Introduction
The Iowa Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) plays a pivotal role in supporting the legislative process by offering comprehensive research, bill drafting, and procedural assistance to legislators and legislative committees. This guide provides an overview of the LRB’s services, contact information, and how they contribute to effective governance in Iowa.
Overview of the Legislative Reference Bureau
Established to assist the Iowa General Assembly, the LRB is a nonpartisan agency dedicated to providing objective and impartial support. Its primary functions include:
- Research Services: Supplying legislators with accurate and timely information on a wide range of topics to inform policy decisions.
- Bill Drafting: Assisting in the drafting of legislation to ensure clarity, legality, and alignment with legislative intent.
- Procedural Guidance: Offering expertise on legislative procedures and processes to facilitate efficient operations.
- Policy Briefs: Concise summaries of complex issues to aid in decision-making.
- Comparative Analyses: Evaluations of how other states address similar issues.
- Statistical Data: Relevant data to support legislative initiatives.
- Drafting Services: Creating clear and precise legislative language.
- Legal Review: Ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations.
- Amendment Support: Assisting in the development and incorporation of amendments.
- Legislative Procedures: Educating on the processes of introducing and passing legislation.
- Committee Operations: Advising on the functioning of legislative committees.
- Ethical Standards: Ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines within the legislative process.
- Bill Status Updates: Tracking the progress of legislation.
- Legislative Schedules: Providing daily and weekly schedules of legislative activities.
- Public Access Computers: Offering terminals for public use to access legislative information.
- Legal Reference Services: Assistance with legal research and information.
- Access to Legal Databases: Including Westlaw for comprehensive legal research.
- Public Access Computers: Terminals for legal research purposes.
- Established: The Legislative Services Agency, which includes the LRB, was established by Iowa Code chapters 2A and 2B. (legis.iowa.gov)
- Location: The LRB is located at 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. (legis.iowa.gov)
- Contact: For inquiries, call 515-281-3566 or email email protected]. ([legis.iowa.gov)
- Additional Resource: The Legislative Information Office provides public access to legislative information and can be contacted at 515-281-5129 or email protected]. ([legis.iowa.gov)
- Legal Research: The State Law Library offers legal research services and can be reached at 515-281-5124 or email protected]. ([statelibraryofiowa.gov)
- Iowa Legislature – Legislative Services Agency (LSA), 2025/https://www.legis.iowa.gov/agencies/nonpartisan/lsa
- Iowa Legislature – Legislative Information Office, 2025/https://www.legis.iowa.gov/agencies/nonpartisan/lsa/legislativeInformationOffice
- State Law Library, 2025/https://statelibraryofiowa.gov/i-want-0/law-library
- Legislative Information Office, 2025/https://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/Resources/LegislativeInformation.pdf
- State Law Library, 2025/https://statelibraryofiowa.gov/contact
- Iowa Legislative Services
- Legislative Reference Bureau
- Iowa General Assembly
- Bill Drafting Services
- Legislative Research
- Iowa State Government
- Public Policy
- Iowa Legislature – Legislative Services Agency (LSA), 2025/https://www.legis.iowa.gov/agencies/nonpartisan/lsa
- Iowa Legislature – Legislative Information Office, 2025/https://www.legis.iowa.gov/agencies/nonpartisan/lsa/legislativeInformationOffice
- State Law Library, 2025/https://statelibraryofiowa.gov/i-want-0/law-library
- Legislative Information Office, 2025/https://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/Resources/LegislativeInformation.pdf
- State Law Library, 2025/https://statelibraryofiowa.gov/contact
Key Services Offered by the LRB
Research and Analysis
The LRB conducts in-depth research on various policy issues, providing legislators with:
Bill Drafting Assistance
To ensure proposed legislation is legally sound and effectively communicates intent, the LRB offers:
Procedural Support
The LRB provides guidance on:
Contact Information
For assistance or inquiries, the LRB can be contacted through the following channels:
Address:
1007 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone:
515-281-3566
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
Iowa Legislative Services Agency
Additional Resources
Legislative Information Office (LIO)
The LIO, a division of the Legislative Services Agency, offers public access to legislative information and resources. Services include:
Address:
Room G16, Legislative Services Agency
Iowa State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone:
515-281-5129
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
Iowa Legislative Information Office
State Law Library
For legal research and resources, the State Law Library provides:
Address:
1007 E. Grand Ave., Capitol Building Second Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone:
515-281-5124
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
Conclusion
The Iowa Legislative Reference Bureau is integral to the legislative process, providing essential services that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the General Assembly. By offering research, bill drafting, and procedural support, the LRB ensures that Iowa’s legislation is well-informed, legally sound, and aligned with the state’s needs. For further assistance or information, contacting the LRB or its associated offices is recommended.
Key Facts
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Government Agencies
Readability Level
College