It's funnel week at the Iowa Legislature. What does that mean?

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Monday kicked off one of the busiest weeks of Iowa's legislative session, where it's live or die for many of the bills lawmakers have introduced this year.

That's because Friday marks the first legislative "funnel" deadline, which means bills introduced in one chamber must receive approval from a full committee in that chamber to remain alive. Bills that don't reach that point in the legislative process are likely dead for the year.

Several major bills still need to pass a committee, including some of the most contentious bills of the session. So expect a flurry of activity during the next few days as lawmakers get their priorities through before the week ends.

It's important to note, though, that nothing is ever truly dead. Lawmakers can resurrect proposals in a number of ways throughout the session. And the funnel deadline doesn't apply to tax-related and spending bills, which are "funnel-proof."

That means the various tax cut proposals that the Senate, House and governor have proposed will survive regardless of how far in the process they make it. 

Whether a bill survives the first funnel is a good indication of what lawmakers want to focus on the rest of the year. They'll have to get the bills even further through the process so they can survive a second "funnel" week in March.

To survive the second funnel, bills must pass a floor vote in one chamber and a subcommittee and committee vote in the other chamber. 

►Want to learn more about how the Iowa Legislature works? We broke down how a bill becomes a law, and more questions

In the meantime, here are some bills that need to advance this week to remain alive:

• Gov. Kim Reynolds' proposal to set up a state-funded scholarship program to help children switch from public to private schools. The bill would also require school districts to post curriculum and a list of library materials online for parents to view
• A bill from Senate President Jake Chapman, R-Adel, that would allow parents to sue districts over books they believe are obscene, as well as specify penalties for distribution of obscene materials or "hardcore pornography" apply to teachers and school administrators. 
• A far-reaching proposal to ban businesses, local governments and schools from requiring masks or vaccination. The bill is expected to be discussed in committee Wednesday, after passing a crowded three-hour subcommittee last week. 
• Multiple proposals to regulate cities' use of traffic enforcement cameras. The proposals range from a complete ban to regulations on how the cameras can be used. 
• A "Second Amendment Preservation Act" that would prohibit state and local law enforcement officers from enforcing federal laws, regulations, executive orders and other rules "infringing on the right to keep and bear arms."

Ian Richardson covers the Iowa Statehouse for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at irichardson@registermedia.com, at 515-284-8254, or on Twitter at @DMRIanR.