HF 2554: Relating to the application of foreign law and limiting changes in venue of civil actions, and including applicability provisions

What it does

This bill relates to the application of foreign law and limits the transfer of civil actions when application of foreign law would violate constitutional protections. The bill defines “foreign law” as law, legal codes, or legal systems of jurisdictions outside any state or territory of the United States, including international organizations, tribunals, or courts. The bill prohibits a court of this state, an arbitration panel, a tribunal, or an administrative agency from transferring a civil action to another court or forum if the transfer would result in application of foreign law that would violate or is likely to violate a fundamental liberty, right, or privilege guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the State of Iowa.

House subcommittee · named February 17, 2026

• Rep. Charley Thomson (R) · charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Dr. Megan L. Srinivas (D) · megan.srinivas@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Mark I. Thompson (R) · mark.thompson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 0 against

For: Concerned Women For America of Iowa; Iowa Minuteman Civil Defense Corps; VALOR Iowa

In plain words

1. February 16, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 17, 2026House subcommittee named: Thomson, C., Srinivas, Thompson and M
3. February 18, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 19, 2026Committee vote: 20–0
6. February 23, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2695
7. March 9, 2026Withdrawn