Week Two of the 2026 Legislative Session

The House Vote for Representative Holt's Bill on Eminent Domain

Veterans Day on the Hill

I had the privilege of listening to my brother, Deputy General McClintock, speak to the Veterans on Wednesday

I began the second week of the legislative session by observing Martin Luther King Day with the rest of my Senate colleagues. We took Monday off to honor his legacy, and then presumed our Senate duties at the Capitol the following day.

Tuesday, I reviewed my bills of the Technology Committee that I chair. I have several bills running in Tech as committee bills, as well as individual bills I have personally submitted. One of the bills include SSB 3010 and SF 2008. SSB 3010 is assigned in Technology committee and floor managed by me. The bill addresses geoengineering and cloud seeding and regulates its use in Iowa. The Subcommittee for the bill is on the 26th. SF 2008, an individual bill from me, assigned to the Education committee. This bill requires private schools to meet the same financial (transparency) reporting requirements as public schools. Right now, private schools are the only entities in the state that enjoy an open ended (unlimited) taxpayer funded appropriation with NO oversight on how the funds are spent. This bill was assigned on January 13th, however, no subcommittee has been scheduled.

Wednesday was one of the busiest days at the Capitol this week. The rotunda was filled with FFA students and veterans visiting the Capitol for Veterans Day on the Hill. FFA students came from all over the state to meet with legislators, talk about issues in agriculture, and learn about the legislative process while talking with their legislators.

It was also a pleasure to meet with the Veterans who came down to the Capitol and thank them for their service. I am grateful for their courage and dedication to our country. While they visited, I enjoyed hearing about the ways we can support our state’s veterans and honor the sacrifices they have made. In the rotunda, we heard from the lieutenant governor, legislators who themselves are veterans, and military members on ways legislators and citizens can be supportive.

This week, we also started to see more and more priority legislation coming from each chamber and the governor’s office. Our committees have started receiving some of the legislation the governor is proposing for this year and learning more about her priorities for her last legislative session as governor. The House also released their property tax proposal this week, a topic that is very important to so many Iowans to address this year.

Last week in the Senate, we released our proposal on property tax relief, with Iowans at its focus. It implements limitations to rein in spending and growth of government, eliminates the rollback to help provide more certainty and transparency, and provides a permanent 50 percent taxable value discount on your homestead property. It also eliminates involuntary property taxes for Iowans 60 years old and older who have fully paid off their mortgage and own their home.

It is clear property taxes is a big priority for everyone at the Capitol this year. The governor, Senate and House have all proposed their own plans, and I look forward to working together to find the best solution to address rising property inflation and bring relief to Iowans and their families. Please let me know if you have any thoughts, concerns, or questions on this issue.

Private Property Rights and Prosperity for Iowans

Eminent domain and carbon capture has been a topic that has caused much debate at the statehouse. Private property rights and protecting our state’s land is important, and with two bills filed in the Senate this week, SF 2067 and SF 2069, we start tackling this issue.

Senate File 2067 creates a voluntary easement corridor for a hazardous liquid pipeline project to find willing landowners and voluntary easements and all but eliminates the need for eminent domain for hazardous liquid pipeline projects. This bill strengthens private property rights and allows Iowans to exercise their right to say no to these contracts being offered, while still allowing those who are willing to sign, to sign and participate in these projects.

Senate File 2069 enacts a severance tax on the carbon dioxide flowing through the pipelines. It encourages the use of carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery to help support President Donald Trump’s vision for energy dominance in the United States.

Thank You District 42!

Government : Week Two of the 2026 Legislative Session

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