Travel Federation of Iowa
2020 Legislative Update | Special Primary Edition | May 2, 2020
While the 2020 Legislative session remains suspended until Iowans can safely assemble in the Iowa State Capitol (we’ll learn more on May 15), the June 2nd Iowa Primary Election is only a month away. The COVID-19 epidemic has turned campaigns, elections and voting upside down, so we wanted to share some information with you in preparation for the Primary. Just because the process requires a little more preparation, DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!
 
Voting – Absentee vs. In-Person Before or on Election Day
 
Iowa's Secretary of State Paul Pate has mailed every registered Iowa voter an absentee ballot request form. If you follow the directions in the mailing, fill out your absentee ballot request form and drop it in the mail, your County Auditor will send you an absentee ballot. Make sure you send your request in as soon as possible, because it must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Don’t wait!
 
If you would still like to vote in-person, there are options available, but they may be limited. County Auditors will begin offering in-person absentee voting on Monday, May 4. All counties will have polling places open on Election Day, but your polling place may have changed. Please reach out to your County Auditor if you have questions. The Secretary of State’s office has a list of all the County Auditors available HERE .
 
Iowa voters will go to the polls on June 2nd to vote in the Republican primary or Democratic primary. Voters may only vote one ballot; you must be a registered Republican to vote in the Republican primary and a registered Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary. If you are an Independent or want to switch parties to vote in the other primary, you can do so before the election, at the polls on June 2, or at the time you request your mail-in ballot.
 
Some Quick Facts
 
  • Three state legislators are running for Congress this year: Sen. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull), Sen. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Ottumwa), and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Cedar Rapids). Sen. Miller-Meeks is in the middle of a two-year Senate term, so she will not resign from that seat unless she wins the election in November for Congress; Rep. Hinson and Sen. Feenstra are retiring from the legislature.
  • Three former state legislators are looking for a comeback: former Sen. Chris Brase (D-Muscatine) and former Sen. Tom Courtney (D-Burlington) are running again for the Senate and former House Majority Leader Brent Siegrist (R-Council Bluffs) is running again for the House.
  • Seven Republican State Senators are not running again this year: Sen. Jerry Behn (R-Boone), Sen. Michael Breitbach (R-Strawberry Point), Sen. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull), Sen. Tom Greene (R-Burlington), Sen. Tim Kapucian (R-Keystone), Sen. Charles Schneider (R-West Des Moines), and Sen. Mark Segebart (R-Vail). There are no Democratic Senator retirements this year.
  • Eight Republican and two Democratic State Representatives are not running again this year: Rep. Gary Carlson (R-Muscatine), Rep. Tedd Gassman (R-Scarville), Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Urbandale), Rep. Mary Ann Hanusa (R-Council Bluffs), Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Cedar Rapids), Rep. Dan Huseman (R-Aurelia), Rep. Tim Kacena (D-Sioux City), Rep. Mark Smith (D-Marshalltown), Rep. Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake), and Rep. Louis Zumbach (R-Coggon).
 
Candidates running for office this year will face challenges campaigning in a social distancing world. Do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call them, or send an email asking them for more information about themselves. They want your vote, and today’s social distancing rules make it difficult for them to connect with you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

You can find out more information about the candidates through a google search, visiting their campaign websites, or contacting them. All contact information for primary candidates is available here .  
 
US SENATE
Five Democrats want to be the person to run against US Senator Joni Ernst. Voters will pick between:
 
US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Depending on where you live, there may or may not be a primary for US Representative. A map of congressional districts can be found  here .
  • US Rep. Abby Finkenauer, no primary opponent for District 1 (www.abbyfinkenauer.com
  • Rita Hart, farmer and former State Senator does not have a primary opponent for District 2, which is an open seat after US Rep. Dave Loebsack decided to retire (www.ritahart.com)
  • US Rep. Cindy Axne, no primary oponent for DIstrict 3 (www.cindyaxneforcongress.com)
  • J.D. Scholten, former pro baseball player and lawyer is running unopposed in the primary for District 4 (www.scholten4iowa.com)
 
STATE SENATE
Senators are elected to four-year terms, so only half are up for re-election this year (those in even numbered districts). Below we will only focus on those races where there is two or more people running in the primary. SD stands for "Senate District" - you can see a map of all Iowa Senate Districts  here .
  • SD 22: Tricia Gavin, Michael Libbie, Sarah Trone Garriott (open seat - Sen. Charles Schneider retired)
  • SD 24: Cynthia Oppedal Paschen, Keith Puntenney (open seat - Sen. Jerry Behn retired)
  • SD 38: Alvin Aragon, Ivy Schuster (open seat - Sen. Tim Kapucian retired)
  • SD 44: Tom Courtney, Rex Troute, Kevin Warth (open seat - Sen. Tom Greene retired)
 
