Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF297

Introduced

2/12/25

Engrossed

4/21/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to contracts entered into by state agencies and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1090.)

Impact

The implementation of SF297 will significantly affect state procurement practices by establishing clear limitations on what state agencies can agree to in contracts. This will help protect the state from unfavorable terms and liabilities, while also requiring that contracts are governed by Iowa law and litigation originates in appropriate Iowa courts. Vendors will need to be aware of these restrictions as they prepare their bids and proposals, which may change how they approach contracts with the state.

Summary

Senate File 297 (SF297) primarily addresses the terms and provisions applicable to contracts entered into by state agencies in Iowa. The bill aims to outline prohibited terms that cannot be included in state procurement contracts, ensuring that such contracts adhere to public policy standards. It specifically voids provisions that require the state to indemnify other parties, impose unknown vendor terms, or contravene existing legal representations, offering a clearer regulatory environment for both state agencies and potential vendors.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SF297 reflects a strong commitment to maintaining Iowa's public interest in state contracting. Supporters of the bill view it as a protective measure for state agencies, which could enhance transparency and accountability in state procurement. In contrast, there may be concerns among vendors regarding the reduced flexibility in negotiations that the bill imposes, especially if they rely on specific terms that could have provided them with a competitive edge.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of voiding certain vendor terms that could limit negotiation capabilities. While proponents argue that this prevents unfair liabilities being placed upon the state, opponents might fear that it could discourage businesses from bidding on state contracts due to perceived rigidity in contracting processes. Furthermore, identifying which terms are deemed unacceptable under public policy may lead to ongoing debates as new contract situations arise.

Latest IA SF297 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session SF297

Companion Bills

IA HSB71

Related A bill for an act relating to contracts entered into by state agencies and including applicability provisions.(See HF 952.)

IA SSB1090

Related A bill for an act relating to contracts entered into by state agencies and including applicability provisions.(See SF 297.)

IA HF952

Similar To A bill for an act relating to state grounds and contracts, including by providing for required and prohibited contract terms and regulating events on the capitol complex, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 71.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2385

A bill for an act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions. (Formerly SSB 3172.) Effective date: 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA SF514

A bill for an act relating to the organization, structure, and functions of state government, providing for salaries of appointed state officers, providing for penalties, making appropriations, providing Code editor directives and transition provisions, and including applicability and effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1123.) Contingent effective date. Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2023.

IA SF2261

A bill for an act relating to operating-while-intoxicated offenses, including temporary restricted licenses and ignition interlock devices, providing penalties, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3015.) Effective date: 01/01/2025. Applicability date: 01/01/2025.

IA SF565

A bill for an act relating to state and local finance and the administration of the tax and related laws by the department of revenue, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1148.) Effective date: 06/01/2023, 07/01/2023, 01/01/2024, 01/01/2026. Applicability date: 01/01/2023, 07/01/2024.

IA SF549

A bill for an act relating to captive insurance companies, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SF 509, SF 424.) Effective date: 07/01/2023, 01/01/2025. Applicability date: 01/01/2025.

IA SF286

A bill for an act relating to nonsubstantive Code corrections, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1136.)

IA SF562

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the justice system, including by providing for payments associated with indigent defense and representation, the funding of activities relating to consumer fraud and antitrust, a corrections capital reinvestment fund, an Iowa law enforcement academy study, a human trafficking study, and the funding of peace officer retirement, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1214.) Effective date: Enactment, 06/01/2023, 06/30/2023, 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 07/01/2022.

IA SF575

A bill for an act relating to the economic development authority, including renewable chemical production, workforce housing, and innovation fund tax credits, the Iowa wine, beer, and spirits promotion board, and the beer and liquor control fund, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SF 408, SSB 1087.) Effective date: 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 06/30/2023, 07/01/2023.

IA SSB3150

A bill for an act regulating litigation financing contracts, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA SF563

A bill for an act relating to the judicial branch, including appropriations to the judicial branch, apportionment of district associate judges, video recordings, noncontract attorney appointment, and contracting authority. (Formerly SSB 1215.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.