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91st General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

HSB 164: Relating to the establishment or modification of legal custody of a child

Died when the session ended · The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died.

What it does

This bill relates to the establishment or modification of legal custody of a child. If the district court finds by clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child, the bill allows the court presiding over a dissolution of marriage case to award separate rights and responsibilities of joint legal custody to each parent. If each parent is awarded separate rights and responsibilities of joint legal custody, both parents retain the right to legal access to information concerning the child.

Sponsors

Not listed

Cost

No fiscal note

House subcommittee · named February 17, 2025

  • Rep. Judd Lawler (R) · judd.lawler@legis.iowa.gov
  • Rep. Brian Meyer (D) · brian.meyer@legis.iowa.gov
  • Rep. Carter F. Nordman (R) · carter.nordman@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 5 for, 4 against

For: Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa State Bar Association

Against: IowaFathers; Personal Interest-Troy Tech; Reforging Families; Steve Krug

In plain words

  1. February 12, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
  2. February 12, 2025House subcommittee named: Lawler, James and Nordman
  3. February 17, 2025House subcommittee named: Lawler, Meyer, B. and Nordman
  4. February 20, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it

From public records at legis.iowa.gov, compiled by Funnel (iowafunnel.com), an independent, nonpartisan site. Current as of Monday, November 9, 2026. https://iowafunnel.com/bills/91/HSB164