STATE HOUSE
All 100 of Iowa's State Representatives are up for election this year. Below we will only focus on those races where there is two or more people running in the primary. HD stands for "House District" - you can see a map of all Iowa House Districts  here .
  • HD 11: James Eliason, Sara Huddleston 
  • HD 25: Ryan Marquardt, Caleb Short
  • HD 35: Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, Calvetta Williams
  • HD 54: Kai Trevor Brost, Karen Koenig
  • HD 65: Rep. Liz Bennett, Harry Foster
  • HD 72: John Anderson, Christina Blackcloud
  • HD 85: Rep. Vicki Lensing, Christina Bohannan
  • HD 100: Rep. Chuck Isenhart, Grant Davis

Even if a candidate is unopposed, you will stay have the option to vote for them or write in another name.
THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

You can find out more information about the candidates through a google search, visiting their campaign websites, or contacting them. All contact information for primary candidates is available   here
 
US SENATE
US Senator Joni Ernst is running unopposed in the Republican primary, so she will be the party's nominee in November. ( https://joniernst.com/ )
 
US HOUSE
Depending on where you live, there may or may not be a primary for US Representative. A map of congressional districts can be found  here .
  • Two individuals are running to be the Republican nominee in Congressional District 1:
  • Thomas Hansen, a farmer and business owner (www.hansenforcongress.com)
  • Ashley Hinson, currently a State Representative and former TV news anchor (www.ashleyhinson.com)
  • Five people are running to be the Republican nominee in Congressional District 2:
  • Tim Borchardt, retail worker (votetimforcongress.com)
  • Steven Everly, electrical and maintenance worker (www.everlyforiowa.com)
  • Mariannette Miller-Meeks, current State Senator, physician, and former Department of Public Health Director (www.millermeeks2020.com)
  • Rick Phillips, vacuum repair and sales (theswampfox.net)
  • Bobby Schilling, former IL Congressman and restaurant owner (bobbyforiowa.com)
  • Two people want the Republican nomination for Congressional District 3:
  • Bill Schafer, retired Army veteran (no website, but you can read more here)
  • David Young, former US Congressman and former chief of staff for Sen. Grassley (youngforiowa.com)
  • Five people will challenge an existing Republican US Representatives in Iowa's Congressional District 4:
  • Randy Feenstra, a retiring State Senator and businessman (www.feenstraforcongress.com)
  • US Rep. Steve King, currently serving in Congress (no website, but you can read more here)
  • Steven Reeder, a real estate developer (reederforcongress.com)
  • Bret Richards, former small business owner and university advisor (richardsforcongress.com)
  • Jeremy Taylor, former State Rep. and current county supervisor (www.jeremytaylorforcongress.com)
 
STATE SENATE
Senators are elected to four-year terms, so only half are up for re-election this year (those in even numbered districts). Below we will only focus on those races where there is two or more people running in the primary. SD stands for "Senate District" - you can see a map of all Iowa Senate Districts  here .
  • SD 6: Heath Hansen, Craig Williams
  • SD 12: Sen. Mark Costello, Richard Crouch
  • SD 22: Scott Cirksena, Porsha Hart
  • SD 24: Chad Behn, Joshua Dyer, Jesse Greene, Todd Rasmussen
  • SD 38: Bruce Adams, Garrett Dozark, Dawn Driscoll
  • SD 42: Nancy Amos, Jeff Reichman
  • SD 44: Tim Goodwin, Matthew Rinker
 
STATE HOUSE
All 100 of Iowa's State Representatives are up for election this year. Below we will only focus on those races where there is two or more people running in the primary. HD stands for "House District" - you can see a map of all Iowa House Districts  here .
  • HD 3: Dennis Bush, Lynn Evans, Mark McHugh
  • HD 23: Rep. David Sieck, Charlotte Dunnett
  • HD 38: Garrett Gobble, Brett Nelson
  • HD 40: Jon Coen, Eric South
  • HD 42: Jacqueline Riekena, Aaron Sewell
  • HD 44: Paul Knupp, Dave Lorenzen
  • HD 52: Craig Clark, Charley Thomson
  • HD 60: Ryan Howard, Colleen Tierney
  • HD 95: Phil High, Charlie McClintock

Even if a candidate is unopposed, you will stay have the option to vote for them or write in another name.
TFI Bills of Interest - Bill List
HF2109 Charity Beer and Wine Event Summary | Details House Floor
This bill authorizes a nonprofit entity to conduct a charity beer and wine event.

HF2259 Human Trafficking Prevention Training Summary | Details Senate State Government Committee
This bill a llows lodging providers to voluntarily provide employees with human trafficking prevention training beginning January 1, 2022.  

