State Senate pushes bills ahead of funnel week

It was an incredibly constructive and fast-paced week. As funnel week approaches, legislation must begin moving forward, and we keep making progress on the issues Iowans have brought to us over the last several months.

This week, the Senate considered many proposals between the subcommittees and committees scheduled.

Capitol conversations

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the Iowa Soybean legislative reception, where I connected with many leaders from across the soybean industry, including Brian Strasser, a director with the Iowa Soybean Association.

In conjunction with the reception, Iowa Soybean also hosted its Farm Forward Conference, which brought together students and stakeholders to discuss current agricultural policy, market updates, global trade and the role farmers are playing in addressing Iowa’s water quality challenges.

I enjoyed visiting with students, including Caleb Welsh from Williamsburg, and hearing their perspectives on the future of agriculture.

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I also met with constituents from United Way of Iowa who shared their advocacy efforts and commitment to advancing public policies that create lasting change and strengthen communities across the state. Their priorities focus on expanding youth opportunities, enhancing financial security, promoting healthy communities, and fostering long-term community resilience so all Iowans can thrive.

Additionally, I spent time with advocates participating in Iowa Manufactured Home Residents’ Day and held a productive roundtable discussion on issues important to their communities.

To top off the week, I had a fun surprise when members of my family stopped by the Capitol for a tour. On Friday, I also had the opportunity to be with the Iowa National Guard and give them a tour of our beautiful state Capitol. It was a great reminder of the people and communities we work for every day.

Legislation

This week, several meaningful pieces of legislation moved forward. One bill I was proud to help work on is SSB 3041, commonly referred to as the FFA and 4-H Excused Absence Bill. This legislation requires school districts to grant excused absences to students who miss school due to participation in FFA or 4-H activities, while also ensuring students are allowed to make up any missed coursework.

The bill has passed out of committee and is now eligible for floor debate.

Another bill that advanced this week was SSB 3063, which passed unanimously out of committee. This legislation updates Iowa law related to the coordination of electric transmission siting and construction with state roadways.

Under the bill, the Iowa Department of Transportation would be required, upon written request, to coordinate with utilities or transmission line developers to review highway corridors as potential locations for transmission lines. The DOT would assign a project coordinator and provide information on any planned highway projects that could impact transmission siting, helping improve communication and long-term infrastructure planning.

I was glad to create and help develop this legislation in collaboration with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association as it moved through the Commerce Committee.

Property tax relief also continues to be a major focus at the Capitol. As discussions move forward, we are actively gathering feedback from Iowans, local governments and stakeholders to determine the best path ahead. The Senate is proposing what would be the largest property tax overhaul in decades, with a focus on making home ownership more affordable and ensuring the system works for everyday Iowans.

Under this proposal, once a homeowner has paid off their mortgage and is at least 60 years old, they would no longer be required to pay involuntary property taxes on their home. The plan also includes a permanent 50% taxable value discount for most homeowners and automatically lowers property tax levies when property inflation exceeds 2%.

Iowa currently ranks as the tenth worst state in the nation for property taxes, and we are committed to changing that. This proposal recognizes the differences between rural and suburban Iowa, prioritizes homestead property owners and delivers real, long-term relief.

We look forward to continuing conversations with Iowans as this legislation moves through the remainder of the session.

As always, as new legislation continues to be proposed, please never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.