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 6, 2026 newsletter (Week 4)
- iTIP Bill Tracker (information available to members, please login to member portal to access)
ACTION ALERT: CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS
School Start Date Legislation
This week the Senate introduced SF 2175 – an omnibus school choice bill with the school start date legislation tucked into it on page 14. The bill has yet to have a subcommittee.
A few weeks ago a subcommittee of the Senate Education Committee advanced SF 205. The bill is now eligible to be considered by the full Senate Education Committee.
Both bills include language to propose 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. 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. Download the school start date fact sheet.
Tourism Notes
- Tourism Improvement Districts (TID)
- Tourism Improvement District legislation is not subject to funnel rules as it will be considered by the Ways & Means Committees. iTIP will continue to share updates as the legislation moves forward.
- Iowa Major Events & Tourism Program
- SF640 was passed in 2025, and since then, iTIP members have been working closely with IEDA to support a rules-writing process that benefits the tourism industry. Final reading and approval of the rules is scheduled for the IEDA board meeting on February 20. We are excited to see this program officially launch and appreciate the industry partners who helped make this program a reality.