My Legislative Record

Eight years of service. A record you can examine.

Since first taking office in 2019, I've worked on issues affecting Iowa families, businesses, veterans, and rural communities.

Some of that work is reflected in bills I've sponsored, committees I've chaired, and legislation I've managed on the House floor. Other efforts have involved working with colleagues and stakeholders over multiple legislative sessions to move important proposals forward.

I believe constituents deserve to know not only what their representative supports, but what they've actually done.

This page highlights some of that work, with links to official legislative records wherever possible.

Reliable internet access is essential infrastructure for modern Iowa.

Early in my legislative service, I began advocating for substantially greater investment in rural broadband. When the state was investing approximately $5 million, I argued that Iowa needed to think on the scale of $100 million to address the problem.

That advocacy began before COVID-19 dramatically demonstrated how important connectivity had become for schools, businesses, healthcare, and families.

In 2020, I served as a House floor manager for SF 2400, legislation addressing broadband expansion, grant programs, and infrastructure tax exemptions.

In 2021, Iowa committed $100 million toward broadband expansion.

My early work on broadband became the foundation for my continued involvement in information technology and emerging technology policy.

Legislative record: SF 2400 — 2020

Protecting personal information has become increasingly important as technology changes how businesses and consumers interact.

I helped advance SF 262, Iowa's comprehensive consumer data protection legislation, serving as its House floor manager in 2023. The law established consumer rights concerning certain personal data and requirements for covered businesses handling that information.

It passed the Iowa House 97–0 and was signed into law on March 28, 2023, taking effect January 1, 2025.

Legislative record: SF 262 — 2023

Protecting students with seizure disorders requires preparation, training, and appropriate emergency response procedures.

I worked on Iowa's Seizure Safe Schools legislation over multiple legislative sessions as the proposal changed and moved through different committees.

In 2021, I sponsored HF 167, chaired its subcommittee, and served as floor manager for the successor legislation, HF 795.

Although other legislators formally managed portions of the legislation in later stages, I remained involved in helping move the issue forward.

This was a collaborative effort that required persistence over several years.

Legislative record: HF 167 — 2021

I didn't enter the Legislature with a professional background in information technology.

My involvement began with broadband policy and expanded into consumer privacy, technology infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

Through that work, I became involved in discussions surrounding the creation of the House Information Technology Committee and the eventual integration of technology responsibilities into the Economic Growth Committee.

Today, I chair the House Economic Growth and Technology Committee.

My work has focused on understanding the opportunities technology creates for Iowa while examining issues involving privacy, consumer protection, and responsible innovation.

Official record: Iowa Legislature — Committee Information

Iowa families and businesses must balance their budgets, and government has a responsibility to use taxpayer dollars carefully.

During my legislative service, I've supported changes to Iowa's income tax structure, including the 2024 legislation advancing the state's transition to a lower flat individual income tax rate. Property taxes remain an important concern for communities throughout House District 23.

I believe taxpayers deserve transparency about how their money is collected and spent, while recognizing the responsibilities local governments have to maintain infrastructure and essential services.

Legislative record: SF 2442 — 2024

Honoring veterans has been central to my work for decades.

Since beginning the original Freedom Rock® in 1999, I've dedicated much of my professional life to preserving the stories and sacrifices of those who served.

In the Legislature, I've served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and participated in legislation involving veterans' services and recognition.

I believe our responsibility to veterans includes making sure the programs intended to serve them are accessible and effective.

As a small business owner and chairman of the House Economic Growth and Technology Committee, I've worked on policies affecting business development, workforce opportunities, and economic investment.

I also serve as a nonvoting legislative member of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board.

In 2026, I supported legislation modifying Iowa's Major Economic Growth Attraction framework to accommodate a proposed large-scale steel manufacturing project.

The legislation changed an existing economic development incentive framework; it was not a direct appropriation of the full potential incentive amount to the company.

Economic development proposals deserve careful examination, including their potential costs, benefits, performance requirements, and protections for taxpayers.

Not every problem requires a new law.

Sometimes representing southwest Iowa means helping a constituent navigate a state agency, finding answers to a local concern, or bringing attention to an issue affecting a community.

I believe listening and responding to constituents is one of the most important responsibilities of public office.

I cannot promise every constituent the outcome they want, but I can promise to take their concerns seriously and work to provide accurate information.

I encourage constituents to examine my work and reach their own conclusions.

My official legislative profile provides access to my committee assignments, sponsored legislation, and other legislative information.

View My Official Iowa Legislature Profile

Public service requires accountability, and I welcome thoughtful questions about my record.

Ray “Bubba” Sorensen
Iowa House District 23