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

SF 494: Prohibiting the regulation of certain residential gardens by state agencies and local governments

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

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

House subcommittee · named March 28, 2025

  • Rep. Adam Zabner (D) · adam.zabner@legis.iowa.gov
  • Rep. Jane Bloomingdale (R) · jane.bloomingdale@legis.iowa.gov
  • Rep. Megan Jones (R) · megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov

In plain words

  1. March 4, 2025Filed in the Senate
  2. March 4, 2025Approved by the Senate committee
  3. March 24, 2025Passed the Senate, 49–0
  4. March 24, 2025Arrived in the House
  5. March 28, 2025House subcommittee named: Zabner, Bloomingdale and Jones
  6. April 1, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it

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/SF494