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The Iowa Legislature is entering double overtime, and there’s still no clear end in sight.Monday will mark the second week since the scheduled end of the 2025 legislative session. Lawmakers have yet to pass a new state budget, which is required before they can officially adjourn. While House Republicans, Senate Republicans, and the governor’s office announced Thursday that they had reached a budget compromise, another roadblock is stalling progress.Twelve Republican senators are refusing to vote on any budget bills unless the Iowa Senate first takes up a bill to restrict the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines.That bill has already passed the Iowa House with bipartisan support. But for years, Senate Republican leaders have resisted efforts to limit eminent domain use in pipeline projects, and as of Friday, they have yet to bring the bill up for debate.The Senate gaveled in Friday morning for just four minutes, then spent more than five hours in private caucus meetings. When lawmakers returned to the floor, they passed just one bill before quickly confirming some appointees for boards and commissions. Then, they adjourned for the weekend.They’re expected to return on Monday, but it’s unclear whether Republican leadership has smoothed things over with the group holding out for the pipeline bill. If they haven’t, lawmakers could find themselves stalled again next week.Iowa Senate passes DEI banIn a 34-16 vote, the Iowa Senate passed a bill that would ban public universities, K-12 schools, cities, counties and community colleges from funding or staffing offices or positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).House File 856 outlines strict definitions for what constitutes DEI-related activities, including any effort to influence the makeup of faculty, staff, or students based on race, sex, or ethnicity; any promotion of policies or trainings referencing concepts like systemic oppression, unconscious bias, or gender theory; and any activities tied to race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.If enacted, the legislation would prohibit state entities from spending public or private funds on DEI offices or officers. This includes revenue from tuition, donations, grants, or fees. Institutions found in violation could face lawsuits or enforcement action by the Iowa attorney general. The proposal carves out some exceptions. It allows DEI-related activities required by federal law or contracts, such as Title IX compliance, academic research, student organizations, mental health services, and guest speakers. It also excludes general recruitment and legal compliance offices from the restrictions. Supporters say the measure promotes equal treatment for everyone."The opposite of DEI — diversity, equity and inclusion — is MEI — merit, excellence, and intelligence," said Sen. Ken Rozenboom, R-Pella. "House file 856 is required because of the direction some have gone in the extreme to push DEI initiatives in our state institutions."Opponents argue it silences important conversations about race, identity, and inclusion, and will have a chilling effect on educators and students."This legislation threatens our colleges and universities, municipalities, counties, state agencies if they work to promote new and diverse people in leadership and in employment opportunities," said Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines. "This legislation actually criminalizes those efforts to build our workforce. It's going to hurt our state." It is unclear whether cities, counties and schools would be allowed to hold events that celebrate race, gender or sexual orientation if the bill becomes law. Because it was amended by the Senate Friday, it is now headed to the Iowa House.» Subscribe to ����vlog's YouTube page» Download the free ����vlog app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play