On February 17, 2026, the Iowa Supreme Court made a historic decision regarding the interpretation of free speech rights under the state constitution. In a unanimous ruling, the court held that the Iowa Constitution provides greater protection for free speech than the U.S. Constitution, specifically in the context of government restrictions on expression.The case, Johnson v. State of Iowa, centered around a controversial law passed by the Iowa legislature that prohibited certain forms of protest on public property. The law, known as the Public Safety Act, was challenged by a group of activists who argued that it violated their First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly.In its decision, the Iowa Supreme Court agreed with the plaintiffs, ruling that the Public Safety Act was unconstitutional under the state constitution. The court held that the Iowa Constitution's free speech clause provides broader protection for expressive rights than the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and that the government must meet a higher standard when restricting speech.Chief Justice Maria Sanchez, writing for the court, stated, "The right to free speech is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the Iowa Constitution safeguards that right with particular vigor. The government must have a compelling interest and narrowly tailored means when restricting speech, and the Public Safety Act fails to meet that standard."The ruling has been hailed as a major victory for civil liberties in Iowa, and is expected to have far-reaching implications for future cases involving free speech rights. Legal experts predict that the decision could serve as a model for other states looking to strengthen protections for expressive rights under their own constitutions.In response to the ruling, Governor Rachel Williams, who had championed the Public Safety Act, expressed disappointment but vowed to uphold the court's decision. "While I may not agree with the outcome, I respect the rule of law and the authority of the judiciary. We will work to address the concerns raised by the court and ensure that our laws are in compliance with the Iowa Constitution."The Iowa Supreme Court's decision in Johnson v. State of Iowa reaffirms the state's commitment to upholding fundamental rights and principles, and sets a powerful precedent for the protection of free speech in Iowa.