Hunter
02/19/26
Two proposals aimed at making Iowa legislative sessions more efficient are advancing through the Capitol.
The Gazette reports one bill would cut in half the number of days state lawmakers are reimbursed for housing and meals. Currently, their per diems cover 110 days in odd-numbered years and 100 days in even years. The legislation would change the number of days to 55 and 50 days, respectively.
The bill was introduced by Republican Senator Mike Bousselot. He said with changes in technology, it’s time to revisit how long the yearly legislative sessions should last. Democrat Tony Bisignano said it would disproportionately affect lawmakers who have to travel further for the sessions.
Bisignano also pointed out that the Republican majority could shorten the session by introducing fewer bills, adding that lawmakers introduced more legislation through the first funnel deadline last year than they did in the entirety of four of the previous five years.
Another bill would establish state spending at current levels if lawmakers couldn’t agree on a budget before the end of the state budget year on June 30.
Republican lawmakers say it would prevent state government from being unfunded or forced to shut down if legislators were to deadlock in state budget negotiations. Democrats opposed to the legislation says it gives legislators an opportunity to shirk their responsibility of passing a state budget.