HF 2622: Relating to public libraries, including eligibility requirements for state assistance and oversight by city councils

What it does

This bill relates to public libraries, including eligibility requirements for state assistance and oversight by city councils. Current law requires public libraries to meet certain requirements to receive state assistance through the enrich Iowa program. The bill adds the requirement that eligible public libraries enforce age-appropriate policies that prohibit minors from accessing materials deemed inappropriate for minors and allow parents access to monitor their child’s borrowing activity. The bill defines “age-appropriate” as topics and messages suitable to particular ages based on developing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral capacity typical for the age.

House subcommittee · named February 11, 2026

• Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R) · skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Brooke Boden (R) · brooke.boden@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Larry McBurney (D) · larry.mcburney@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 11 against

For: Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Protect My Innocence; VALOR Iowa

Against: Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund; Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers; Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Library Association (ILA); Iowa Safe Schools; League of Women Voters of Iowa; One Iowa; One Iowa Action; Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa

In plain words

1. February 11, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Local Government committee · as HSB 720
2. February 11, 2026House subcommittee named: Wheeler, Boden and McBurney · as HSB 720
3. February 17, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 720
4. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee · as HSB 720
5. February 17, 2026Committee vote: 13–7 · as HSB 720
6. February 19, 2026Filed in the House
7. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2622 · as HSB 720