Governor

Executive orders

Orders Iowa’s governors have signed, from Governor Hughes in the 1960s to Governor Reynolds. An order directs state agencies, or sets up a task force or council, under powers in the Constitution or state law. It isn’t a law: the next governor can change it.¹ Bills on the Governor’s desk · Proclamations

Governor Terry E. Branstad · 88

Executive Order 88 · Branstad · August 29, 2016
Creates the Future Ready Iowa Initiative and the Future Ready Iowa Alliance to promote postsecondary education and training.
Rescinded
Executive Order 87 · Branstad · December 21, 2015
Directs the Office of the Chief Information Officer to develop a State of Iowa Cybersecurity Strategy.
Executive Order 86 · Branstad · September 28, 2015
Establishes the Governor’s Office for Bullying Prevention within the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Violence Prevention.
Executive Order 85 · Branstad · March 24, 2014
Mandates that personnel settlement agreements entered into by state agencies must be nonconfidential, available online, and reviewed by the Attorney General.
Executive Order 84 · Branstad · February 17, 2014
Creates the Governor’s Council on National Service in Iowa.
Executive Order 83 · Branstad · October 16, 2013
Mandates that only the State of Iowa, not the federal government, shall determine the content and related assessment of the Iowa Core academic standards.
Executive Order 82 · Branstad · August 20, 2013
Creates the Iowa Juvenile Home Protection Task Force for the purpose of making recommendations concerning the Iowa Juvenile Home, and orders that staff at the facility undergo trauma-informed care training.
Executive Order 81 · Branstad · May 15, 2013
Expands and replaces Executive Order 74 (July 26, 2011), creating the Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council.
Executive Order 80 · Branstad · August 20, 2012
Directs that each state agency appoint a stakeholder group and receive public comment when proposing an administrative rulemaking.
Executive Order 79 · Branstad · August 20, 2012
Rescinds 12 previous Executive Orders on the grounds of being unnecessary, outdated, or inefficient.
Executive Order 78 · Branstad · July 2, 2012
Directs the Department of Administrative Services to implement an arrangement whereby state employees may voluntarily contribute 20% of their own health care costs.
Executive Order 77 · Branstad · May 11, 2012
Rescinds an administrative rule banning the use of traditional lead shot in hunting.
Rescinded
Executive Order 76 · Branstad · March 30, 2012
Places the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program within the Department on Aging.
Executive Order 75 · Branstad · October 24, 2011
Creates the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress for the study and recommendation of solutions and policy alternatives for issues arising in the area of economic development.
Rescinded
Executive Order 74 · Branstad · July 26, 2011
Creates the Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council to promote STEM education.
Executive Order 73 · Branstad · May 3, 2011
Creates the Website Standardization Committee for the purpose of improving the accessibility of Executive Branch websites for individuals with disabilities.
Executive Order 72 · Branstad · April 4, 2011
Rescinds administrative rules implementing certain national air pollutant emissions standards.
Rescinded
Executive Order 71 · Branstad · March 7, 2011
Directs state agencies to analyze the effect of proposed administrative rules on private-sector employment and to include a Jobs Impact Statement in any published notice of intended action.
Rescinded
Executive Order 70 · Branstad · January 14, 2011
Rescinds Governor Vilsack’s Executive Order 42 (July 4, 2005) and requires discharged criminal offenders to file an application for the restoration of citizenship rights.
Executive Order 69 · Branstad · January 14, 2011
Rescinds Governor Culver’s Executive Order 22 (February 3, 2010) and prohibits the use of Project Labor Agreements for state-funded construction work and other public works projects.
Executive Order 68 · Branstad · November 23, 1998
Prohibits the use of tobacco on the Capitol Complex and in state government offices.
Executive Order 67 · Branstad · August 21, 1998
Establishes the Council for Continuous Improvement in Education to recruit and retain teachers in Iowa.
Executive Order 66 · Branstad · May 21, 1998
Establishes the IowAccess Advisory Council to provide advice and counsel to the Director of Information Technology Services in the development, implementation, operation and growth of IowAccess.
Executive Order 65 · Branstad · May 20, 1998
Establishes the Iowa Geographic Information Council.
Executive Order 64 · Branstad · May 18, 1998
Amends Executive Order 48 (February 14, 1994) by changing the name of the Iowa Commission for National and Community Service to the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.
Executive Order 63 · Branstad · February 10, 1998
Establishes an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Committee.
Rescinded
Executive Order 62 · Branstad · January 9, 1998
Replaces Executive Order 54 (December 23, 1994) and creates a Primary Iowa Hazard Mitigation Team and a Secondary Iowa Hazard Mitigation Team.
Executive Order 61 · Branstad · July 15, 1997
Assigns responsibility for providing the Executive Branch with information technology services to the Information Technology Services Director appointed by the Governor.
Executive Order 60 · Branstad · May 19, 1997
Rescinds Governor Ray’s Executive Order 50 (January 12, 1983) and mandates that each state agency shall have responsibility for its own management and internal control of services procurement and contracting.
Rescinded
Executive Order 59 · Branstad · September 30, 1996
