Relating to the enforcement of immigration laws, and providing penalties

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedMarch 4, 2025
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeMarch 4, 2025
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeMarch 6, 2025
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the HouseMarch 26, 202561–35
5. Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
6. Next: Passes the Senate
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 946 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 946 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to the enforcement of immigration laws. The bill provides that any law enforcement officer, including an elected sheriff, who knowingly and intentionally fails to comply with the requirements of Code chapter 27A (enforcement of immigration laws) shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. The bill provides that conviction under the bill shall be grounds for mandatory revocation of a law enforcement officer’s certification by the Iowa law enforcement academy.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Changed since by amendment H-1171; see Amendments. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named March 4, 2025. On March 5, 2025 it recommended passage.

• Rep. Steven C. Holt REmail
• Rep. Lindsay James DEmail
• Rep. Skyler Wheeler REmail

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

Fiscal note

The introduced version of House File 946 required a Fiscal Note which included estimated correctional, minority, and fiscal impacts. House File 946 was amended by the House on March 26, 2025, and the Bill no longer requires a Fiscal Note. /s/ Jennifer Acton April 2, 2025 Doc ID 1525346 The fiscal note for this Bill was prepared pursuant to Joint Rule 17 and the Iowa Code.

• Enforcement of Immigration Laws, Criminal Penalty · April 2, 2025
• Enforcement of Immigration Laws, Criminal Penalty · March 20, 2025

Nonpartisan cost estimates from the Legislative Services Agency’s Fiscal Services Division. The newest is first. Reading a fiscal note

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§27A.12

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.