HF2281 Hotel/Motel Tax Summary | Details House Floor
This bill modifies state and local hotel and motel tax exemptions.

HF2332 Quad Cities Regional Metropolitan Authority Summary | Details House Floor
This bill establishes the Quad Cities Regional Metropolitan Authority Compact.

This bill increases funds to the Resources Enhancement and Protection fund.

HF2380 Promotional Play Taxation Summary | Details House Floor
This bill includes promotional play receipts in adjusted gross receipts through June 30, 2024.

HF2389 Rulemaking Process Summary | Details Senate Floor with Companion
This bill makes changes to the rulemaking process for executive branch agencies.

HF2404 Muzzleloading Apparel Requirements Summary | Details House Floor
This bill places apparel requirements on a person passing through public land or water during muzzleloading season.

HF2409 Electric Bicycles Summary | Details House Floor with Companion
This bill makes provisions related to operation of low-speed electric bicycles.

HF2446 Bicyclist Violations Summary | Details House Floor
This bill adds the traffic offense of driving a car too close to a bicyclist that results in serious injury or death as a violation subject to additional penalties.

HF2482 State Historical Sites Summary | Details House Floor
This bill directs the department of cultural affairs to conduct a study regarding the identification, establishment, and promotion of state historical sites.

HF2483 Rest Area Revitalization Summary | Details House Floor
This bill requires DOT to conduct a study on revitalizing and updating rest areas.

HF2502 Local & Judicial Firearm Regulation Prohibited Summary | Details Senate Floor
This bill makes changes to current law regarding carrying weapons in public buildings.

HF2514 Wine Sales Summary | Details House Floor
This bill allows certain wine permit holders to sell wine for consumption off the premises in a container other than the original.

HF2517 Nonresident Deer Hunting Licenses Summary | Details House Floor
This bill requires 500 deer hunting licenses be reserved for nonresidents who have made a reservation with a registered hunting guide company.

HF2527 Live Music Promotion Summary | Details
This bill prohibits promoting or conducting live music performances using deceptive connections between a performer and a recording group.

HF2540 Beer, Spirits & Wine Charity Event Summary | Details Senate Floor
This bill authorizes a nonprofit entity to conduct a charity beer, spirits, and wine event.

HF2580 Port Authorities Summary | Details House Floor
This bill allows port authorities to enter into loan agreements and lease contracts.

HF2593 Onsite Daycare Facilities Summary | Details House Floor
This bill allows new or existing onsite daycare facilities to qualify as a project under the high quality jobs program.

HF657 Deer Hunting Summary | Details House Floor
Allows a hunter who wounds a deer while hunting to use a dog to track and retrieve the wounded deer.

HF716 Deer Hunting Summary | Details Senate Floor
Allows a person 20 years of age or younger to hunt using a pistol or revolver under certain conditions.

HF760 Hotel/Motel Tax Exemption Summary | Details Senate Floor, Second Time
Exempts local hotel/motel tax beginning after 90 consecutive days of lodging.

HF771 Child & Dependent Care Exemptions Summary | Details Senate Ways & Means Committee
Creates an income tax exemption for money paid to child and dependent care providers.

This bill makes provisions related to state taxation.

SF2022 Missouri River Preservation Summary | Details Senate Floor
This bill repeals the Missouri River Preservation and Land Use Authority.

SF203 Private Fishing Summary | Details Senate Floor, Second Time
Allows a person to fish on a private lake or pond without a license.

This bill requires lodging providers to secure a sales tax permit when renting lodging.

This bill creates a scenic byways enhancement fund.

SF2090 Bicycle Lights and Reflective Clothing Summary | Details Senate Floor
Modifies requirements for bicyclists to use lights and reflective clothing.

This bill modifies certain city and county budget provisions and provides a property assessment adjustment and property tax reduction for certain property owners.

SF2133 Travel Agency Registration Summary | Details Senate Floor
This bill repeals provisions requiring travel agencies and travel agents to be registered.

SF2134 Canned Cocktail Manufacturing Summary | Details Signed
This bill allows beer manufacturers to manufacture canned cocktails.

This bill makes deer hunting licenses available during the same period that genera hunting licenses are available.

This bill allows cities to establish land banks.

SF2393 Professional/Occupational Licenses Summary | Details Senate Floor
This bill requires reciprocal professional and occupational licenses, certificates, or registrations be issued without an examination to certain individuals.

This joint resolution designates the honeybee as the official state insect.

This bill makes provisions related to individual income taxes, sales and use taxes, water service tax, tax credits, and county juvenile court expenses and mental health region funding.
Your Bill Tracker
Click above to see status of important bills, or create your own report with our custom download.
Town Halls & Public Forums
Find a local event with your state or federal elected officials here. Three weeks are shown at a time on this website.