Iowa Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
IOWA Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
(Adjourned on May 15, 2025)
10 pet related items were proposed during the 1st year of the 2025-26 legislative session, 6 of which were designated as priority by the Pet Advocacy Network.
Final Disposition of Priority ISSUES:
| BILL # | SUMMARY | FINAL DISPOSITION |
| HB 227 | Veterinarians – Immunity from Criminal/Civil Liability: Amends Title V (Agriculture), Chapter 169 (Veterinary Practice) of Iowa Code by adding a new Section 169.18A (Immunity–limitations–administrative, civil, and criminal liability) to provide for the conduct of licensed veterinarians when involved in certain legal matters involving the alleged mistreatment of animals, including by providing for immunity from administrative, civil, or criminal liability when acting in good faith. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 SESSION (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 474 | Commercial Animal Establishment Inspection Procedures: An Act amending Title V (Agriculture), Chapter 162 (Care of Animals in Commercial Establishments), Sections 162.10B (Commercial Establishments – Inspecting State Licensees and Registrants) and 162.10C (Commercial Establishments – Monitoring Permittees) of Iowa Code to provide for inspecting a commercial establishment operated by a registrant/state licensee, or monitoring a commercial establishment operated by a permittee, on both a priority and scheduled basis. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 SESSION (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 488 | Commercial Animal Establishment Licensing/Standards: An Act amending Title V (Agriculture), Chapter 162 (Care of Animals in Commercial Establishments) of Iowa Code to regulate commercial establishments possessing or controlling animals other than agricultural animals, providing fees, making appropriations, and providing penalties. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 SESSION (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 869/HSB 245 | Veterinarians – Immunity from Criminal/Civil Liability: Amends Title V (Agriculture), Chapter 169 (Veterinary Practice) of Iowa Code by adding a new Section 169.18A (Immunity–limitations–administrative, civil, and criminal liability) to provide for the conduct of licensed veterinarians when involved in certain legal matters involving the alleged mistreatment of animals, including by providing for immunity from administrative, civil, or criminal liability when acting in good faith. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 SESSION (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 496 | Pet Licenses and Fees: Amends Title IX (Local Government), Chapter 331 (County Home Rule Implementation), Section 331.301 (General Powers & Limitations) and Chapter 364 (Powers & Duties of Cities), Section 364.3 (Limitation of Powers) of Iowa Code by adding new subsections to further regulate pet licenses and fees. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 SESSION (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
View ALL Iowa legislation tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025-26 session.
View ALL local ordinances tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2024-25 session.
View ALL federal and state issues tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025 session.