HF 2377: Establishing the criminal offense of engaging in a fraudulent polling scheme, and providing penalties

What it does

This bill establishes the criminal offense of engaging in a fraudulent polling scheme. The bill provides that a person commits the offense of engaging in a fraudulent polling scheme when the person knowingly, intentionally, and with the specific intent to obtain money or induce material action, either directly or through a conspiracy with one or more persons, does all of the following: makes or causes to be made a materially false representation of an objective fact concerning certain topics; disseminates or causes the dissemination of such representations in connection with a political campaign; uses or relies upon such representations; and knows that the representation is false at the time the representation is made.

House subcommittee · named February 11, 2026

• Rep. Charley Thomson (R) · charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Aime Wichtendahl (D) · aime.wichtendahl@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. John H. Wills (R) · john.wills@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: VALOR Iowa

In plain words

1. February 10, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 11, 2026House subcommittee named: Thomson, C., Wichtendahl, Wills and J
3. February 12, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it