Rescinds the Workforce Development Council established in Executive Order 53 (July 29, 1994) and directs the Workforce Development Department Governing Board to establish a Human Resource Investment Council.
Rescinded
Executive Order 58 · Branstad · July 1, 1996
Delegates administrative responsibility for the federal Job Training Partnership Act to the Workforce Development Department and replaces Executive Order 24 (June 30, 1986).
Rescinded
Executive Order 57 · Branstad · June 28, 1996
Directs the Department of Personnel to develop policy, offer training, and establish a Threat Assessment Team in order to maintain a violence-free workplace.
Executive Order 56 · Branstad · December 18, 1995
Rescinds and replaces Executive Order 37 (February 13, 1989) and directs state agencies to reduce waste, recycle, and purchase and use recycled materials.
Executive Order 55 · Branstad · June 22, 1995
Appoints the resident agent-in-charge of the Des Moines office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a nonvoting ex-officio member of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council.
Executive Order 54 · Branstad · December 23, 1994
Rescinds Executive Order 39 (September 12, 1990) and reestablishes the Iowa Hazard Mitigation Team.
Executive Order 53 · Branstad · July 29, 1994
Establishes the Iowa Workforce Development Council to coordinate the implementation of state and federal workforce development programs in the State of Iowa.
Rescinded
Executive Order 52 · Branstad · July 1, 1994
Rescinds Executive Order 35 (September 27, 1988) and reestablishes the Iowa Commission on Foreign Language Studies and International Education.
Executive Order 51 · Branstad · May 19, 1994
Establishes the Library Services Advisory Council to develop a coordinated, cost effective and comprehensive plan for the implementation of an electronic statewide library and information services program.
Executive Order 50 · Branstad · May 2, 1994
Establishes the Iowa Health Reform Transition Team to coordinate implementation, communicate with the federal government, and continue to inform and receive input from Iowans.
Executive Order 49 · Branstad · March 4, 1994
Establishes the Telemedicine Advisory Council to develop a coordinated, cost effective and comprehensive plan for the implementation of a statewide telemedicine program.
Executive Order 48 · Branstad · February 14, 1994
Establishes the Iowa Commission for National and Community Service to advise and assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive, statewide plan for promoting volunteer involvement in Iowa.
Rescinded
Executive Order 47 · Branstad · March 29, 1993
Accepts a federal offer of assignment of concurrent jurisdiction.
Executive Order 46 · Branstad · January 5, 1993
Repeals Executive Order 33 (August 21, 1987) that continued the Telecommunications and Information Management Council created by Executive Order 18 (July 9, 1985).
Executive Order 45 · Branstad · August 27, 1992
Directs the Department of Economic Development to continue to work with the Regional Coordinating Councils.
Executive Order 44 · Branstad · April 30, 1992
Assigns responsibility for the coordination of affirmative action reporting to the Department of Personnel, and reaffirms the Governor’s commitment to equal employment opportunity.
Rescinded
Executive Order 43 · Branstad · April 8, 1992
Implements a 0.62% reduction in appropriations for the remainder of FY 1992.
Executive Order 42 · Branstad · July 1, 1991
Implements a 3.25% reduction in appropriations for FY 1992.
Executive Order 41 · Branstad · November 6, 1990
Accepts a federal offer of assignment of concurrent jurisdiction.
Executive Order 40 · Branstad · November 1, 1990
Creates the Iowa Drug and Violent Crime Policy Board that is to be responsible for development of the Iowa application for Drug Control and System Improvement Grant Program funds.
Rescinded
Executive Order 39 · Branstad · September 12, 1989
Forms the State Hazard Mitigation Team to promote hazard mitigation, and to develop new cost-reducing initiatives.
Rescinded
Executive Order 38 · Branstad · March 17, 1989
Prohibits the use of drugs and alcohol in state government workplaces in compliance with the federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.
Executive Order 37 · Branstad · February 13, 1989
Directs state agencies to purchase and use recycled paper products and to develop waste paper recycling programs.
Rescinded
Executive Order 36 · Branstad · February 13, 1989
Directs state agencies to purchase and use biodegradable disposable products, and directs the Department of Natural Resources to promote and develop such products.
Rescinded
Executive Order 35 · Branstad · September 27, 1988
Creates an Iowa Commission on Foreign Language Studies and International Education.
Rescinded
Executive Order 34 · Branstad · July 22, 1988
Establishes provisions concerning equal employment opportunity and affirmative action in state contracts, and transfers the Contract Compliance Coordinating Group to the Department of Management.
Executive Order 33 · Branstad · August 21, 1987
Continues the Telecommunication and Information Management Council created in Executive Order 18 (July 9, 1985).
Rescinded
Executive Order 32 · Branstad · July 7, 1987
Creates the Governor’s Alliance on Substance Abuse within the Department of Public Health.
Rescinded
Executive Order 31 · Branstad · June 29, 1987
Establishes gift reporting requirements for the executive department.
Executive Order 30 · Branstad · April 15, 1987
Creates and establishes the State Emergency Response Commission of Iowa to implement the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986.
Executive Order 29 · Branstad · April 1, 1987
Extends the state of economic emergency declared in Executive Order 20 (October 1, 1985).
Executive Order 28 · Branstad · March 4, 1987
Establishes gift reporting requirements for the executive department.
Executive Order 27 · Branstad · March 3, 1987
