Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the department of administrative services’ historical resource research center in Iowa City
Proposed by the Department of Administrative Services · all agency proposals
Topics:State government
Same legislation: SF 2293
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 14, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 14, 2026
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 11, 2026
- Skipped: Passes the SenateContinued as SF 2293
- Next: House committee
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became SF 2293 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to SF 2293 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary The state currently has to run historical research centers in both Des Moines and Iowa City. This bill would remove the requirement to keep the research center in Iowa City open.1
Read the official explanation
Under current law, the department of administrative services must maintain historical resource research centers in Des Moines and Iowa City. This bill strikes the requirement that the department maintain such a research center in Iowa City.
Senate subcommittee
Named January 14, 2026. On January 20, 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
82 written public comments to its subcommittee: April 30, 2026 (4), January 20, 2026 (78) · on the Legislature’s site
Fiscal note
AI summary This bill removes the requirement for the Department of Administrative Services to maintain a historical research center in Iowa City. The Department of Administrative Services expects a one-time cost of approximately $1.0 million to relocate the collection, which may be incurred across multiple fiscal years. The bill is also estimated to save $450,000 in fiscal year 2027 for the state.3
Read the fiscal note
Description
Senate File 2293 relates to the historical research facility located in Iowa City maintained by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). The Bill removes the provision that requires the DAS to maintain a research center in Iowa City. The Bill takes effect upon enactment.
Background
Currently, under Iowa Code section 8A.707(2)(b), the DAS is required to maintain historical research centers in Iowa City and Des Moines.
The Iowa City research center closed to the public on December 31, 2025. The Iowa City research facility employed two full-time and one part-time staff.
Assumptions
- The DAS estimates a savings of $450,000 in FY 2027, which includes $150,000 in utility costs and $300,000 in staffing costs, by closing the Iowa City research center. The DAS reports that savings from the closure of the Iowa City research facility will maintain current minimum service levels at the SHSI building in Des Moines.
- The DAS estimates a one-time cost of approximately $1.0 million over a 12-month to 18-month period to maintain the Iowa City facility while relocating the collection, which includes professional moving services, including informal labor and trucking estimates, operating costs, and costs for temporary storage. These costs may be incurred across multiple fiscal years.
Fiscal Impact
Senate File 2293 is estimated to have a one-time cost of approximately $1.0 million to the DAS during the transition process.
Sources
- Department of Administrative Services
- State Historical Society of Iowa
- Iowa City State Historical Research Center · April 30, 2026
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91st General Assembly