House passes five‑year casino moratorium amid heated debate

The House of Representatives passed House File 144, which imposes a five‑year moratorium on new casino licenses and revises licensing rules, after a contentious floor debate and two adopted amendments.

Representative Kaufman, sponsor of House File 144, introduced two amendments. Amendment H1004 removed an iGaming study provision; H1002 struck a section that would have applied an inflation adjustment to fees. Both amendments were adopted on floor votes and the House then passed the bill, 68‑31, with one member absent.

Opponents of the moratorium urged lawmakers to let the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) perform existing licensing reviews. Representative Sheets argued the commission “looks at things like market saturation ... cannibalization” and said a proposed Cedar Rapids casino could add “$60,000,000 in additional gaming revenue to the state every single year.” Sheets warned the moratorium effectively hands the legislature authority to favor existing operators over prospective entrants.

Representative Wiktendahl rose in “firm opposition to this moratorium,” saying it would override local voter decisions and harm Linn County economic development. Wiktendahl said the moratorium “cancels the jobs of hundreds [of] Linn County residents” and would reduce tax revenue at a time of state budget stress.

Supporters said the current regulatory framework does not provide adequate guardrails. Representative Kaufman argued the code and the commission’s practices had been changed frequently and that legislative involvement was appropriate for major rulings.

After debate, the House adopted the two amendments offered by Kaufman and passed House File 144 on final reading, 68‑31. The title was agreed to without objection and the bill was ordered sent as required.

Votes at a glance: Amendment H1004 (Kaufman) — adopted (voice vote). Amendment H1002 (Kaufman) — adopted (voice vote). House File 144 — passed, 68 yes, 31 no.