The Iowa Legislature adjourned the 2026 legislative session last night (Sunday), and House Republican leaders say they are proud of the work their caucus completed on property tax reform, property rights, and public safety. House Speaker Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford) says, “When we gaveled in this January, we made a promise to Iowans that we would deliver another fiscally sound budget, put the taxpayers first, and make Iowa communities safer. Standing here today, I can say: mission accomplished. We knew property tax reform would be a tough slog, but we stayed at the table because Iowans expected results. In the end, we delivered historic relief to the tune of approximately $4 billion over six years. All session, House Republicans stayed dug into the issues and worked hard to keep our word to our constituents. I am incredibly proud of our caucus for the work they’ve done this session to represent the interests of all 99 counties.” The property tax reform bill being sent to the governor’s desk puts a two-percent “soft” cap on government revenue growth and provides expanded tax exemptions for homeowners. The legislation sailed through the Senate with bipartisan support, but the House vote faced stiffer resistance from Democrats in the minority, 61-22. The GOP’s goal this session was to refocus on individual liberties in Iowa, but the specific route on how to get there is where differences arose. House Majority Leader Bobby Kaufmann (R-Wilton) says, “This session, we didn’t tip-toe around the issues; we tackled them head-on. We promised historic property tax relief, and we delivered. We stood up for landowners and made it clear that eminent domain is not a shortcut for the elite. And we sent a message that in Iowa, career criminals are not welcome. Period.” Lawmakers are now returning to their districts following the session’s adjournment.
