HF 192: Relating to the responsibility and liability of property owners for public places in cities and including effective date provisions

What it does

This bill relates to the responsibility and liability of an abutting property owner for public places in a city such as sidewalks. Under current law, an abutting property owner may be required by a city ordinance to maintain public sidewalks or other property between the property line and the curb line. The bill adds that an abutting property owner may be liable if the property owner fails to use reasonable care in maintaining sidewalks or other property between the property line and the curb line if required by a city ordinance. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

House subcommittee · named January 27, 2026

• Rep. Bill Gustoff (R) · bill.gustoff@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Jon Dunwell (R)
• Rep. Rick L. Olson (D) · rick.olson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 12 for, 5 against

For: American Planning Association Iowa Chapter; City of Bettendorf; City of Coralville; City of Davenport; City of Des Moines; City of Marion; City of Waukee; Dr. Tanja Garrison; Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP); Iowa League of Cities; Kurtis Bower; Metropolitan Coalition

Against: American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA); Iowa Insurance Institute; National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC); State Farm Insurance; VALOR Iowa

In plain words

1. February 3, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 6, 2025House subcommittee named: Lohse, Croken and Holt
3. February 11, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. January 27, 2026House subcommittee named: Gustoff, Dunwell and Olson
5. January 28, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
6. February 5, 2026Approved by the House committee
7. February 5, 2026Committee vote: 20–1
8. February 9, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2359