HF 2695: 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.

Senate subcommittee · named March 10, 2026

• Sen. Jeff Reichman (R) · jeff.reichman@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Matt Blake (D) · matt.blake@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Adrian Dickey (R) · adrian.dickey@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 23, 2026Filed in the House
2. March 4, 2026Passed the House, 97–0
3. March 5, 2026Arrived in the Senate
4. March 10, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Reichman, Blake and Dickey
5. March 12, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
6. March 19, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
7. April 27, 2026Passed the Senate, 46–0
8. May 6, 2026Sent to the Governor
9. June 2, 2026Signed into law