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 26, 2026 newsletter (Week 2)
- iTIP Bill Tracker (information available to members, please login to member portal to access)
ACTION ALERT:
School Start Date
A subcommittee of the Senate Education Committee advanced SF 205 last week, a bill that would move Iowa’s school start date earlier. The legislation will now be considered by the full Senate Education Committee.
SF 205 proposes setting the school start date as the first Monday immediately preceding the last Monday in August, creating a floating start date from year to year. This would allow start dates to fluctuate between August 18 and August 24.
Industry voices are needed now. Members are strongly encouraged to contact their state senators to express opposition to SF 205. Personal outreach is especially effective. When contacting your senator, share how an earlier start date would impact your local community, attraction, or event, and highlight the workforce challenges this change would create during Iowa’s peak tourism season.
Thank you to the tourism industry members who attended the subcommittee hearing and shared the industry’s perspective.
Action Needed:
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.