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HF 598

A bill for an act establishing the Iowa state capitol historical society, and making appropriations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Charley Thomson

Creates the Iowa State Capitol Historical Society to preserve and publicly display the capitol’s history, architecture, and art, open to the public.

Introduced, referred to State Government.
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Bill Summary · HF 598

Summary of HF 598 (2025) – Establishing the Iowa State Capitol Historical Society and Making Appropriations

Overview

HF 598 would create the Iowa State Capitol Historical Society with the goal of preserving and presenting the history, events, people, ideas, architecture, and art associated with the state capitol and related areas. The society would operate in a location open to the public and could provide recommendations to the Capitol Planning Commission on projects and opportunities related to the capitol building and grounds. The bill was introduced on February 25, 2025, and referred to the State Government committee. Primary sponsor: Thomson.

Key Provisions

  • Purpose and focus

    • Preserve and publicly display:
    • History of the state capitol
    • Events occurring at the capitol
    • People who have worked at the capitol
    • Ideas arising from the capitol
    • Architecture and art of the capitol building and related areas
    • Ensure the site or location is open to the public.

  • Functions and authority

    • The Society may make recommendations to the Capitol Planning Commission regarding capitol-related projects, plans, and opportunities for the capitol building and grounds.

  • Membership and governance

    • The Society shall consist of:
    • 12 members who are legislators (members of the General Assembly) serving as ex officio, nonvoting members.
    • 18 residents of Iowa appointed by the governor.
    • The Director of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) or the director’s designee.
    • Ex officio members are nonvoting; voting and substantive control are not specified beyond appointments.

  • Funding and finances

    • The Society would be funded through donations, grants, loans, and contributions from any public or private source.
    • All moneys received would be deposited into a fund created in the state treasury under the control of the DAS department.
    • Amounts credited to the fund are appropriated to the Society to carry out its duties.

Impact and Implications

  • Public engagement and education: Establishes a formal entity to curate and share the capitol’s history, potentially improving public access and education about the capitol’s heritage, events, people, and art.
  • Funding model: Moves away from a traditional general-fund appropriation toward a fundraising-driven model, with a dedicated fund overseen by DAS.
  • Governance and oversight: Incorporates legislative representation (ex officio, nonvoting) and gubernatorial appointments, along with DAS involvement, which could influence priorities and administration.
  • Coordination with existing agencies: Creates a channel for collaboration with the Capitol Planning Commission and other state offices in planning capitol-related projects.

Procedural/Timeline Notes

  • Introduced February 25, 2025; referred to State Government.
  • No further actions or amended text provided in the excerpt.

If you’d like, I can compare HF 598 to similar historical society models in other states or map out potential fiscal implications based on typical fundraising and fund management practices.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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