END OF SESSION RECAP
The 2026 legislative session adjourned sine die on Sunday, May 3, following a marathon 35-hour stretch to finish the year’s work. It took nearly two weeks of “overtime” to conclude this session. Lawmakers, staff, and lobbyists pushed through the final hours to reach agreement on key issues.
In the end, a property tax deal was finalized, and numerous policy and budget bills received last-minute approval, bringing the session to a close.
This marked the final year of the current Iowa General Assembly. The 92nd Iowa General Assembly is scheduled to convene in early January 2027 with many new faces eager to begin their terms in the Iowa legislature.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
ISC had its most successful year to date at the Capitol. We encourage you to review our list of bills that passed and those that did not to get a full picture of this year’s legislative accomplishments.
ISC led and supported several measures that earned bipartisan—often unanimous—support and are now headed to the governor for signature. Just as importantly, the voice of hunters was heard when it mattered most, helping to stop harmful legislation.
The 2026 midterm elections are approaching fast, and a new crop of legislators will be in Des Moines next year. Make sure they know where ISC stands on critical conservation issues. We have a great opportunity to educate these new legislators, so they support our priorities next session!
BILL TRACKER
** New Information highlighted in yellow**
**Bills ISC supports are in green**
**Bills ISC opposes are in red**
**Bills ISC is monitoring are in blue**
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
The 2026 legislative session showed what’s possible when hunters and conservation-minded Iowans speak with a united voice. Together, we helped advance commonsense policies, supported bipartisan legislation that is now headed to the governor’s desk, and stopped bills that would have negatively impacted the outdoors or deer populations. That kind of impact doesn’t happen by accident—it happens because engaged members like you showed up, spoke out, and stayed involved.
Now, it’s time to build on that momentum.
With 2026 being an election year, the primary on June 2nd will soon determine the nominees for state legislative and statewide offices. After that, candidates will be actively engaging with voters in their communities—and that’s where ISC members have a real opportunity to make a difference.
We encourage you to reach out and connect with candidates running for the Iowa House, Senate, and statewide offices. Invite them to have a conversation about conservation, hunting, and the issues that matter most to you. This is where we gain supporters—by being a trusted, informed resource. Share your perspective, listen to theirs, and make sure they understand the importance of protecting Iowa’s outdoor traditions.
Don’t underestimate the value of personal relationships. Exchange contact information. Make sure they have your cell number—and that you have theirs. These early connections matter. There will be many new faces at the Capitol in 2027, and the groundwork we lay now will ensure they already know who we are and what we stand for when key decisions arise.
When our priorities come before a committee or reach the floor, we want lawmakers to recognize ISC as a credible, constructive partner. That starts today, during the campaign season.
We have a strong and growing voice—let’s use it.
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME!
Phil Jeneary
