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Iowa General Assembly

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Iowa General Assembly
NameIowa General Assembly
LegislatureIowa General Assembly
House typeBicameral
HousesIowa Senate, Iowa House of Representatives
Leader1 typeSenate President
Leader1Amy Sinclair
Party1(R)
Election12023
Leader2 typeHouse Speaker
Leader2Pat Grassley
Party2(R)
Election22020
Members150, 50 Senators, 100 Representatives
House1Iowa Senate
House2Iowa House of Representatives
Meeting placeIowa State Capitol, Des Moines
Websitehttps://www.legis.iowa.gov/

Iowa General Assembly. The Iowa General Assembly is the legislative branch of the state government of Iowa, operating as a bicameral body composed of the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives. It convenes within the historic Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. The assembly is responsible for enacting state laws, approving the state budget, and providing oversight of the executive branch.

History

The first assembly convened in 1846 following Iowa's admission to the Union, operating under the original state constitution drafted in Iowa City. The landmark Iowa Code of 1851, compiled by Theophilus Crawford, systematically organized the state's statutes. Following the American Civil War, the assembly ratified the Thirteenth Amendment and later established Iowa State University under the Morrill Land-Grant Acts. The modern legislative framework was solidified with the adoption of the current Constitution of Iowa in 1857. Significant 20th-century developments included the creation of the Iowa Department of Transportation and the restructuring of the Iowa Supreme Court.

Structure and composition

The assembly consists of two chambers: the Iowa Senate, with 50 members serving four-year terms, and the Iowa House of Representatives, with 100 members serving two-year terms. Elections are held in even-numbered years, with Senate districts numbered and House districts lettered. Leadership includes the President of the Iowa Senate, typically the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives. The Iowa Legislative Services Agency provides nonpartisan support, while the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board oversees conduct. Members are elected from districts established by the Iowa Legislative Redistricting Commission following each United States Census.

Powers and responsibilities

The assembly holds the primary constitutional authority to enact laws for the state. Its powers include levying taxes, appropriating funds for the Iowa state budget, and confirming gubernatorial appointments to agencies like the Iowa Board of Regents and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. It can propose amendments to the Constitution of Iowa, which require voter ratification. The assembly also possesses investigative powers through committees and can override gubernatorial vetoes with a two-thirds majority in each chamber. Joint oversight is exercised over entities such as the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa Department of Education.

Legislative process

Bills may be introduced in either chamber by a member, with the exception of revenue bills which must originate in the Iowa House of Representatives. Legislation is referred to standing committees like the Appropriations Committee or the Ways and Means Committee for review. Following committee approval, bills are debated and voted upon in three readings. Passed bills are transmitted to the other chamber for a concurrent process. If versions differ, a Conference committee reconciles them. Finally, legislation is sent to the Governor of Iowa, who may sign it, allow it to become law without a signature, or issue a veto.

Current session and leadership

The 90th General Assembly convened in January 2023, with the Republican Party of Iowa holding majorities in both chambers. The President of the Iowa Senate is Amy Sinclair, while the Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives is Pat Grassley. Key leadership positions include the Senate Majority Leader, Jack Whitver, and the House Majority Leader, Matt Windschitl. The Iowa Legislative Council manages administrative affairs. Notable committee chairs oversee the Judiciary Committee, the Education Committee, and the Agriculture Committee. The minority parties are led by the Senate Minority Leader, Pam Jochum, and the House Minority Leader, Jennifer Konfrst.

Notable legislation

Historically significant acts include the 1857 law establishing Iowa State University and the 1882 Iowa Civil Rights Act. The 1939 Iowa Grain Warehouse Act regulated agricultural commerce. In the late 20th century, the assembly passed the 1972 Bottle Bill and the 1983 School Foundation Program. More recent major laws include the 2017 Water Quality Initiative, the 2018 Future Ready Iowa Act, and the 2021 Students First Act. The assembly also ratified the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972 and passed the 2022 Parental Rights in Education bill.

Category:Iowa General Assembly Category:State legislatures of the United States