Capitol Letters: The sometimes silly season of session

State Rep. Megan Jones

The beginning of the legislative session brings a lot of ideas.

A LOT of ideas.

Fortunately and unfortunately, every member can introduce any legislation they see fit.

You've probably read a few headlines discussing some of these proposals. Out of 150 legislators, hundreds of pieces of legislation are introduced each year.

What is good for my district, might give another representative pause. Sometimes, we introduce a bill for a constituent, even if we are hesitant about what it does. Other times, bills are introduced to make a point. Some will solve problems merely by being introduced.

But every session there is one theme that holds true: many, many, many bills will die.

The legislature has self-imposed deadlines to narrow the number of eligible bills during the legislative session. Legislators will be limited in the time that we can request bills. Then bills have to make certain progress to be eligible for debate, such as passing out of a committee and, eventually, an entire chamber.

If bills do not make these deadlines, they are no longer eligible for debate.

It is very hard to get a bill signed into law. As it should be!

I often find out about the bills my colleagues have introduced when the public finds out — that is, when they are read in to the chamber or are on the evening news.

A bill being introduced does not speak for everyone else. Often, I am just as shocked as you are.

And sometimes theses bills seem a little silly, absurd, or wild. But, they probably mattered to someone, and will just have to face the same process as every other bill.

But this is where the real work begins. When I am put on a subcommittee of a bill, I research, ask questions, meet with interested persons and, most importantly, listen.

I rarely scroll through my Facebook feed looking for comments or post on random legislation. I know it’s an easy way to get the word out, but contacting your legislators is really the most effective way to get your point across.

We want, and need, to hear from you.

At this point in the legislative session, we can engage early. Help usher a bill to the desk drawer rather than the House floor. We can work on amendments, have meaningful conversations about a bill's impact across the state.

But we need your help. Please contact me with any concerns, questions or just to show your support for a bill. I love to hear from people back home!

Join Rep. Megan Jones and Sen. Lynn Evans for a Legislative Forum on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 11:30 a.m. at King’s Pointe Resort in Storm Lake. Contact Jones by email at megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov.