Relating to the design of certain public buildings, including by providing for the appointment of a state architect

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedFebruary 19, 2025
Stopped: SubcommitteeDied when the General Assembly ended
Next: House committeeFunnel: by February 20, 2026
Next: Passes the House
Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
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 Iowa would create a new state architect position to oversee the design and construction of certain public buildings. Before these buildings can be built or renovated, the state architect must issue a certificate of need to ensure the designs follow specific architectural styles. A new council made up of lawmakers and citizens will also help advise the state architect on these building decisions.¹

The official explanation

This bill relates to the construction and renovation of certain public buildings. The bill creates the position of state architect, who is appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the senate, and serves at the pleasure of the governor. The bill prohibits the construction of an applicable public building, defined in the bill, unless the state architect issues a certificate of need for the applicable public building. The bill allows the state architect to issue a certificate of need for an applicable public building if the proposed design for the applicable public building complies with certain policies of the general assembly, set forth in the bill, regarding the architectural style and public perception of the proposed applicable public building.

Read the full explanation

The bill also allows the state architect to issue a certificate of need to a proposed applicable public building that does not comply with the architectural policies of the general assembly but requires the state architect to submit a report to the governor and the department of administrative services (DAS) detailing the state architect’s reasoning for issuing the certificate of need. The bill creates the governor’s council on improving state of Iowa civic architecture within DAS. The council consists of three members of the senate appointed by the majority leader of the senate, three members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, seven members of the general public, defined in the bill, appointed by the governor, and the state architect. Nonlegislator members of the council serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses.32A, legislator members of the council receive per diem and necessary travel and actual expenses. The bill requires the council to advise the state architect on the propriety of issuing certificates of need and to prepare and submit a report to the governor recommending updates to DAS’ policies and procedures to incorporate the architectural policies of the general assembly. The council shall submit the report to the governor by September 30, 2027.5 (boards and governmental entities —— dissolution).

Full bill text²

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§7G.1 §7G.2 §7G.3 §7G.4

How the Code works³

Lobbying

0 for · 3 against · 3 undecided · Who →