What’s a funnel? Explaining the Legislature’s bill deadline

By: Kathie Obradovich

Outlets: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Published: February 19, 2026

Words: 420

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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What’s a “funnel”?

If you’ve been reading Iowa Capital Dispatch’s stories from the Legislature the past couple of weeks, you’ve likely noticed a focus on the “funnel.” Here’s a quick explanation:

Q: What is the funnel?

A: The “funnel” is a self-imposed deadline by the Iowa Legislature designed to help winnow down the number of bills to be considered during the legislative session. It’s called a funnel because more bills go in than come out. …

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