Governor
Vetoes
Every bill the Governor vetoed, and every spending bill signed with parts struck out (an item veto), with the Governor’s letter explaining why.1 How vetoes work · Governor’s desk
22 vetoes
13 vetoed in full · 9 signed with item vetoes · no override attempts recorded. Newest first.
Relating to project design standards and specifications, including by providing for a statewide urban design and specifications board and requiring certain reports to city councils regarding noncompliant projects. Ve…
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. H.J. 1181. · Journal page
Relating to and making appropriations to the department of veterans affairs and the department of health and human services, including aging and disability services, behavioral health, public health, and community acc…
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Item vetoed, signed by Governor. H.J. 1174. · Journal page
Relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, state board of regents, department of workforce development,…
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Item vetoed, signed by Governor. H.J. 1177. · Journal page
Relating to state and local government and finances, including by making, modifying, limiting, or reducing appropriations, distributions, or transfers, authorizing expenditure of unappropriated moneys in special funds…
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Item vetoed, signed by Governor. H.J. 1178. · Journal page
Relating to the submission of proposed legislation by the governor and state departments and agencies. Vetoed 6-2-26
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. S.J. 1034. · Journal page
Relating to the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program. Vetoed 6-2-26
The Governor’s letter
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I hereby transmit Senate File 2299, an Act relating to the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program.
Concurrent enrollment programs play an important role in helping Iowa students earn college credit, explore career pathways, and prepare for future success. However, I am concerned Senate File 2299 could discourage participation in these programs by allowing students and families to be charged when a course is failed or withdrawn.
Data show students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch (FRL) fail or withdraw from both online and face-to-face concurrent enrollment courses at more than double the rate of students who are not FRI eligible. At the same time, Iowa students who participate in concurrent enrollment are significantly more likely to pursue and complete postsecondary education. Introducing the possibility of financial liability may specifically discourage participation among economically disadvantaged students who often benefit most from these opportunities. Local school districts and community college partners are best positioned to address student completion challenges through intervention strategies tailored to the individual student. Iowa should strengthen academic assistance, advising, and early intervention strategies to help students successfully complete coursework rather than creating additional financial barriers for families.
Concurrent enrollment has expanded significantly across Iowa and now serves students pursuing a wide range of academic and workforce goals. As participation continues to grow, future legislatures should take a comprehensive look at the program as a whole rather than addressing individual issues one bill at a time.
Our focus should remain on expanding opportunities for students while ensuring these programs remain strong, sustainable, and accessible for all Iowa students. For the above reasons, I respectfully disapprove Senate File 2299 as specified above, in accordance with Article III, Section 16, of the Constitution of the State of Iowa. Sincerely, Kim Reynolds Governor of Iowa
Vetoed by Governor. S.J. 1035. · Journal page
Modifying provisions related to the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program. Vetoed 6-2-26
The Governor’s letter
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I hereby transmit Senate File 2320, an Act modifying provisions related to the districtto-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program.
Concurrent enrollment programs provide Iowa students with valuable opportunities to earn college credit, explore career pathways and prepare for postsecondary success. As these programs continue to grow across Iowa, students and schools need access to highquality coursework that meets local needs and workforce demands.
However, I am concerned Senate File 2320 creates a one-size-fits-all statewide requirement without addressing broader concerns related to course quality, cost and student access.
In-person instruction often provides a stronger educational experience for students. Online coursework remains an important option in communities where course availability, scheduling conflicts, transportation challenges, or other circumstances may reduce student access. Iowa’s community colleges should strengthen the quality and rigor of online concurrent enrollment coursework while preserving reasonable flexibility for students and schools.
Recent communications from school leaders demonstrate the practical challenges that may result from rigid statewide requirements. In some cases, students attending schools operating on quarterly schedules may be expected to attend concurrent enrollment courses in person at schools operating on different academic calendars and class schedules. Additional concerns have been raised about reduced course access and limited capacity to expand in-person concurrent enrollment offerings. In some cases, students may lose access to coursework opportunities altogether because equivalent in-person options are not realistically available.
As Iowa continues expanding educational options for students and families, policies related to concurrent enrollment should maintain appropriate flexibility while supporting high-quality instruction across delivery models. Questions related to course delivery and student access would benefit from a broader review of Iowa’s concurrent enrollment system rather than statewide requirements focused on a single delivery model.
For the above reasons, I respectfully disapprove Senate File 2320 as specified above, in accordance with Article III, Section 16, of the Constitution of the State of Iowa. Sincerely, Kim Reynolds Governor of Iowa
Vetoed by Governor. S.J. 1036. · Journal page
Providing for investment by regents institutions in certified innovation funds and including effective date provisions. Vetoed 6-2-26
The Governor’s letter
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I hereby transmit Senate File 2453, an Act providing for investment by regents institutions in certified innovation funds and including effective date provisions. Iowa’s regent universities and their affiliated foundations play an important role in supporting research, innovation, workforce development, and economic opportunity across our state. Iowa should continue encouraging strong partnerships between higher education, entrepreneurs, and private investment to support innovation and economic growth.
