Iowa PBS's Iowa Press presents a preview of the 2022 legislative session

Explore the key issues state lawmakers may address in the 2022 Iowa legislative session. Iowa Press will utilize new field reporting to provide an in-depth view of broadband expansion, the long-time battle over Iowa’s bottle bill and the status of medical marijuana laws in Iowa. Iowa Press: Legislative Preview Special premieres Friday, January 7 at 8:30 p.m. on statewide Iowa PBS, with an encore broadcast on Sunday, January 9 at 10:30 a.m.

“Issues and decisions made at the statehouse each legislative session have a real impact on the lives of Iowans,” said Iowa PBS Senior Producer and Director Andrew Batt. “Leveraging new field reports with in-depth coverage brings a fresh look at key issues across the state. This special episode will help Iowans remain informed and engaged in the upcoming legislative process.”

For decades, lawmakers and private industry members have worked to expand broadband internet infrastructure across rural and urban Iowa. As a new influx of federal and state funds enter Iowa broadband development, the Iowa Press team explores how quickly Iowa can reach statewide high-speed internet coverage.

Considered a political compromise by former Iowa Governor Robert Ray more than 40 years ago, the Iowa bottle bill is long-established law. It’s widely considered a success, but most stakeholders say the law needs to change. Modernization of the bottle bill has proven elusive for legislators. The 2022 legislative session may once again attempt to bridge the differences  between retailers, environmentalists and can redemption centers. Iowa Press: Legislative Preview Special delves into this issue that impacts the wallets and lives of Iowans.

The program will also examine the state’s limited medical marijuana program developed in recent legislative sessions. Neighboring states are expanding access to both medical and recreational programs, while private sector investors and intrigued citizens in Iowa question whether the 2022 legislative session could bring clarity to the future of marijuana in the state.

Following its January 7 premiere, Iowa Press: Legislative Preview Special will be available on-demand on the PBS Video App and iowapbs.org. The program will also be broadcast Saturday, January 8 at 9 a.m. on Iowa PBS WORLD .3.

In addition to its statewide broadcast, Iowa PBS .1 is available to livestream on iowapbs.org/watch, pbs.org/livestream, the PBS Video App and YouTube TV. Iowa PBS programs, behind-the-scenes extras and more can be enjoyed on iowapbs.org, Facebook and YouTube. Viewers can also stream their favorite shows on demand using the PBS Video App, available on iOS, Android and many streaming devices.