SSB 1118: Relating to the responsibility and liability of property owners for public places in cities, prohibiting fines, and including effective date provisions

What it does

This bill relates to the responsibility and liability of an abutting property owner for public places in a city such as sidewalks. Under current law, an abutting property owner may be required by a city ordinance to remove natural accumulations of snow and ice within a reasonable time and maintain public sidewalks or other property between the property line and the curb line. The bill adds that an abutting property owner may be liable if the property owner fails to use reasonable care in maintaining sidewalks or other property between the property line and the curb line if required by a city ordinance.

Senate subcommittee · named January 13, 2026

• Sen. Scott Webster (R) · scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Mark S. Lofgren (R) · mark.lofgren@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Janice Weiner (D) · janice.weiner@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 8 for, 2 against

For: City of Bettendorf; City of Des Moines; City of Marion; City of Waukee; City of West Des Moines; Iowa League of Cities; Kurtis Bower; Metropolitan Coalition

Against: American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA); Iowa Insurance Institute

In plain words

1. February 13, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Local Government committee
2. February 13, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Klimesh, Lofgren and Weiner
3. January 13, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Webster, Lofgren and Weiner
4. January 22, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes
5. January 28, 2026Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 2146