Caleb McCullough, Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau

Education policy dealing with graphic materials and the teaching of gender identity passed, but a bill regulating carbon capture pipelines did not

State senators now must consider changes House made to bill

Attorney general picks Lanny Zieman for job dealing with Iowa utilities

Senate, House ideas differ, but goal is to prevent big spikes in bills

C.R., I.C. districts affirm commitment to safe spaces, accommodations

The proposal is about $90 million more than the budget proposed by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republican Senate leaders.

Bill now goes to Senate, where prospects are unclear

Iowa lawmakers hear from federal expert before Wednesday vote

Action unlikely, but leaders want ‘loud and clear’ contrast to GOP

Emboldened by six years of conservative reforms under their belts and multiple elections that expanded their majorities in the House and Senate, Iowa Republicans have felt empowered to push a more conservative agenda. It coincides with the 2024 GOP race for president, softening the ground for candidates to campaign on the same themes.

Several hundred people crowded the west steps of the Iowa State Capitol to protest LGBTQ-related bills lawmakers are considering this year. They held signs that said “Trans People Belong in Iowa” and referenced the state’s motto — “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” They flew rainbow and trans pride flags.

State government reorganization, bills impacting LGBTQ students and youth, gun regulations and more were passed overnight Thursday into early Friday

Republicans advanced bills Wednesday that would restrict which materials are available to students in school libraries amid increased scrutiny from conservative activists around school material they consider to be explicit.

It’s unclear if House CO2 pipeline bill -- if it passes -- would get a hearing in the Senate.

In voting down the bill, Sen. Jason Schultz, a Republican from Schleswig, cast doubt on the likelihood of any bill restricting eminent domain powers for pipelines making it out of the Iowa Legislature this session.