The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) announced on March 25 that several of its legislative proposals remain active after the Iowa legislature passed the second funnel deadline on March 20. The funnel marks a significant milestone in the legislative session, narrowing which bills will continue to be considered as lawmakers shift their focus toward budget negotiations and final decisions.
Each year, the ISBA Board of Governors approves a legislative agenda that includes proposals developed by subject matter sections along with standing policy positions. For 2026, this agenda features nine bills covering areas such as business law, family law, probate and trust law, real estate law, and construction law.
Among the measures still advancing are House File 985 and Senate File 629. These bills would expand expedited filing options with the Iowa Secretary of State by adding one-hour and same-day service choices and requiring written confirmation at filing time. Another business law proposal aims to simplify partnership conversions to limited liability companies by removing a current two-step process.
In family law, legislation addressing child support suspension in juvenile cases has unanimously passed the Senate and is awaiting action in the House. Additional proposals include establishing an arbitration framework for family disputes through the Iowa Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act and clarifying joint legal custody provisions under what is known as the Frazier fix.
Probate and trust legislation also continues forward with a bill clarifying priority in medical decision-making for durable powers of attorney for health care already enrolled. A broader omnibus bill proposes updates intended to improve efficiency in estate administration.
Real estate and construction measures include updating requirements related to declarations of value as well as mandating timely notice from public owners upon final acceptance of construction projects. The ISBA also continues advocating for full funding for indigent defense services, judicial branch resources, legal services support, child abuse prevention efforts, while maintaining opposition to title insurance legalization, absolute immunity legislation, and arbitrary caps on damages.
The legislative environment after the second funnel typically sees many bills fall away while others may return as amendments before session’s end. Lawmakers now turn attention toward unresolved issues like property tax reform and Medicaid funding ahead of adjournment scheduled around April 21.
ISBA Assistant Legislative Counsel Doug Struyk presented an updated Affirmative Legislative Agenda following funnel week. Young Lawyers Division Legislative Committee Chair Jefferson Fink said in a March 23 update that “the deadline passed with relatively little fanfare,” signaling a quieter transition into session’s final phase.