However, I am concerned Senate File 2453 creates a statewide investment mandate on university foundation assets without adequately recognizing the independent fiduciary responsibilities of foundation boards and investment professionals based on donor intent, institutional priorities, market conditions, and long-term financial performance. Recent concerns raised by university stakeholders also demonstrate the uncertainty that may result from requiring specific investment allocations through statute. Iowa should continue supporting innovation and economic development while preserving the flexibility necessary for university foundations to responsibly manage long-term investments in support of students, research, and institutional priorities. For the above reasons, I respectfully disapprove Senate File 2453 as specified above, in accordance with Article III, Section 16, of the Constitution of the State of Iowa. Sincerely, Kim Reynolds Governor of Iowa
Vetoed by Governor. S.J. 1037. · Journal page
Relating to and making appropriations from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund, technology reinvestment fund, and renewable fuel infrastructure fund, providing for related matters including financial assistance eligi…
Parts vetoed:- Division VI would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from entering into, amending, or extending contracts, purchase orders, agreements, or other financial obligations exceeding $5,000,000 - individually or…
The Governor’s letter
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I hereby transmit Senate File 2484, an Act relating to making appropriations from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund, Technology Reinvestment Fund, and Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Fund, providing for related matters including financial assistance eligibility for Regional Sports Authority districts, Department of Health and Human Services information technology systems, the Railway Tracks Overpass and Underpass Fund, and eligibility for entities to receive financial assistance from both the Iowa Major Events and Tourism Fund and the Sports Tourism Infrastructure Program and including effective date provisions.
Senate File 2484 is approved this date with the following exception:
Division VI would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from entering into, amending, or extending contracts, purchase orders, agreements, or other financial obligations exceeding $5,000,000 - individually or collectively - for major information technology systems.
I share the legislature’s commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and I strongly support strategic, cost-effective IT modernization. In fact, I have directed the Department of Management and HHS to immediately conduct a thorough review of HHS spending as it relates to information technology modernization efforts and submit a report of their findings to the general assembly as soon as possible and no later than December 1, 2026.
However, the limiting provisions found within Division VI go too far. As written, it would effectively halt all major IT modernization efforts across HHS - producing widespread project delays that are neither fiscally responsible nor operationally acceptable. The harm goes far deeper than missed deadlines or deferred launches. In practical terms, this provision strips HHS of its routine ability to manage contracts already underway. Virtually every major HHS IT system will require some form of contract action during SFY2027 - an amendment, extension, task order, or similar action - simply to keep existing systems running.
Perhaps most urgently, Division VI’s broad restrictions would jeopardize continued operation of major systems that are required by law to remain functional - including Medicaid claims processing, child support enforcement, and SNAP benefits issuance. Operational disruptions to these systems would not only impact Iowans directly, but would trigger independent federal compliance failures, some carrying substantial legal and financial penalties.
For the above reasons, I respectfully disapprove that part of Senate File 2484 as specified above, in accordance with Article III, Section 16, of the Constitution of the State of Iowa. The remainder of Senate File 2484 is approved as of this date.
Sincerely, Kim Reynolds Governor of Iowa
Item vetoed, signed by Governor. S.J. 1033. · Journal page
Relating to the controlled substance crystalline polymorph psilocybin. Vetoed 6-11-25
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. H.J. 1235. · Journal page
Relating to hazardous liquid pipelines, including common carrier requirements, proceedings under the Iowa utilities commission, including commission member attendance at hearings and informational meetings, including …
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. H.J. 1236. · Journal page
Relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents, and including contingent effecti…
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Item vetoed, signed by Governor. S.J. 1055. · Journal page
Relating to penalties associated with open meetings violations. Vetoed 5-17-24
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. H.J. 943. · Journal page
Relating to conflicts between federal funding and the office of the chief information officer. Vetoed 6-1-23
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. S.J. 1089. · Journal page
Relating to the judicial branch, including appropriations to the judicial branch, apportionment of district associate judges, video recordings, noncontract attorney appointment, and contracting authority
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Item vetoed, signed by Governor. S.J. 1090. · Journal page
Relating to para-educators holding substitute authorizations and including effective date provisions. Vetoed 6-17-22
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. H.J. 948. · Journal page
Relating to appropriations to the judicial branch
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Item vetoed, signed by Governor. H.J. 947. · Journal page
Relating to loans originated by mortgage bankers
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. S.J. 1151. · Journal page
Concerning governmental real property and official publications
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. H.J. 796. · Journal page
Relating to state and local finances by making appropriations, providing for legal and regulatory responsibilities, providing for other properly related matters, and including effective date and retroactive applicabil…
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Item vetoed, signed by Governor H.J. 795. · Journal page
Relating to the medical cannabidiol Act. Vetoed 5-24-19
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Vetoed by Governor. H.J. 1093. · Journal page
Relating to appropriations to the justice system, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. Item vetoed. Various effective dates; see sections 23, 30, 33, and 37 of bill
The letter hasn’t been read from the Journal yet.
Item vetoed, signed by Governor S.J. 1198. · Journal page