SF 2220 modifies Iowa's statewide student assessments, requiring math and English language arts testing in grades 3-11 and science in grades 5, 8, and 10. It mandates school districts to develop procedures for identifying gifted and talented students using multiple data points (like standardized tests and teacher input), ensuring equitable access across all student groups. The bill requires districts to create an "advanced mathematics pathway" enabling students to complete algebra I by grade nine and automatically enroll students scoring "advanced" in math or ELA assessments in the next rigorous course level. These provisions directly affect all Iowa public school districts, students in grades 4-12, and gifted education programs by changing assessment requirements, identification processes, and access to accelerated math courses.
SF 2320 modifies Iowa's concurrent enrollment program, which allows high school students (grades 9-12) to take college courses at community colleges. The bill requires students to enroll in in-person course versions unless a school superintendent (or designee) authorizes online enrollment, considering if the student is prepared for and likely to succeed in online learning. School boards must annually approve courses for high school credit based on academic rigor and college readiness. Written notice about course details, hours, and earned college credit must be provided to students and parents.
HF 2493 modifies Iowa's statewide preschool program to expand eligibility to include five-year-olds who turn five on or after March 15 but on or before September 15 of the school year, in addition to four-year-olds. It adjusts funding rules so children counted for state funding in prior years cannot be counted again, and updates terminology to refer to "young children" instead of exclusively "four-year-olds." The bill affects school districts operating approved preschool programs, children meeting the new age criteria, and state funding allocations for preschool services. These changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2027.
This bill allows Iowa public and nonpublic high schools to offer an elective junior firefighter program for 11th and 12th graders. Schools must coordinate with fire departments and the fire service training bureau to ensure students receive training for firefighter I certification, including meeting specific program requirements like teaching life skills and fostering community relationships. Students must submit a liability waiver (signed by a parent/guardian if a minor) to participate. If a student passes certification exams before turning 18, they cannot receive official firefighter I certification until their 18th birthday.
This bill requires school districts, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies that exempt student absences for 4-H club or FFA activities from unexcused absence records. The policies must also allow students to make up any missed classwork due to these absences. It applies directly to all covered schools in Iowa, ensuring consistent treatment for students participating in these agricultural education programs. The requirement standardizes how schools handle absences related to 4-H and FFA activities without penalizing student participation.
HF 703, the "Increasing Student Financial Aid Awareness Act," requires Iowa's Student Loan Liquidity Corporation to provide the Bureau of Iowa College Aid with annual estimates of federal direct PLUS loan interest rates and comparisons between state and federal loan terms. The Bureau must analyze this data to determine if Iowa's college family or partnership loans offer lower interest rates than federal PLUS loans. If they do, the Bureau must publish a clear online statement explaining this difference and require all Iowa colleges to include this information in financial aid offers to students. This bill directly affects Iowa students, families, and higher education institutions by improving transparency around loan options and ensuring they receive standardized comparisons of state and federal student loan rates.
This bill modifies the definition of "grooming behavior" for which licensed school employees must be reported to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE). Currently, "grooming behavior" is defined as actions to entice a student with the intent to engage in a sex act. This bill expands the definition to a "pattern of behavior" intended to entice or entrap a student. The updated definition clarifies that the intent is to "take advantage of such student for the benefit of the individual," which includes engaging in a sex act, but is not limited to it. School administrators remain responsible for reporting disciplinary actions related to this behavior.
HF 2539 repeals multiple existing higher education programs and administrative requirements in Iowa. It specifically eliminates the Regent’s Minority and Women Educators Enhancement Program, the College Bound program, laboratory schools, and related reporting obligations. The bill also modifies a reporting requirement for the college student aid commission regarding program implementation. These changes remove specific state-funded initiatives and streamline administrative processes for institutions governed by the state board of regents.
HF 2491 waives all tuition and mandatory fees at Iowa's regents universities for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, veterans must apply for admission and have exhausted all other federal or state financial aid options, such as Pell Grants or VA education benefits. The waiver is prorated each semester to cover only the difference between other aid received and the actual tuition and fees charged. This policy directly affects eligible veterans seeking higher education at Iowa's public universities, ensuring they face no out-of-pocket costs for tuition and mandatory fees after other aid is applied.
This bill amends Iowa's definition of "qualified education expenses" for state tax-advantaged savings plans. It aligns Iowa's definition with specific federal Internal Revenue Code sections (529(e)(3) and 529(c)(7)), expanding covered expenses to include elementary/secondary school tuition, registered apprenticeship program costs, and principal/interest payments on qualified education loans for beneficiaries or their siblings. The change directly affects Iowa residents using the state's educational savings plan trust (Code chapter 12D) by clarifying which education costs qualify for tax benefits. The bill removes an outdated reference to a specific federal amendment while updating the definition to match current federal guidelines.
