Stay informed with the latest updates from the Iowa State Capitol, tailored specifically for the tourism industry. The weekly newsletter, Inside the Dome: iTIP’s Legislative Insights, brings you key legislative news, a comprehensive bill tracker, and insights into how current policies impact Iowa’s tourism industry.
Special thanks to the team at Cornerstone Government Affairs for their dedicated advocacy on behalf of iTIP.
- Read the February 16, 2025 newsletter (Week 5)
- iTIP Bill Tracker (information available to members, please login to member portal to access)
Action Alert: Contact your elected officials to share the negative impacts of altering current school start date law, which mandates that a school district’s calendar cannot begin before August 23. Moving the school start date earlier in August would reduce tourism by limiting opportunities for August visitors, impacting Iowa’s economy.
SF 205 is now eligible for debate in the Senate. This bill sets the earliest school start date for the Monday preceding the last Monday in August. For the 2025-2026 school year, this would mean August 18 would be the earliest schools in Iowa could begin their school year. This moves the current school start date forward by 5 business days.
Elected officials need to hear from you now about how this change impacts Iowa’s tourism industry. Share personal stories – talk about how your local pool or golf course (or other attractions) may have to close early due to staffing shortages or how out-of-state visitors boost your community’s economy during the last two weeks of August. Make it real. Make it personal. Show them exactly how this change affects your community and their legislative district.
Review the school start date industry impacts.
RSVP FOR CAPITOL VISITS
March 11 @ 2 PM (NEW DATE!) – Come to Des Moines the day before the Iowa Tourism Conference to join fellow colleagues at the Iowa State Capitol. RSVP to let us know your plans.
2025 SESSION TIMELINE
The full 2025 legislative calendar can be found here. Below are key dates of interest.
- JANUARY 13 – First day of session.
- MARCH 7 – First Funnel. Final date for Senate bills and joint resolutions to be reported out of Senate committees and House bills and joint resolutions out of House committees.
- APRIL 4 – Second Funnel. Final date for Senate bills and joint resolutions to be reported out of House committees and House bills and joint resolutions out of Senate committees.
- MAY 2 – 110th calendar day of the session. Per diem expenses end.