HF 2541: Relating to local laws implementing the Iowa civil rights Act of 1965

What it does

This bill relates to local laws implementing the Iowa civil rights Act of 1965 (civil rights Act). The civil rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment, wages, public accommodations, housing, education, and credit practices based upon certain characteristics of a person. Current law requires cities, to the extent possible, to protect the rights of the citizens of this state under the civil rights Act, and provides that the civil rights Act shall not be construed as limiting a city or local government from enacting any ordinance or other law which prohibits broader or different categories of unfair or discriminatory practices.

House subcommittee · named February 4, 2026

• Rep. Steven C. Holt (R) · steven.holt@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R) · skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Ross Wilburn (D) · ross.wilburn@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 5 for, 28 against

For: Governor's Office; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Iowa Minuteman Civil Defense Corps; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation

Against: American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa (ACLU-IA); Bitches Get Stuff Done; Building Bridges; City of Coralville; City of Des Moines; City of Iowa City; Common Good Iowa; Dubuque For Refugee Children; Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers; Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church; and 16 more

In plain words

1. February 4, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee · as HSB 664
2. February 4, 2026House subcommittee named: Holt, Wheeler and Wilburn · as HSB 664
3. February 9, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 664
4. February 12, 2026Approved by the House committee · as HSB 664
5. February 12, 2026Committee vote: 14–7 · as HSB 664
6. February 16, 2026Filed in the House
7. February 16, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2541 · as HSB 664