SF23‑75 (soy‑based firefighting foam, local opt‑in by 2027), SF23‑68 (county jail cost‑analysis), SF24‑44 (cigar‑bar alcohol exemption), SF20‑70 (appointments to uniform law commission), SF5‑48 (PFD exemption) and SJR20‑10 (state draft horse designation). Details and vote tallies below.

The Senate passed SF 22‑63 as amended to allow lawful carriers to keep firearms in locked vehicles in public government parking lots while removing provisions that would have allowed carry in college and K‑12 parking areas; opponents warned about risks for foster children and theft from parked cars.

The Iowa House read several bills for first consideration, including measures on a state archives authority, oversight for higher education finances, demolition cost recovery and durable medical power of attorney; each bill was referred to the committee named during the reading.

Senate file 27 aims for communication between government divisions on course completions.