Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to liability of persons performing housing or rental inspections for a municipality
Sponsored by Rep. Matthew Rinker (R)
Topics:Courts & civil lawHousing & propertyCities & counties
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 16, 2026
- Stopped: SubcommitteeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: House committeeFunnel: by February 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary People who perform housing or rental inspections for a city would now be considered employees under certain liability laws. This change means these inspectors could receive legal protections that prevent them from being personally responsible for paying money in certain lawsuits. These protections apply unless the person acts with extreme or intentional misconduct.1
Read the official explanation
This bill modifies the definition of “employee” for purposes of Code chapter 670 (tort liability of governmental subdivisions) to include a person performing a housing or rental inspection for a municipality. Under Code chapter 670, a municipality is liable for the torts of the municipality’s officers and employees acting within the scope of their employment or duties, whether arising out of a governmental or proprietary function. An employee subject to a claim brought under Code chapter 670 has qualified immunity and is not liable for monetary damages if certain circumstances apply, including when the right allegedly violated was not clearly established at the time of the employee’s conduct or when a court has issued a final decision determining that the specific conduct was lawful. 20 (rights of employee exclusive). However, an employee is not liable for punitive damages for acts that are in the performance of a duty, unless actual malice or willful, wanton, and reckless misconduct is proven.
Iowa Code it changes
Amends§670.2