Establishing a water and wastewater operator apprenticeship and work release pilot program for inmates, and making appropriations

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedJanuary 21, 2026
Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 29, 2026
Done: House committeeFebruary 17, 2026
Next: Passes the House
Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
Next: Passes the Senate
Next: To the Governor
Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2588 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2588 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill establishes a water and wastewater operator apprenticeship and work release pilot program for inmates. The bill provides that the department of corrections (department), in coordination with the Iowa department of natural resources (DNR) and Iowa workforce development (IWD), shall establish an apprenticeship and work release pilot program for inmates to train and work as certified water and wastewater operators and to address the shortage of qualified water and wastewater operators in the state; provide inmates with meaningful vocational training, work experience, and a pathway to post-release employment; and promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

Read the full explanation

The bill provides that an inmate is eligible to participate in the program if the inmate: is serving a sentence for a nonviolent offense; is within months of the inmate’s earliest possible release date; has participated and demonstrated good behavior in prison programming; meets the minimum qualifications established by DNR and IWD for apprentices in water and wastewater operations; and is approved by the department and the board of parole for work release. The bill provides that the program will include classroom instruction, on-the-job training, supervised work release placements, and assistance with certification exams and job placement. DNR must ensure that training and experience obtained through participation in the program qualifies toward the requirements for state certification as a water or wastewater operator. The department shall collaborate with municipalities and rural water utilities, community colleges and certified apprenticeship sponsors, DNR, IWD, and employers willing to hire former inmates upon release. The bill requires the department to submit an annual report to the general assembly by January 15, 2027, and by January each year thereafter, that includes inmate participation, certification rates, employment outcomes, and recidivism statistics for program participants. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the general fund of the state to the department of corrections, for FY 2026-2027, to implement and administer the program. The pilot program is repealed January 16, 2029.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named January 29, 2026. On February 4, 2026 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§904.914

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Lobbying

0 for · 0 against · 13 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

91st General Assembly

HF 2129Renumbered HF 2588Cleared committeefrom HF 2129

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.