HF 835 requires schools to train personnel on emergency care for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders. It mandates specific emergency care planning, authorizes staff to assist students during seizures, and limits their liability when acting in good faith. The bill also directs the Department of Education to form a work group to develop health care training standards for school staff. These changes directly affect school personnel and students with seizure disorders across the state.
HF 865 modifies how Minnesota school districts and accredited nonpublic schools address student harassment or bullying. It updates existing policies to clarify procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents. The bill directly affects students and school staff by changing the framework for handling these cases within schools. As signed into law on May 27, 2025, it establishes concrete requirements for school districts to follow regarding harassment and bullying prevention and response.
SF 167 is a school funding bill that establishes the state's funding increase rates for the budget year beginning July 1, 2025, covering both general and specific categorical programs. It modifies provisions related to property tax replacement payments, which help offset local property taxes for schools. The bill also adjusts the regular program state cost per pupil, which is the base amount of state funding provided for each student. Finally, it modifies funding mechanisms for shared operational functions among school districts.
This bill, known as the "Accreditation Autonomy Act," primarily affects Iowa's public colleges and universities and their accrediting agencies. It updates several state laws to recognize any federally recognized accreditor for various educational programs and institutions, rather than just a specific commission. The bill prohibits accrediting agencies from taking negative actions against public institutions for complying with Iowa state law or refusing to violate it. If an accrediting agency violates this provision, the affected institution, with the Attorney General's authorization, can pursue a civil lawsuit for injunctive relief and financial damages.
This bill prohibits courts from ordering parents in divorce proceedings to pay a "postsecondary education subsidy" for their children. A postsecondary education subsidy refers to financial support for educational expenses for children aged 18-22 attending career training, college, university, or community college. This means courts can no longer include requirements for college or vocational school financial support in new or pending divorce orders. The bill applies to divorce orders entered or pending on or after July 1, 2025. However, it specifically states that existing orders established before July 1, 2025, that already include such subsidies cannot be modified based on this new law.
This bill, known as the "College Affordability Act," aims to address tuition, degree programs, and employment for students at Iowa's public universities. It limits annual tuition and mandatory fee increases for in-state resident students to no more than three percent, and starting in 2026, requires tuition for in-state undergraduates to remain frozen at their first-year rate for subsequent academic years. The bill also directs universities to offer at least one three-year bachelor's degree program by 2027 and establish a "work plus" program where employers cover tuition and fees for participating part-time student employees.
This bill requires Iowa school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to adopt policies by July 1, 2025, that restrict student use of personal electronic devices during classroom instructional time. The Department of Education will develop model policies for schools to consider. These policies must identify methods for parents to communicate with students during school hours and emergencies, establish disciplinary actions for violations, and outline secure storage protocols for devices. They must also include provisions allowing students to maintain access to devices for legitimate physical or mental health reasons, or as required by an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. Additionally, school districts are mandated to revise their emergency operations plans by July 1, 2025, to align with these new policies on electronic device use.
HF 579 adjusts funding limits for school districts providing programs for at-risk students, alternative school attendees, or returning dropouts. It sets a 2.5% cap on supplemental funding relative to a district's total regular program costs for fiscal years starting July 1, 2013, and later, with a historical adjustment for districts exceeding this cap before 2013. Starting in 2026, districts could exceed the 2.5% limit to 5% if approved by local voters through an election. The bill directly affects school districts receiving these specific supplemental funds, requiring voter approval for higher funding levels beyond 2025.
HF 401 establishes standardized general education requirements for undergraduate students at Iowa's public universities (governed by the state board of regents). It requires 37 total semester credit hours across specific areas: 6 in English, 3 in math/statistics, 4 in natural sciences, 6 in social sciences, 6 in humanities, 3 in western heritage (e.g., Western civilization), and 3 in American heritage (e.g., American history). The bill also prohibits courses from distorting historical events or teaching that systemic racism/sexism is inherent in U.S. institutions, while allowing transfer credit for equivalent coursework. These requirements apply to students beginning enrollment in fall 2027 or later.
HF 522 amends Iowa's therapeutic classroom incentive program to allow school districts using grant funds to cover specific nutritional items for students. It directly affects students in therapeutic classrooms - those whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with learning - and the school districts administering these programs. Key provisions authorize funding for micronutrient access (like vitamins D and K2), assessments of macro-nutritional needs, provision of whole foods (fresh produce, healthy proteins), restrictions on artificial food additives, and initiatives addressing digital screen use and natural light exposure. The bill expands allowable uses of existing grant funds to support nutrition-based strategies within therapeutic classrooms.
