Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to driver’s licenses and nonoperator’s identification cards marked to reflect gold star status
Sponsored by the House Ways and Means Committee
Topics:TransportationVeterans & military
Same legislation: HSB 769
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedApril 6, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeApril 6, 2026
- Done: House committeeApril 8, 2026
- Done: Passes the HouseApril 15, 202695–0
- 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 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Family members of service members who died while on active duty during a conflict can now ask to have "GOLD STAR FAMILY" printed on their driver's licenses or ID cards. This change allows them to show their status on their identification, similar to how veterans can show their service status.1
Read the official explanation
This bill authorizes a person who is the surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a deceased member of the United States armed forces who died while serving on active duty during a time of military conflict or who died as a result of such service to request that the person’s driver’s license or nonoperator’s identification card, as applicable, be prominently marked with the phrase “GOLD STAR FAMILY”. Such a person is eligible to apply for gold star special registration plates under current law. Under current law, a veteran who was honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States may similarly request that the veteran’s driver’s license or nonoperator’s identification card be marked to reflect the veteran’s status as a veteran. A gold star symbol is used on state driver’s licenses and other identification cards to indicate compliance with federal REAL ID requirements.
Why it matters. Surviving spouses, parents, children, or siblings of service members who died while on active duty during a military conflict or as a result of their service can request to have "GOLD STAR FAMILY" printed on their driver's license or identification card. This change allows these individuals to have their status prominently marked on their identification, similar to how honorably discharged veterans can mark their status.2
House subcommittee
Named April 6, 2026 (as HSB 769). On April 7, 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
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
0 for · 0 against · 1 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly