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An Iowa Bill Would Raise the Default Speed Limit to 60 Miles per Hour
The bill passed 76-16 and would also change penalties for speeding as it returns to the Senate.
- On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Iowa House voted 76-16 to pass a bill raising the default speed limit from 55 to 60 mph on two-lane state highways, sending the measure to the Iowa Senate.
- House Speaker Pat Grassley said lawmakers responded to constituent requests, particularly from rural areas, calling the proposal the "perfect storm" for a slight increase as House Republicans expressed enthusiasm.
- Democratic Representative Austin Baeth of Des Moines voted against the bill, citing estimates that the increase could cause approximately six more traffic deaths annually, stating, "Statistics don't bleed, but real people do."
- Implementing the new speed limit is expected to cost $783,000, according to the Legislative Services Agency, including $307,000 for the Iowa Department of Transportation to replace signs and $383,000 for counties.
- Because the House amended the measure, it must pass the Senate again before reaching Governor Kim Reynolds; lawmakers are also considering Senate File 2288 to increase penalties for "super speeders" exceeding 100 mph.
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Iowa closer to a 60 mph speed limit on two-lane highways
The 55 mile an hour speed limit on two-lane state highways would be raised to 60 under a bill that’s won House approval. House Speaker Pat Grassley says it got enthusiastic support from many House Republicans. “We’ve heard from a lot of Iowans, you know I think maybe even more so from rural Iowa,” Grassley […]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution84% Center
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources are Center
84% Center
C 84%
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