Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to requirements for proof of ownership of dogs and providing penalties
Sponsored by the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Samantha Fett (R)
Topics:Courts & civil law
Same legislation: HF 2016
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 13, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 15, 2026
- Done: House committeeJanuary 26, 2026
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 12, 202690–1
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
This bill relates to the verification of ownership of dogs. Under current law, a dog is deemed property if the dog is under six months of age or if the dog is at least six months of age and wearing a collar with a valid rabies vaccination tag attached to the collar. A person is prohibited from owning or having in possession a dog that is at least six months of age if the dog has not been vaccinated against rabies. The bill provides that a dog under six months of age is deemed property and that ownership of the dog can be shown by tattoo, microchip, receipt, contract, medical records, or other documented history of ownership.
Read the full explanation
The bill provides that a dog over six months of age is deemed property only if proof of ownership exists, which can be shown by a valid rabies vaccination tag, tattoo, microchip, receipt, contract, medical records, or other documented history of ownership.35 (how and when). The bill provides that in a legal dispute over ownership, the owner of the dog is presumed to be the person with proof of ownership as shown in one of the ways listed in the bill, and that this presumption can only be overcome by a preponderance of evidence to the contrary. The bill provides that any person who knowingly misrepresents the ownership of a dog to a law enforcement officer or in a legal proceeding is guilty of a simple misdemeanor; a simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for not more than days and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text
Senate subcommittee
Named March 17, 2026. On March 23, 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
2 written public comments to its subcommittee: March 19, 2026 (1), January 21, 2026 (1) · on the Legislature’s site
Iowa Code it changes
Amends§351.25
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
7 for · 0 against · 6 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
Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.