Relating to the rules of statutory construction for the definition of a person

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedFebruary 17, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 17, 2026
3. ✕
   Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
4. Next: Passes the Senate
5. Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
6. Next: Passes the House
7. Next: To the Governor
8. 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 the rules of statutory construction for the definition of “person”. The bill provides that whenever “person” is used in a statute, or implied by construction or context, the term includes an individual organism of the species homo sapiens at any stage of development from fertilization until natural death. The bill provides that such statutory construction is not subject to judicial review.

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 17, 2026. It hasn’t reported yet.

• Sen. Ken Rozenboom REmail
• Sen. Catelin Drey DEmail
• Sen. Jason Schultz 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

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§4.1

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