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ARTICLE · 23 JANUARY 2026

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week One

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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...

United StatesTax
Matthew H. McKinney
Matthew H. McKinney
R.G. Schwarm
R.G. Schwarm
Kelsey Schott
Kelsey Schott

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 chamber gaveling in. Leadership from both parties outlined their priorities for the upcoming year.

This session sees a shift in leadership across both chambers. In the Senate, Senator Klimesh begins his first session as newly elected majority leader. Senator Weiner remains the minority leader for Senate Democrats. In the House, Representative Grassley will continue to serve as speaker. However, Representative Kaufmann begins his first session as majority leader, as former Majority Leader Windschitl stepped down over the interim to run for Iowa's Fourth District. Representative Brian Meyer is beginning his first session

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