Iowa House gives first reading to dozens of measures, refers them to committees and adjourns until Feb. 9, 2026

The House convened, opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then proceeded to a lengthy series of first readings and committee referrals before approving a motion to adjourn until Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at 1 p.m.

Representative Harris of Appenuse offered the prayer and led the pledge of allegiance at the start of the session. After routine approval of the journal, an unidentified reader announced a large group of introductions and first readings, starting with House Joint Resolution 2007 by Levin proposing a state constitutional amendment related to “the rights of the people to a clean environment.” The reader then presented numerous House files on subjects including regulation of commercial establishments that control non‑agricultural animals (House File 2298), reporting of gasoline and diesel gallonage (House File 229099), local authority to regulate hemp production (House File 2300), creation of a domestic abuse offender registry (House Files 2301 and 2302), and many others covering education, health care decisions, tax credits, public records, and labor topics.

Most measures received their first reading and were referred to relevant standing committees, for example: environmental protection; agriculture; local government; public safety; state government; ways and means; judiciary; appropriations; education; labor and workforce; transportation; commerce; higher education; and natural resources. The session included a range of policy topics announced on first reading, such as pediatric cancer research appropriations, restrictions on materials deemed harmful to minors in public libraries, short‑term rental classification, and proposals on student speech and academic credential fraud. Where committee referral was stated, the reader’s announcement specified the committee to which each bill was sent.

Late in the brief business period, Representative Weldon of Polk was recognized and moved “that the House adjourn until Monday, 02/09/2026 at 1 p.m.” The chair called for further business, none was offered, and by voice vote the motion was approved: “The ayes do have it, and the house is adjourned.”

There were no recorded debates, amendments, roll‑call votes, or committee reports during this sitting; the day’s substantive actions were introductions, first readings, and committee referrals. The next scheduled sitting referenced in the motion is Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at 1 p.m.