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Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC)

Advocating for Libraries

Library advocates play a key role in educating our communities about why libraries and librarians are essential in an information society. While the Iowa Library Association is ably represented by professional lobbyists, the voices heard from around Iowa make the difference in the success or failure of legislation.

There are many ways to become a library advocate:  

  • If you are not already a member, join ILA! There is strength in numbers and your voice, when joined with others, makes us all a more powerful force in Des Moines.
  • Visit the ILA website for the legislative agenda; legislative alerts; and information about organized legislative activities such as Lobby From Home Day and the Legislative Reception. 
  • Get to Know Your Elected Officials. Invite them to library events and add them to your mailing list. Regular communication with key officials and their staff is important year-round. Legislators who know and understand the value of libraries in their community are powerful friends in Des Moines.
  • Participate in organized legislative events such as Lobby From Home Day and the Legislative Reception.  Regularly check ILA's Legislative Updates to stay up to date on legislative issues.

logo for ILA's legislative bill tracker          logo for ALA bill tracker

Advocacy Cooperative = Iowa bill tracker (ILA)                                  Fund Libraries = Federal bill tracker (ALA)                         

 

 

Legislative Sessions

Stay Engaged with Iowa’s Legislative Process

Stay informed and take action on key library-related legislation in Iowa. Use this guide to track bills, find your legislators, and engage at critical moments.

 

Legislative Priorities

Each year, we focus on issues that impact libraries and intellectual freedom. View this year’s priorities.

 

Bill Tracker

View the Bill Tracker from IA Lobby, Iowa Library Association's Lobbying firm. This will cover all bills our lobbyists are working on or tracking, and may include a number of bills GAC is not actively working on to promote or combat but may be of interest to you or your library.  View the Bil Tracker

 

Legislative Session

View 2025 Session page to see information about bills, talking points, and to find 2025-specific resources. 

View a summary of current and past sessions via the subpages in the menu. 

 

How to Take Action

GAC will engage members at key points in the legislative process. Watch your email for calls to action:

  • Subcommittee Hearings: Submit public comments on individual bills on legis.iowa.gov. Advocates can also attend and provide testimony.
  • Committee Review: OneClick Campaign which will be delivered to all  members of a committee.
  • Floor Debate & Votes: OneClick Campaigns which will be delivered to your senators and representatives and the chamber leadership. 

 

Legislative Schedule & Deadlines

Stay on top of key dates: View the Full Schedule

  • Session Start: January 13, 2025

  • First Funnel Deadline: March 7, 2025

  • Second Funnel Deadline: April 4, 2025

  • 110th Day of Session: May 2, 2025