Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to and making appropriations to the justice system, providing fees, and including applicability provisions
Sponsored by the House Appropriations Committee
Topics:State budgetCrime & correctionsPublic safety & emergencies
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedApril 9, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeApril 13, 2026
- Done: House committeeApril 15, 2026
- Done: Passes the HouseMay 2, 202654–31
- Skipped: Senate committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the SenateMay 2, 202629–17
- Done: To the GovernorMay 13, 2026
- Done: Signed into lawJune 2, 2026
Signed into law What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary This bill sets aside money for several state agencies, including the departments of justice, corrections, and public safety. It also increases the amount of money paid to lawyers who are appointed by the court to represent people in criminal cases. Starting in July 2026, these lawyers would earn more money per hour depending on the type of crime involved.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to and makes appropriations to the justice system. FY 2026-2027 APPROPRIATIONS. The bill makes appropriations for FY 2026-2027 from the general fund of the state to the departments of justice, corrections, public defense, public safety, and homeland security and emergency management, and the Iowa law enforcement academy, office of the state public defender, and board of parole. The bill also appropriates moneys for FY 2026-2027 from the commerce revolving fund to the office of consumer advocate of the department of justice; from the gaming enforcement revolving fund to the department of public safety; from the 911 emergency communications fund to the department of homeland security and emergency management; and from the consumer education and litigation fund to the department of justice for farm mediation services and for criminal prosecutions, criminal appeals, and performing certain duties. INDIGENT DEFENSE AND REPRESENTATION. The bill increases the hourly rate for court-appointed counsel by $5 per hour and provides that for appointments made on or after July 1, 2026, compensation is calculated on the basis of $93 per hour for class “A” felonies, $88 per hour for class “B” felonies, and $83 per hour for all other cases.
Why it matters. State agencies including the departments of justice, corrections, public safety, and homeland security, along with the Iowa law enforcement academy and the board of parole, would receive funding for fiscal years 2026-2027. Court-appointed attorneys would see their hourly rates increase by $5 per hour for appointments made on or after July 1, 2026.2
Changed since by amendments S-5247, H-8414; see Amendments.
House subcommittee
Named April 13, 2026 (as HSB 775). It hasn’t reported yet.
- Rep. Brian K. Lohse REmail
- Rep. Zach Dieken REmail
- Rep. Cindy Golding REmail
- Rep. Judd Lawler REmail
- Rep. Mary Lee Madison DEmail
- Rep. Angel Ramirez DEmail
- Rep. Mark I. Thompson REmail
- Rep. Mike Vondran REmail
- Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell DEmail
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
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Tried before
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91st General Assembly
Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.
Tried before
This idea has been filed in 2 earlier General Assemblies. None got through a chamber.
- SSB 1214 SSB 121490th General Assembly · Renumbered as SF 562 · very similarCleared committee
- SF 2434 Relating to and making appropriations to the justice system90th General Assembly · Withdrawn · similarDidn’t advance
- SSB 3191 SSB 319190th General Assembly · In committee · similarCleared committee
- SSB 3103 SSB 310388th General Assembly · In committee · similarCleared committee
Similar bills this General Assembly
- SSB 1232 Relating to and making appropriations to the justice system91st General Assembly · Renumbered as SF 644Nearly identical
Matched by wording or an identical title.