Creates the Interagency Council to analyze and recommend modifications to the state’s welfare, job training, and job placement delivery systems.
Rescinded
Executive Order 26 · Branstad · December 31, 1986
Prohibits the sale of tobacco products in areas of buildings under the Governor’s control on the State Capitol Complex and in all offices occupied by state government.
Executive Order 25 · Branstad · November 17, 1986
Amends the procedure established in Executive Order 22 (February 19, 1986) for allocating the total principal amount of bonds which may be issued by political subdivisions in any calendar year.
Rescinded
Executive Order 24 · Branstad · June 30, 1986
Delegates administrative responsibility for the federal Job Training Partnership Act to the Department of Economic Development, and creates the State Job Training Coordinating Council.
Replaced
Executive Order 23 · Branstad · June 9, 1986
Designates the Department of Public Safety as the State Highway Safety Agency and the Commissioner of Public Safety as the Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety.
Executive Order 22 · Branstad · February 19, 1986
Provides a procedure for allocating the total principal amount of bonds which may be issued by political subdivisions in any calendar year.
Amended
Executive Order 21 · Branstad · December 24, 1985
Renames the Iowa Refugee Service Center as the Bureau of Refugee Programs and places it administratively within the Department of Human Services.
Executive Order 20 · Branstad · October 1, 1985
Declares that a state of economic emergency exists in relation to farm real estate loans.
Executive Order 19 · Branstad · September 18, 1985
Implements a 3.85% reduction in appropriations for FY 1986.
Executive Order 18 · Branstad · July 9, 1985
Creates the Telecommunication and Information Management Council to develop a coordinated, cost effective, statewide telecommunications and information management plan.
Rescinded
Executive Order 17 · Branstad · May 16, 1985
Creates the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress to develop a consensus on economic development strategies.
Rescinded
Executive Order 16 · Branstad · May 10, 1985
Establishes the objectives of the Iowa Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Executive Order 15 · Branstad · January 29, 1985
Creates the Iowa Economic Development Coordinating Committee to exchange information and suggestions on specific state or federal programs critical to Iowa’s economic well-being and to share ideas on new initiatives.
Rescinded
Executive Order 14 · Branstad · September 21, 1984
Sets at 20% the maximum percentage of federal funds allotted to Iowa that may be spent on municipal wastewater treatment projects other than those for secondary treatment or more stringent treatment.
Executive Order 13 · Branstad · September 21, 1984
Directs that each department in the Executive Branch undertake a comprehensive review of its supervisory span of control and develop a plan to streamline supervisory staffing.
Executive Order 12 · Branstad · September 6, 1984
Establishes the Iowa Literacy Council.
Executive Order 11 · Branstad · March 30, 1984
Amends Governor Ray’s Executive Order 15 (April 2, 1973) by designating Primary Interest Agencies to monitor equal opportunity contract compliance and by establishing a Contract Compliance Coordinating Group.
Rescinded
Executive Order 10 · Branstad · March 22, 1984
Establishes a procedure to allocate the total principal amount of bonds which may be issued by political subdivisions of the state.
Executive Order 9 · Branstad · February 8, 1984
Appoints all present and future members of the District Export Council to the Governor’s Export Advisory Council.
Executive Order 8 · Branstad · January 27, 1984
Establishes the Iowa Refugee Service Center to coordinate, develop, and implement federal, state, and local programs.
Executive Order 7 · Branstad · December 16, 1983
Establishes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee and the Iowa Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission, and orders the construction of the Iowa Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Rescinded
Executive Order 6 · Branstad · November 23, 1983
Reaffirms and continues membership in the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association.
Executive Order 5 · Branstad · October 25, 1983
Establishes gift reporting requirements for the executive department.
Executive Order 4 · Branstad · September 3, 1983
Implements a 2.8% reduction in appropriations for FY 1984.
Executive Order 3 · Branstad · July 1, 1983
Establishes the Select Advisory Panel on Hazardous Waste Management.
Rescinded
Executive Order 2 · Branstad · July 1, 1983
Implements the Assurance Network for Easing Widowhood and establishes the Governor’s Committee on Widowed Persons.
Rescinded
Executive Order 1 · Branstad · May 6, 1983
Appoints the Advisory Commission on Corrections in Iowa.

Recent proclamations

Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for Shelby County to activate Federal Highway Administration funding
November 9, 2026 · disaster
Gov. Reynolds extends harvest proclamation
November 6, 2026
Gov. Reynolds issues proclamation for ease of access to transportation fuels
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Gov. Reynolds announces disaster proclamation for highly pathogenic avian influenza in Sac County
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Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for Harrison County to activate Federal Highway Administration funding
October 26, 2026 · disaster
Gov. Reynolds extends harvest proclamation
October 10, 2026
Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for Pottawattamie County in response to severe storms
October 8, 2026 · disaster
Gov. Reynolds expands proclamation suspending penalties for on-road dyed diesel use
October 7, 2026

All proclamations · Disaster proclamations