Bills › 91st General Assembly
Prohibiting the intentional emission of air contaminants into the atmosphere, and providing penalties
Sponsored by the House Environmental Protection Committee, Rep. Jeff Shipley (R)
Topics:Courts & civil lawEnvironment & natural resources
Same legislation: HF 2173
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 27, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 29, 2026
- Done: House committeeFebruary 18, 2026
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 5, 202659–26
- 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 General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
This bill relates to the intentional emission of air contaminants into the atmosphere, including prohibitions and reporting requirements. The bill requires entities that operate an airport open to public use to submit monthly reports to the department of transportation (department) beginning October 1, 2026. The reports must include information regarding the physical presence of aircraft equipped with components that may be used to intentionally emit, inject, release, or disperse air contaminants into the atmosphere for the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, climate, or the intensity of sunlight, as well as information regarding the landing, takeoff, stopover, or refueling of such aircraft at the airport.
Read the full explanation
The bill provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a project or program located on or in support of an airport open to public use that is not in compliance with the reporting requirements is ineligible to receive state funding until compliance is achieved. The bill requires the department, upon receipt of the required reports, to submit aggregated reports to the department of natural resources and the applicable state law enforcement agencies that support enforcement of weather engineering prohibitions. The bill also requires the department to incorporate the reporting guidelines into grant agreements for airports open to public use that receive state funding and authorizes the department to adopt rules implementing the reporting requirements. The bill provides that the emission, injection, release, or dispersion of a chemical, chemical compound, substance, or apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of the state for the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, climate, or the intensity of sunlight, or any other purpose not presently regulated by state or federal law, is prohibited. The bill provides that any person who violates the prohibition is guilty of a class “D” felony and, for a corporation that violates the prohibition, an additional civil penalty up to $100,000 is imposed on the corporation’s officers, directors, or employees. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. Each day a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Changed since by amendment H-8102; see Amendments. Full bill text
Senate subcommittee
Named March 10, 2026. On March 18, 2026 it recommended 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
2 written public comments to its subcommittee: March 18, 2026 (1), February 5, 2026 (1) · on the Legislature’s site
Fiscal note
Cost: up to $18,100 Compare with other bills
The fiscal impact cannot be determined because the number of new convictions under the Bill cannot be estimated. The average State cost per Class D felony is between $13,000 and $18,100. The estimated impact to the General Fund includes operating costs incurred by the Judicial Branch, the Indigent Defense Fund, and the DOC. The costs would be incurred across multiple fiscal years for prison and parole supervision.
- Geoengineering and Weather Modification Prohibition · March 4, 2026 · $18,100
Nonpartisan cost estimates from the Legislative Services Agency’s Fiscal Services Division. The newest is first. Reading a fiscal note
Iowa Code it changes
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
1 for · 3 against · 8 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
91st General Assembly
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