Articles Tagged: Kim Reynolds

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed more than a dozen bills into law Tuesday, including a ban on DEI positions in local government and a requirement that Iowa high school students pass a civics test to graduate.

A policy provision inserted into a budget bill in the final minutes of the legislative session would allow the state to request reimbursement from local 911 service boards for “reasonable costs.” First responders warn the bill could have unintended consequences.

Signed in 1965, the Iowa Civil Rights Act provides legal protection from discrimination against protected classes regarding housing, employment, education, public services and accommodations, banking and more. As the act turns 60, some who were involved in its formation and continuation reflect on where it is today and worry about where it will stand in the future.

Gov. Reynolds said she plans to have discussions with Iowa lawmakers and her DOGE government efficiency task force about how best to reduce property taxes. The push comes after this year’s session ended without a bill to address property taxes.

Under the waiver approved by the USDA, starting Jan. 1, 2026, Iowans who receive SNAP won’t be able to use their benefits to purchase items including garden seeds and food-producing plants, candy, gum, soft drinks, lemonade, fruit snacks, certain granola bars and caramel corn.

Reynolds has until June 14 to decide whether to sign into law or veto legislation that would regulate hazardous liquid pipelines and restrict the use of eminent domain

Also in the Capitol Notebook, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council awarded more than $200,000 in grants to 12 Iowa schools to help fund work-based and career-connected learning opportunities for students this summer.

After her child care bill did not pass the Iowa Legislature, Reynolds on Tuesday announced her plan to create programs and a private donation-infused fund to create a daylong continuum of care for 4-year-olds and boost child care workers’ wages

The state is seeking to restrict any food or beverage that qualifies for the state sales tax from purchase with SNAP. That list includes garden seeds, candy, gum, soft drinks and certain granola bars among other items.

At least six Iowa cities have them: Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City, University Heights, Dubuque and Ames. The law takes effect Aug. 16.

Several Republicans in the Iowa House have been highly critical of the way the current chair handled the commission’s review and approval of the involuntary taking of land with compensation to build a carbon dioxide pipeline across the state.

The Republican governor pushed most — but not all — her priorities across the finish line.

Lawmakers use surplus to cover expected $917M shortfall

Governor is weighing whether to sign into law legislation that would regulate hazardous liquid pipelines and restrict the use of eminent domain

Rob Sand, the state auditor who announced this week he would make a bid for Iowa governor in 2026, stopped in Davenport to rally supporters Wednesday.