Relating to marriage, including the grounds for dissolution of marriage

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedFebruary 2, 2026
Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 4, 2026
Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
Next: Passes the Senate
Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
Next: Passes the House
Next: To the Governor
Next: Signed into law

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

What’s in it

This bill relates to marriage, including the grounds for dissolution of marriage. The bill provides that parties applying for a marriage license may also submit a waiver to waive dissolution of marriage based solely on a breakdown of the marriage relationship. The waiver, as prescribed by the judicial branch, must be signed voluntarily by both parties and filed with the county registrar at the time the application for a marriage license is filed. The bill creates grounds for dissolution of marriage for parties who filed a waiver with their marriage license.

Read the full explanation

To dissolve the marriage, a party must provide proof that the other party committed adultery, committed a felony and was sentenced to imprisonment, has abandoned the marriage home for more than a year and refuses to return, has physically or sexually abused the party or a child of one of the parties, or that the parties have been living separately for at least two years. If the parties file a waiver, the waiver is presumed valid unless a party establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the waiver is not executed voluntarily or by fraud, duress, or coercion. The bill makes conforming changes in Code chapter 598 (dissolution of marriage and domestic relations) to reflect the difference in applicable grounds contingent upon whether or not the parties filed a waiver.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

Senate subcommittee

Named February 4, 2026. On February 9, 2026 it recommended amendment and passage.

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

55 written public comments to its subcommittee: February 9, 2026 (55) · on the Legislature’s site

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§598.4A

Amends§595.4 §598.17 §598.5 §598.8

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

Lobbying

2 for · 10 against · 4 undecided · Who →