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

SF 161: Prohibiting the regulation of certain residential gardens by state agencies and local governments

Became SF 494 · Its progress continues under the new number.

What it does

GENERAL. This bill prohibits a state agency or local government from adopting or continuing in effect any regulation that prohibits an individual from establishing, maintaining, or benefiting from a residential garden located on residential property owned or leased by that individual. Any such regulation is void and unenforceable. Under the bill, “residential property” includes real property consisting of not more than two family dwelling units. RESTRICTIONS. In order to be protected from regulation, a residential garden must meet certain requirements.

Sponsors

Sen. Cherielynn Westrich (R)

Cost

No fiscal note

Senate subcommittee · named February 3, 2025

  • Sen. Cherielynn Westrich (R) · cherielynn.westrich@legis.iowa.gov
  • Sen. Herman C. Quirmbach (D) · herman.quirmbach@legis.iowa.gov
  • Sen. Dave Sires (R) · dave.sires@legis.iowa.gov

In plain words

  1. January 29, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Local Government committee
  2. February 3, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Westrich, Quirmbach and Sires
  3. February 19, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
  4. March 4, 2025Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 494

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/SF161