Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to elections to fill vacancies in elective county and city offices
Sponsored by the House Local Government Committee
Topics:Elections & votingCities & counties
Same legislation: HSB 639
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 28, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 28, 2026
- Done: House committeeFebruary 10, 2026
- Done: Passes the HouseFebruary 23, 202673–16
- 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 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 If a local official leaves their job early, this law lets voters request a special election to fill the spot if there are at least six months left in the term. It also allows a board or council to officially declare an office vacant if an official gives written notice that they plan to resign after the next general election. This ensures the position is placed on the upcoming ballot so a new person can be elected to finish the remaining time in office.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to vacancies in elected county and city offices. If a county board of supervisors or city council chooses to fill a vacancy in an elective office by appointment, the bill allows eligible electors of a county or city to submit a petition to fill the vacancy by a special election only if the remaining balance of the unexpired term is at least six months. The bill requires a county board of supervisors or city council that receives a written affirmation more than 73 days before the next general election that an elected officer intends to resign after the next general election but before the expiration of the officer’s term of office to, by majority vote, declare that the office is vacant as of the date contained in the affirmation. The office will then appear on the ballot at the next general election with the description, “To Fill Vacancy”. The person elected at the general election will assume office as of the date of the vacancy and after a certificate of election is issued and the person has qualified by taking the oath of office, and shall serve the balance of the unexpired term.
Why it matters. Voters in counties and cities could petition to hold a special election to fill an empty elective office if at least six months remain in the term. Local boards of supervisors and city councils could also declare an office vacant based on a written notice of an official's intent to resign, allowing the position to appear on the next general election ballot.2
Senate subcommittee
Named February 26, 2026. On March 5, 2026 it recommended amendment and 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
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
3 for · 1 against · 8 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly