HF 853: Relating to interpretation of law in administrative and judicial proceedings under the Iowa administrative procedure Act

What it does

This bill concerns the interpretation of law in administrative and judicial proceedings under Code chapter 17A, the Iowa administrative procedure Act. Under current law, a court must reverse, modify, or grant other appropriate relief from agency action in specified circumstances if it determines that substantial rights of the person seeking relief have been prejudiced. Such circumstances include agency action based upon an irrational, illogical, or wholly unjustifiable interpretation of a provision of law whose interpretation has clearly been vested by a provision of law in the discretion of the agency.

Senate subcommittee · named March 19, 2026

• Sen. Jason Schultz (R) · jason.schultz@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Matt Blake (D) · matt.blake@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Mike Bousselot (R) · mike.bousselot@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 9 for, 1 against

For: Americans For Prosperity; Dr. Tanja Garrison; Foundation for Government Accountability Action; Goldwater Institute; Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Iowa Insurance Associates; Iowans for Tax Relief; Pacific Legal Foundation

Against: Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club

In plain words

1. March 7, 2025Filed in the House
2. April 3, 2025Sent to the House Judiciary committee
3. February 17, 2026House subcommittee named: Gustoff, Shipley and Wilburn
4. February 18, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
5. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee
6. February 19, 2026Committee vote: 14–6
7. March 17, 2026Passed the House, 76–19
8. March 18, 2026Arrived in the Senate
9. March 19, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Schultz, Blake and Bousselot