Iowa Senate Bill SJR4

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/25
• Refer: 2/19/25

Caption

A joint resolution designating the American cream draft horse as the official state horse of the State of Iowa.(Formerly SSB 1064.)

Summary

SJR 4 is a joint resolution that designates the American cream draft horse as the official state horse of Iowa. The resolution includes a series of findings describing the breed’s Iowa origins, its recognition by the Iowa Department of Agriculture, its historical development, and its distinctive physical traits. It also notes the breed’s association with Iowa’s farming heritage and its status as the only draft horse breed native to the United States. In addition to the symbolic designation, the resolution directs the state records commission to work with the American cream draft horse association to obtain and display pictures and other representations of the breed in the state historical museum. It also directs the editor of the Iowa official register to include a picture and commentary about the breed alongside other official state symbols such as the state rock, flower, bird, and tree.

Impact

The bill does not create a regulatory program or impose substantive duties on private parties; instead, it amends Iowa’s official state symbols by adding a state horse. Its practical effect is to require limited coordination by the state records commission and the editor of the Iowa official register with the breed’s association for museum and publication displays, thereby affecting state historical and reference materials rather than general state law or public conduct.

Sentiment

The available legislative history suggests the bill is noncontroversial and broadly supported. The Senate Natural Resources and Environment report recorded unanimous support, with 14 yeas and 0 nays, and the last recorded action was a subcommittee recommendation for passage. No committee transcript indicates opposition or significant debate.

Contention

No major points of contention are evident in the available record. Because the measure is largely ceremonial, any discussion would likely center on the appropriateness of naming a state horse and the choice of the American cream draft horse as a symbol of Iowa’s agricultural heritage. The voting history, however, shows no recorded dissent, and no specific objections from legislators, agencies, or stakeholders are documented in the materials provided.