HF 2129: Establishing a water and wastewater operator apprenticeship and work release pilot program for inmates, and making appropriations

What it does

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.

House subcommittee · named January 29, 2026

• Rep. Travis M. Sitzmann (R) · travis.sitzmann@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Jerome Amos Jr. (D) · jerome.amosjr@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Thomas Gerhold (R) · thomas.gerhold@legis.iowa.gov

In plain words

1. January 21, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Labor and Workforce committee
2. January 29, 2026House subcommittee named: Sitzmann, Amos Jr. and Gerhold
3. February 4, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 17, 2026Committee vote: 16–0
6. February 18, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2588