HSB 639: Relating to elections to fill vacancies in elective county and city offices

What it does

This bill relates to vacancies in elected county and city offices. If a county board of supervisors or city council chooses to fill a vacancy in an elective office by appointment, the bill allows eligible electors of a county or city to submit a petition to fill the vacancy by a special election only if the remaining balance of the unexpired term is at least six months. _____ contained in the affirmation. The office will then appear on the ballot at the next general election with the description, “To Fill Vacancy”.

House subcommittee · named February 3, 2026

• Rep. Judd Lawler (R) · judd.lawler@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Ken Croken (D) · ken.croken@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Jennifer J. Smith (R) · jennifer.smith@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 1 against

For: City of Waukee; Iowa League of Cities; Iowa State Association of County Auditors

Against: Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club

In plain words

1. January 28, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Local Government committee
2. January 28, 2026House subcommittee named: Lawler, Croken and Wheeler
3. February 3, 2026House subcommittee named: Lawler, Croken and Smith
4. February 4, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
5. February 10, 2026Approved by the House committee
6. February 10, 2026Committee vote: 21–0
7. February 16, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2520