Eliminating the Iowa smart planning principles and other local comprehensive planning and development guidelines

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 21, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 3, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeFebruary 17, 2026
4. –
   Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 2618
5. Next: Senate committee
6. Next: Passes the Senate
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2618 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2618 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary Iowa currently requires state and local governments to follow ten specific "smart planning" principles when making decisions about land use and development. This bill would remove those requirements and change how other parts of the law handle planning and zoning.¹

Why it matters. State agencies, local governments, and other public entities would no longer be required to consider or apply the Iowa smart planning principles when making decisions about planning, zoning, development, and resource management. This change also removes the authority for cities and counties to include specific types of objective or program information when developing or amending local land development regulations and comprehensive plans.²

Full bill text³

House subcommittee

Named February 3, 2026. On February 5, 2026 it recommended passage.

• Rep. Sam Wengryn REmail
• Rep. Judd Lawler REmail
• Rep. Adam Zabner DEmail

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

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