By Bob Eschliman
Editor
Friday is officially the last day legislation may pass out of committee and still be considered for adoption by either chamber of the Iowa General Assembly.
But while that is the official deadline, bills that have not passed out of committee by the end of business Thursday will not make it through the so-called “second funnel.” After that, only a very limited number of bills may be considered by either chamber.
The House and Senate have committee meetings scheduled throughout the remainder of the work week ahead – Friday is considered a “travel day.” But legislators know time is short, and have already begun making their cases for particular bills.
State Sen. David Johnson (R-Ocheyedan) used a point of privilege speech Monday afternoon to push for a subcommittee meeting on House File 573, the abortion prerequisites bill. He specifically called out Senate Human Resources Committee chair, state Sen. Liz Mathis (R-Robins), because the bill has languished in a subcommittee since it was messaged from the House.
CLICK HERE to see video of Johnson’s speech.
Next week, the Senate may only take up House bills and unfinished business, and vice versa. Beginning the following week, only the following bills may be considered or reconsidered by either chamber:
- bills passed by both chambers,
- Appropriations bills,
- Ways and Means bills,
- Government Oversight bills,
- legalizing acts,
- Administrative Rules Review Committee bills,
- committee bills related to delayed or suspended administrative rules,
- bills co-sponsored by majority and minority leaders of one chamber,
- concurrent and simple resolutions,
- joint resolutions nullifying administrative rules,
- bills on the Veto Calendar, and
- unfinished business.
The 110th day of the session – when per diem expenses end for legislators – is May 1.
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