Requiring cost-benefit analyses of county jail projects, and including effective date provisions

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedFebruary 10, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 10, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: Senate committeeFebruary 17, 2026
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the SenateMarch 9, 202643–2
5. ✓
   Done: House committeeMarch 19, 2026
6. Next: Passes the House
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Became SF 2368 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to SF 2368 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill requires a county to conduct a study before approving a project to build a new jail, renovate percent or more of the existing jail property, or expand the grounds or structure of the jail. The study must compare the cost difference between the project and contracting with another county to utilize the other county’s jail facilities. The study shall include all of the following metrics: (1) the average monthly total prisoners booked into the current jail, including county residents, noncounty residents, those booked at the current jail, and those needing to be booked at a jail in a different county but whose case originated in the county; (2) the average food and medical costs per prisoner per year; (3) the average annual staffing costs; (4) the average annual equipment costs including depreciation, replacement costs, and required planning costs for the following five years; (5) the average costs for transporting prisoners to and from the jail; and (6) a list of surrounding counties’ jails including the rated capacities of each jail and the actual capacity of each jail.

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 10, 2026. On February 16, 2026 it recommended passage.

• Sen. Mike Bousselot REmail
• Sen. Dawn Driscoll REmail
• Sen. Renee Hardman DEmail

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

Creates§356.38

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

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.