Rural Matters: Conclusion of the 91st Legislative Session
The Conclusion of the 91st Iowa Legislative Session
The 91st Iowa legislative session drew to a close in the early morning hours of May 15. Final action on the bills passed rested with Governor Reynolds, and her decision to either sign into law or veto individual bills had to be made by June 15. Governor Reynolds took action on the remaining bills on June 13.
The 2025 session was a very active and sometimes contentious. Here is a summary of the bills that affect agriculture and rural Iowa:
Senate File (SF)608: Grain Indemnity Fund modernization, was signed by Governor Reynolds on May 27. The bill increases the grain indemnity fund to an $8 million minimum and $16 million maximum. The new bill now includes coverage for price later/credit sale contracts but not deferred payment contracts. Coverage per producer was increased to $400,000 maximum payout per incident.
SF153/House File (HF) 527: Lowers driver minimum age for hazardous material CDL license from age 21 to age 18.
SF 383: Pharmacy Benefit Manager (small pharmacy protection) Protects small pharmacies but may increase costs for patients and employer insurance plans. This bill was signed by Governor Reynolds on June 13.
HF 639*: Hazardous Pipeline Bill
- Requires liability insurance coverage and extra expenses paid by pipelines
- Defines common carrier
- 25-year limit for life of pipeline
- Clarified who can intervein in hearings
- Requires at least one ICU member in attendance at any public hearing
*This bill passed in the Senate with bipartisan support and a very contentious debate within the Senate Republicans at the very end of the legislative session. It has previously passed in the House with bipartisan support as well.
The bill was vetoed by Governor Reynolds on June 11. House Speaker Pat Grassley immediately called for a special session to override Governor Reynolds’ veto. In order to convene a special session, there must be a vote of 2/3 majority in favor of it from both the House and the Senate. While the House likely has enough votes to convene a special session, the Senate most likely does not.
Other bills that did not advance but are expected to be addressed in next year’s session include:
- Governor’s Energy Bill. Rate payer protection versus the Electric Utility companies
- Property Tax Reform
- Pesticide labeling. Bayer’s attempt to have legal protection against nuisance lawsuits against Round Up health claims
A Preview of Iowa Midterm Races
While the legislative session has ended for the year, political activity remains high. Governor Reynolds has announced that she will not seek reelection in 2026, and political activity has increased as both parties look to fill her open seat, along with other offices during the upcoming midterm elections.
Both parties will have a primary for the Governor’s race.
The Republican primary will likely include:
- Brad Sherman, former State Representative
- Eddie Andrews, State Representative from the 43rd district
- Randy Feenstra, U.S. Representative from Iowa’s 4th district
Others expressing interest are:
- Mike Bousselot, State Senator from the 21st district
- Brenna Bird, Iowa Attorney General
- Pat Grassley, Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives
The Democrat primary will likely include:
- Rob Sand, State Auditor
- Julie Stauch
There is declared interest in running against U.S. Senator Joni Ernst by:
Democrats:
- Zach Wahls, State Senator from the 43rd district
- JD Scholten, State Representative from the 1st district
- Nathan Sage
Republican:
- Jim Carlin
There is declared interest in running against U.S. House of Representatives 3rd District (currently held by Zac Nunn) by Democrats:
- Sarah Trone Garriott, State Senator from the 14th district
- Jennifer Konfrst, State Representative from the 32nd
All these changes will create additional changes and opportunities -equaling a “political fruit basket up-set.” It promises to be a very interesting and active political scene in Iowa.
Other races affected are State of Iowa Auditor, Iowa Attorney General, possibly U.S. Congressional 4th district, several state house and senate races and leadership positions within the state political parties. Expect a very active primary election cycle in June 2026.
While these changes don’t take place until after the election in November 2026 – staying informed and supporting candidates of your choice will be important. Landus will be watching how these political changes may affect Iowa agriculture and rural matters.
If you have any questions, reach out to me at sue.tronchetti@landus.ag or at 515-370-0232.
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