Rep. Shannon Latham says speed limit increase to 60mph on state highways advances in Iowa Legislature

The following is a legislative update from Republican State Rep. Shannon Latham, representing portions of Franklin, Hamilton, Story and Wright counties in Iowa House District 55:

Iowa House Approves Speed Limit Increase and More
The Iowa House of Representatives voted to move the speed limit to 60 on two-lane state highways. Also during Week 12 of the 2026 legislative session, the House advanced various bills impacting agriculture, healthcare, economic development, and the judicial system. This week’s activity reflects ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline state systems, as well as align Iowa with regional and national standards.

Nearly 2,000 bills were introduced this legislative session. So far, 49 bills have been sent to the governor’s office — not counting any bills passed this week. The Iowa House passed seven bills unanimously on Tuesday. One bill passed with a single no vote, and two other bills passed with bipartisan support. On Wednesday, nine bills were passed during a short morning debate. There was no floor action on Thursday or Friday.
Below is a summary of key bills debated and passed this week:

HF 2700 (SF 2426) requires commercial drivers to demonstrate English language proficiency to receive or renew a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or receive a commercial learner’s permit. The Department of Transportation must administer a computer-based English proficiency exam, and commercial motor carriers are prohibited from employing drivers who do not meet the standard.

HF 2743 establishes a state fund for monies received from the One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Program. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to regularly report expenditures from the fund and list the Iowa cities that have received those funds. The One Big Beautiful Bill spends $50 million over five years to states that have submitted Rural Health Transformation Plans; Iowa has been awarded $209 million in the first year.

HF 2741 allows Iowans renewing their title registration to donate $1 or more to the Scenic Byways Enhancement Fund. Iowa has 14 Scenic Byways that currently receive $500,000 annually through the Transportation Commission for corridor management, signs and marketing.

HF 2651 increases the maximum pound limit for trucks hauling fluid milk from 96,000 to 136,000 pounds. This change puts Iowa’s limits in line with neighboring states and does not change the maximum pound limit per axle.

SF 2411 creates a commission to promote Iowa-Ireland trade and to promote the advancement of bilateral trade and investment between Iowa and the Republic of Ireland. The commission will meet quarterly and report annually to the Governor and General Assembly.

SF 378 raises the state’s speed limit from 55 to 60 miles per hour on roads that do not have specific speed limits set. It also allows local and state transportation agencies to use non-permanent overlays or stickers on existing speed limit signs until they are replaced.

HF 2706 makes it so magistrates are appointed and allocated based on judicial election districts, not counties. Appointment commissions are restructured to reflect the new system, and this creates the position of “senior magistrate” with defined qualifications, duties, and compensation. The bill also increases judicial officer salaries and links magistrates’ salaries to a percentage of the district associate judge’s salary.

“I was honored to attend the 2026 Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner, an annual statewide event to recognize leadership and achievements in agriculture including: service to agriculture; conservation leadership; community impact and education. We also celebrated America’s 250th. It’s always enjoyable to connect with Iowans who feed and fuel our nation through leadership and innovation. It was so much fun seeing two of my former legislative clerks at this dinner. Pictured from left to right are Megan Decker, me and Julia Campbell Looney.”