IA Governor Newsroom

Public Schedule Week of April 13 Through April 19, 2026

The Office of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds released the public schedule for the week of April 13 through April 19, 2026. The schedule includes three public events: a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Crawford County YMCA on Monday, a proclamation signing for Iowa Religious Freedom Day at the State Capitol on Tuesday, and attendance at the 2026 Global Insurance Symposium at the Iowa Events Center on Wednesday. This is an informational release of the Governor's public schedule and does not create any regulatory obligations.

Gov. Reynolds Signs Senate File 2096 Foster Care Training Reform

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 2096, reforming foster care training from an hours-based to a competency-based model. The law reduces barriers for qualified caregivers such as teachers and nurses, recognizes prior professional experience, and allows training customization. Iowa also joined ACF's 'A Home for Every Child' initiative as the 9th state, aligning with President Trump's Executive Order 'Fostering the Future'.

Governor Reynolds Signs Child Care Assistance Bill HF 2514 Into Law

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed HF 2514 into law on April 9, 2026, making children of child care workers eligible for the state Child Care Assistance Program. The legislation aims to help child care centers recruit and retain early childhood educators by providing affordable child care options for their staff with young children. The Governor signed the bill at Stepping Stones Child Development Center in Slater, Iowa. Additional bills signed include measures on natural resources, life insurance, human remains disposition, public defender representation models, peer-to-peer car sharing, insurance fraud investigations, and criminal procedure.

Wapello County Disaster Proclamation Issued April 6

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Wapello County effective April 6, 2026, in response to severe weather occurring April 2, 2026. The proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program (up to $7,000 for households at or below 200% federal poverty level) and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program. State resources are authorized for response and recovery operations. The proclamation remains in effect for 30 days unless terminated or extended.

Disaster Proclamation for Buchanan, Clay, Henry, Palo Alto, and Plymouth Counties

Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Buchanan, Clay, Henry, Palo Alto, and Plymouth Counties effective April 15, 2026, in response to severe weather occurring April 13, 2026 and continuing. The proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program (up to $7,000 for households at or below 200% federal poverty level) and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program for affected residents. The proclamation remains in effect for 30 days unless terminated or extended.