Rep. Watkins proud of session accomplishments

As your state representative, I am proud of the strong results delivered this session. Iowa House Republicans focused on keeping families safe, lowering costs for taxpayers, supporting our farmers, and advancing a healthier Iowa.
Lawmakers passed "Three Strikes, You're Out" legislation (HF 2542) targeting career criminals. Repeat felons who accumulate three qualifying strikes now face a mandatory seven-year prison sentence with no parole. We also banned risky warrant resolution clinics that allowed violent offenders to walk free and invested in prison infrastructure to ensure dangerous criminals stay off our streets.
On the tax front, we secured roughly $350 million in property tax relief next year and about $4 billion over six years through revenue caps, expanded homestead exemptions, and levy reductions (SF 2472). Voters will also decide SJR 11 this November on a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds legislative majority to raise income taxes or create new ones.
Farm families saw key victories with the passage of the Iowa Farm Bill, progress on right-to-repair for equipment, and new felony penalties for animal torture (HF 2348).
Our MAHA priorities advanced as well. HF 2676 promotes nutrition education, limits harmful food dyes and excessive screen time in schools, and requires physical fitness testing. We also passed bills this year that support clean water and rural health initiatives.
This is exactly the job you sent me to Des Moines to do. Thank you for your continued trust. Let's keep building a stronger lowa.