The Iowa legislature adjourned Sunday, May 3, and a number of bills have already been signed by the Governor or should be signed in the near future. The 2026 legislative session covered a wide array of topics that affect a variety of industries.
Early in the session, SF 579 was passed, an act relating to the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965 and local civil rights commissions. In part, this revised Iowa Code §216.19, specifically states that local governments may not enact laws that are different from state laws relating to unfair or discriminatory practices. This is similar to laws enacted several years ago, which prohibited local counties and cities from implementing different minimum wages.
It also notes that while the city/county may maintain an independent local civil rights agency, any filing involving a political subdivision must be referred to the Iowa Office of Civil Rights. If either party to a complaint requests a transfer 12 months or more after filing, it must be transferred to the Iowa Office of Civil Rights. The practical effect of this may not speed up the processing of any claim, as the Iowa Office of Civil Rights is also backlogged with cases. The burden of notification of this right is on the local civil rights agency. This change was effective as of March 10, 2026.
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