Bills › 91st General Assembly
Providing a limitation on civil or criminal liability for any alleged actual or potential effect on climate caused wholly or partly by a greenhouse gas emission
Sponsored by the Senate Agriculture Committee
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 10, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 10, 2026
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 19, 2026
- Done: Passes the SenateMarch 24, 202633–13
- Skipped: House committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the HouseFebruary 26, 202666–24
- Done: To the GovernorApril 30, 2026
- Done: Signed into lawApril 30, 2026
HF 2527 became law → The same legislation passed as HF 2527, so this version was set aside. Go to HF 2527 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary People or companies cannot be sued or charged with a crime for their impact on the climate unless they specifically broke a state law or a government permit regarding greenhouse gas emissions. This rule protects defendants from legal action related to gases like carbon dioxide or methane unless a clear violation of existing rules is proven in court.1
Read the official explanation
This bill limits civil or criminal liability arising from any alleged actual or potential effect on climate caused wholly or partly by a greenhouse gas emission attributable to a defendant. A greenhouse gas includes a gas originating from an agricultural or renewable fuel source, or a number of specific gases, including carbon dioxide, hydrofluorocarbons, methane, nitrogen trifluoride, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, or a perfluorocarbon., United States environmental protection agency). The bill provides that its provisions are not to be construed as creating a right to bring a civil or criminal action or a judicial remedy.
Why it matters. People or businesses facing lawsuits over their greenhouse gas emissions would have limited liability in civil or criminal court. To be held liable, a defendant must have violated a specific state law or a term in an operating or air permit issued by a government agency.2
Changed since by amendments S-5059, H-8031; see Amendments.
Senate subcommittee
Named February 10, 2026 (as SSB 3133). On February 12, 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
4 written public comments to its subcommittee: February 16, 2026 (1), February 12, 2026 (3) · on the Legislature’s site
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
16 for · 7 against · 10 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Study bill
91st General Assembly