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 January 16, 2026 newsletter (Week 1)
- iTIP Bill Tracker (information available to members, please login to member portal to access)
ACTION ALERT: SUPPORT CRITICAL TOURISM FUNDING
Although the legislative session is just beginning, the work does not start slow. Two key tourism items have already come up – your outreach to elected officials can make a difference. Share why these issues matter to your work and community.
Regional Sports Authority Districts (RSAD)
Increased to $750,000 in 2024 and maintained in 2025, RSAD supports 10 Sports Commissions across Iowa in hosting amateur sports events – the foundation of Iowa’s sports tourism. In 2023, amateur sports in Iowa generated over $21 million in state and local tax revenue. This program has been in place since 2012.
RSAD dollars fund bid fees, venue rentals, officials, and marketing. The program was omitted from the Governor’s proposed budget. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees will need to reinstate the funding (traditionally from RIIF) – we urge them to work together to ensure this critical funding remains in the final budget.
School Start Date
The Senate has scheduled a subcommittee meeting for January 21 at noon on legislation related to Iowa’s school start date. The bill would allow school to begin on the Monday immediately preceding the last Monday in August. While this change would not affect the upcoming school year, it would create a fluctuating start date from year to year, with some schools able to begin as early as August 18.
Committee: Education (Senate)
Subcommittee: SF 205
Bill Title: A bill for an act modifying the earliest possible start date of the school calendar for school districts and accredited nonpublic schools.(Formerly SSB 1036.)
Members: Shipley-CH, Evans, Trone Garriott
Date: 01/21/2026 12:00 PM; Location: Room 315 or Zoom
Action Needed:
Contact your House and Senate members and urge them on supporting RSAD. This program is vital to Iowa’s tourism growth, competitiveness, and economic impact.
Contact your Senate members to encourage opposition to SF205. iTIP continues to support the current August 23 compromise, which provides greater consistency and is the best option for Iowa’s tourism industry.