Iowa Governor Signs 25 Bills Into Law In One Day, Including New Fireworks Freedoms

It's gonna be a memorable 4th.

On Monday, Governor Reynolds signed 25 bills into law. The legislative session adjourned on Thursday, according to KCCI. And there are still many more awaiting her signature that she has until June 14th to sign.

Measures that she signed into law on Monday includes ones that impact school funding, SLAPP lawsuits, and fireworks.

Senate File 167 dealt with the State Supplemental Aid (SSA) rate for the 2025-2026 school year. House and Senate Republicans set the rate at 2%, which is an increase of $157 per K-12 student. Democrats argued that the 2% increase isn't enough for Iowa schools and could result in higher property taxes when state aid can't meet a school district's funding needs.

SLAPP Lawsuits

SLAPP stands for “strategic lawsuits against public participation" and are civil suits filed by individuals, businesses, or organizations against news organizations or activists that are often trying to silence an outlet on a topic or prevent them from publishing a story.

The new Iowa law provides defendants in these cases protections by allowing courts to provide expedited relief in cases dealing with First Amendment rights.

And The Fireworks

You only thought the 4th was a party. Now, a law has been signed in Iowa that prevents local municipalities from limiting or prohibiting using fireworks on the 4th of July (specifically, July 3rd, 4th, and December 31st).

What To Know: New Iowa Bill Fizzles Out Local Fireworks Laws For USA's Birthday

Cities like Des Moines, Ames, and Iowa City totally ban fireworks on the 4th and that's a regulation that's going away under the new law. Local regulations involving fireworks can still be enforced in times they are allowed by state law though (June 1-July 8, for example).

This new law is designed in part to coincide with President Trump's "Great American State Fair" at the Iowa State Fair next year for America's 250th birthday. That party runs Memorial Day 2025-4th of July 2026.

You can see the list of bills Governor Reynolds signed on Monday on Iowa's Legislature website.