Posts

The 91st Iowa General Assembly convened on January 12, 2026, marking the start of a roughly 100-day legislative sprint.

The opening days brought familiar debates back to the State Capitol, fresh policy proposals from both chambers, and early signs of where the 2026 session might be headed.

Major Issues Taking Shape Early

Several overarching topics quickly emerged as session priorities, with property tax reform, eminent domain, and affordability concerns dominating early conversations.

Property Tax Reform in the Spotlight

Property taxes took center stage immediately:

• Republican leaders in both the Senate and the House introduced competing tax reform proposals aimed at delivering relief to homeowners. 

• One high-profile plan from House Republicans (House Study Bill 596) proposes a $25,000 residential property exemption, a 2% cap on local government revenue growth, and enhanced transparency for tax bills. 

• County officials raised concerns that some of the Governor’s proposed tax caps could strain local services if revenue growth is restricted too tightly. 

• Democrats previewed their own tax relief package before session start, calling for tax rebates for homeowners and a freeze on rates for seniors — though it awaits formal introduction this session. 

The early flurry of proposals highlights a multipronged Republican effort to overhaul a system many lawmakers and voters say needs modernization. 

Eminent Domain and Pipeline Debates Return

Another contentious debate quickly re-emerged: eminent domain laws, particularly regarding carbon capture pipelines. Legislators from both chambers signaled they would take up the issue early:

• House Republicans quickly ushered a bill through subcommittee and full committee the first week of session. The House voted 64 -28 on Wednesday, January 21 to approve a bill that would block private companies from using eminent domain on carbon sequestration pipelines in Iowa with the goal of “protecting Iowans fundamental rights to private property.”

• On Tuesday, January 20, Senate Majority Leader Klimesh introduced two bills related to the pipeline issue. One would allow all hazardous pipeline operators to seek out willing landowners within an enlarged corridor for pipeline easements, when there is an unwilling landowner in the path. It delays but does not remove the use of eminent domain. The other bill would apply a severance tax on carbon dioxide transported by the pipeline.

Multiple lawmakers have positioned eminent domain restrictions as defending Iowa landowners’ constitutional rights. Others argue that overly restrictive limits could undermine biofuel industry competitiveness and discourage carbon capture infrastructure investment. This split approach suggests intensive negotiations ahead on how to balance economic development, environmental infrastructure, and individual property rights. 

A Des Moines Register statewide survey in 2023 showed 78% of Iowans opposed using eminent domain for carbon pipelines. A survey presented to Landus members at six January member meetings shows similar results, with 70% of Landus members either opposed or strongly opposed to the use of eminent domain to build a CO2 pipeline, the balance of the respondents were 15% in favor and 15% neutral.

Landus wants to hear from you!

Complete the Landus Agricultural Policy Survey to share your opinions and thoughts with us as we advocate for your interests during this legislative session. Complete the quick survey here: 2026 Iowa Agriculture Policy Questionnaire – Fill out form. If you have other policy questions or concerns, please contact Sue Tronchetti at sue.tronchetti@landus.ag or at 515-370-0232.