Opponents of the bill say surgical castration isn't needed in Iowa because of preexisting punishments for those convicted of certain sex crimes.

Republicans still have large legislative majorities in Iowa, but a Democrat’s apparent win in a solidly conservative area buoyed that party at a moment of uncertainty.

The floor covering in the House chamber is adorned with the state tree, the Douglas fir, while chinook salmon and wheat are woven into the carpet in the Senate. Chinook salmon are the state fish and wheat represents the state’s farming heritage.

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York to be the administrator of the EPA by a vote of 56-42.

The new House Speaker, cousin to the Senate bill sponsor, is more receptive to tightening Ohio’s marijuana law, and Republicans could fast track SB 56—whether Democrats like it or not. Democrats picked up a few seats in both legislative chambers, but Republicans still hold overwhelming majorities.

The Kansas House and Senate were working on parallel bills and both had hearings on Tuesday. The Republican-sponsored bills would prohibit state funding to gender-affirming care and prohibit healthcare providers from providing care to children including surgery, hormones and puberty blockers.

Minnesota’s Senate is back to 67 members after starting the year in a tie. The DFL regained its majority in the state Senate after a special election on Tuesday night.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was pressed to clarify his views on vaccines, abortion and public health priorities in the first of two senate hearings as he tries to make the case to become President