What to Watch: Week 3

What to Watch: Week 3

This week, we are excited to welcome county officials to the 2026 IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference. Things are heating up in the Capitol with multiple bills that may impact counties scheduled for introductory hearings in the House and Senate Committees. 

This afternoon alone, there are at least four different committees with bills being introduced or having full hearings, including S1222 on domestic water use in Senate Resources & Environment at 1:30 pm in WW55. You can attend the hearing in-person or watch the live stream if you are interested. Two bills are being introduced in the House Local Government Committee at 1:30 pm today that may also impact counties: RS32949, Agricultural Pests, sponsored by Bruce Skaug, and RS32963C1, Open Meetings, Public Comment, sponsored by Rep. Chris Bruce. Since these two bills are RS’s, today’s hearing will be a print hearing, meaning the committee will decide whether to introduce the bills. Once the bills are introduced, they will be made available for public viewing.

Tomorrow afternoon, ITD Director Scott Stokes will present a report to the House Transportation & Defense Committee on the current state of transportation. With the Governor’s proposed one-time budget cuts to the Strategic Initiatives Program, which provides funding to state and local governments, this presentation will be another opportunity to learn more about funding impacts on counties. RS32984, Vehicle Registration Stickers, sponsored by Representative Jon Weber, will also be introduced during that committee meeting.

Please keep a close eye on the committee meetings this week, whether you’re here in person or in your home county. Things are picking up, and this is your opportunity for a front-row seat to the action and to learn who you need to reach out to as legislation is introduced and progresses through the system. We hope that all who are here in town are seeking opportunities to visit with their legislators while you are here. If you have any questions about the bills mentioned above or any other policy issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are most effective when we work together towards a common goal.