Watkins supports move to override veto

DES MOINES - State Rep. Blaine Watkins of Donnellson has signed on to a move to override Governor Kim Reynolds veto of the bill to limit eminent domain.
However, State Sen. Jeff Reichman has stated that he supports the Governor's veto saying the bill was well intended but pooly written and voted against it when it was in the Senate.
House Speaker Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford), has successfully secured 70 signatures on a petition to convene a special legislative session to override Governor Kim Reynolds' veto of House File 639. This bill, aimed at restricting the use of eminent domain for carbon pipeline projects, represents years of dedicated work to protect Iowa landowners' rights. The 70 signatures surpass the two-thirds requirement in the Iowa Constitution for the House to call for a special session. 
"This veto was a major setback for Iowa landowners and the tireless efforts of the House to safeguard property rights," said House Speaker Pat Grassley. "With 70 members of the House standing united, we've met the constitutional threshold to move forward. We now call on our colleagues in the Senate to join us by securing the necessary signatures so we can convene a special session, override this veto, and deliver the protections Iowa landowners deserve against eminent domain for private gain."
House File 639, passed by both chambers in the 2025 legislative session, sought to limit the ability of private companies to seize private land for carbon capture pipelines. The bill's veto has sparked significant disappointment among House Representatives, who have worked for four years to address landowner concerns.
The Iowa House remains committed to defending property rights and urges the Senate to act swiftly to meet the two-thirds signature requirement. A successful petition in both chambers will allow the legislature to reconvene and vote to override the governor's veto, ensuring House File 639 becomes law. 
About House File 639: House File 639 aimed to protect Iowa landowners by restricting the use of eminent domain for carbon pipeline projects, requiring greater accountability and insurance for hazardous liquid pipelines, and ensuring projects serve the public interest.