SF 2008 requires nonpublic schools receiving tuition payments through Iowa's education savings account program to meet specific accountability standards. The bill mandates that these schools must follow the same accountability, data reporting, and auditing rules as public school districts. This applies to all nonpublic schools that accept payments from parents using savings account funds for tuition. The law directly affects participating nonpublic schools by requiring compliance with these district-level requirements to continue receiving program payments. It modifies the definition of "qualified educational expenses" to include these new conditions.
This bill amends Iowa Code section 708.6 to clarify and strengthen penalties for intimidation involving dangerous weapons. It creates two felony classifications: a class "C" felony (up to 10 years in prison, $1,370-$13,660 fine) for intentionally discharging a weapon to provoke fear or anger in others, and a class "D" felony (up to 5 years, $1,025-$10,245 fine) for similar acts without that specific intent. The law applies when someone shoots, throws, or launches a weapon at or near occupied buildings, vehicles, or assemblies, causing reasonable fear of serious injury. It directly affects individuals who threaten or carry out such acts, updating existing penalties to address specific scenarios.
SF 2018 requires accredited nonpublic schools in Iowa to directly provide special education services to students with disabilities enrolled in those schools, including identifying needs, developing written plans similar to federal Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and employing licensed staff. Previously, area education agencies provided these services, but the bill shifts this responsibility to nonpublic schools, which must now cover all associated costs and cannot use agency funding for this purpose. The bill ensures students in nonpublic schools receive services comparable to those in public schools, while area education agencies must continue making such services available in the same manner. These changes align with federal special education requirements and update how services are delivered to students in nonpublic settings.
HF 2002 requires Iowa's legislative council to hire an independent, nonpartisan reviewer (not affiliated with political parties or school districts) to conduct a comprehensive review of the state's K-12 public education system. The review must examine 30 years of trends, funding sources, school district structures, rural/urban challenges, and international education models, then propose actionable reforms for equitable funding, operational efficiency, and improved student outcomes. The reviewer must provide periodic updates and submit a final report with short- and long-term strategies, including costs and funding sources, to the legislature by January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects all Iowa public schools, teachers, and students by mandating a detailed, evidence-based analysis to inform future education policy decisions. The report will be presented to the legislature and discussed in public forums to gather feedback before implementation.
HF 2007 creates a program providing state grants to small rural police departments (serving ≤10,000 people) and volunteer fire departments to cover costs for emergency medical technician (EMT) training for their personnel. Departments must demonstrate a need for EMT services in their area and commit to deploying trained staff, with grants covering tuition, equipment, and certification fees. The state appropriates up to $100,000 annually (2026-2030) from the general fund to fund these grants, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. Grantees must submit annual reports on personnel trained and program impact, with a final evaluation due to the legislature by December 2029. The program expires on July 1, 2030.
This bill appropriates $1 million from Iowa's general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support the Double Up Food Bucks program. It directly affects Iowa residents who receive federal SNAP benefits (food assistance) by expanding their access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The funds will be provided as a grant to the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative to help participants double the value of their SNAP benefits when purchasing produce at participating farmers markets and grocery stores. The program aims to increase access to healthy food options without changing existing SNAP eligibility or benefit amounts.
This Iowa joint resolution (SJR 2001) urges the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment requiring the Supreme Court to have exactly nine justices. It does not change any law or affect individuals directly, as it is a symbolic request to Congress. The resolution argues that fixing the Court's size at nine would protect its independence and public confidence. Iowa's legislature formally sends this request to federal leaders, but the resolution itself has no legal effect. It is a procedural step, not a binding policy change.
HF 2005 requires Iowa public school districts to incorporate age-appropriate Holocaust education into middle and high school curricula by the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates that this instruction cover the causes and consequences of the Holocaust, the history of antisemitism, resistance efforts, and the role of U.S. military forces - including African American, Native American, and Asian American soldiers - in defeating Nazi Germany. School districts must also provide teacher training on these topics as part of professional development, using approved resources like the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The Department of Education will annually report on which districts implement these requirements.
HF 2006 allows employees and elected officials working for local governments (like counties, cities, school districts, or community colleges) who participate in the Iowa public employees’ retirement system to join the state’s health insurance program. These nonstate public employees would pay the same premiums as state employees, with their employers able to require workers to contribute a portion of costs (subject to union contracts). Employers must pay monthly premiums and administrative fees into a new trust fund, and failure to pay could trigger interest charges or withholding of state funds. The bill requires annual reporting to the legislature on enrollment, costs, and program impacts, effective July 1, 2027.
HF 2014 allows children aged 16 or older in Iowa to request a court hearing to change where they live (physical care) or visitation arrangements with parents. If the child requests a change, the court must grant it unless it finds clear evidence of coercion, danger to the child, or that a parent would be effectively barred from raising the child. The court must consider specific factors when evaluating if a parent would be barred, including visitation frequency, past order compliance, decision-making ability, and routine disruption. This bill amends Iowa Code sections 598.21C and 598.41, taking effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill requires Iowa's historical resource research centers in Des Moines and Iowa City to be maintained as publicly accessible, adequately staffed facilities within those cities. It amends existing law to specify that the Department of Administrative Services must operate these centers in buildings located in Des Moines and Iowa City, with sufficient staffing and public access. The bill directly affects the Department of Administrative Services, which manages these centers. It does not create new funding or alter historical research content, but mandates operational requirements for two existing facilities. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the State Government committee.
HF 2030 changes how Iowa's child care assistance program pays providers. It shifts payment from being based on actual hours of care provided to being based on the *scheduled* hours for each enrolled child. Providers can now choose between biweekly or monthly billing, and the state must pay within 10 business days of receiving a correct bill, with error notices issued within 5 days. This directly affects child care providers enrolled in Iowa's state-funded assistance program.
