This bill requires Iowa public schools serving students in grades 7-12 to list the "Your Life Iowa" suicide prevention program's contact information (phone, text numbers, and website) as a resource on their school websites. It also mandates that schools issuing student ID cards to grades 7-12 must include this information on the cards, with schools serving grades 5-6 allowed to optionally include it. The law directly affects students in these grade levels by making suicide prevention resources more accessible through school-issued materials and online platforms. It does not change existing suicide prevention services but ensures schools proactively share this specific resource.
SF 2404 requires Iowa's Department of Education to create a pilot program where one rural school district (defined by specific population criteria) and one urban school district (with at least 7,000 students) must establish specialized attendance centers. These centers will provide educational and special education services to eligible students, including those needing special education or facing behavioral challenges that interfere with regular classroom success. The bill mandates annual reporting on participation, academic outcomes, and stakeholder feedback from participating districts, and requires at least 48% of special education funds to support the pilot. The program is set to expire on July 1, 2031.
SF 2224 requires all Iowa public high schools (grades 9-12) to include artificial intelligence fundamentals in computer science courses, mandating instruction on what AI is, how it works, and its societal impacts. It updates graduation requirements to mandate a half-unit of computer science starting in 2022, allowing schools to fulfill part of this requirement through applied science, technology, engineering, or manufacturing courses. The bill also adds new standards for teacher preparation programs, requiring future educators to complete training in AI and computational thinking relevant to their grade level. These changes apply to all Iowa public schools and teacher training institutions, directly affecting students, educators, and curriculum developers. The law modifies existing education codes (sections 256.7, 256.11, and 256.16) to implement these requirements.
HF 189 allows students enrolled in nonpublic schools (like private or religious schools) to compete in public school athletic programs. The bill establishes eligibility rules for these students to participate in interscholastic sports and competitions organized by public schools. It became law when the Governor signed it on June 6, 2025, directly affecting nonpublic school students and public school athletic departments. The law modifies existing rules to expand participation opportunities for this specific student group.
SF 647 is a budget bill that allocates state funding to the Department for the Blind, the Department of Education, and the State Board of Regents. It provides financial resources for their day-to-day operations and program delivery. The bill includes specific conditions that determine when certain funding becomes effective. This legislation directly affects these state agencies and the educational services they provide to residents.
HF 437 establishes a Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa. The bill creates a formal unit within the university dedicated to supporting academic freedom, free expression, and open inquiry on campus. It directly affects the University of Iowa by requiring the institution to develop and maintain this center as part of its operations. The law was passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor on June 11, 2025, making it effective immediately.
SF 288 requires public colleges and universities governed by the Board of Regents and community colleges to provide academic accommodations for students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth. The law specifically allows these students to withdraw from courses without academic penalty if pregnancy or childbirth prevents them from continuing their studies. Institutions must also provide clear information about available support services, including health care and childcare resources. This policy directly affects pregnant and postpartum students enrolled at these specific public higher education institutions.
HF 787 modifies several education policies in the state. It changes how school districts calculate teacher salary supplements, updates requirements for teacher training programs, and sets rules for placing students needing special education services out of state. The bill also defines the Department of Education's duties and establishes minimum salary levels for teachers. These changes directly affect school districts, educators, and students requiring special education services. The bill became law after passing the legislature and being signed by the Governor.
SF 175 requires public school districts, charter schools, and other accredited schools to add specific content about pregnancy and fetal development to health and human growth classes for students in grades 5 through 12. This policy change directly affects all schools in the state and their students in those grade levels by mandating the inclusion of this topic in existing health education. The bill does not alter funding or create new programs but updates curriculum standards to include this subject matter. It was passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor on June 6, 2025.
HF 784 modifies Minnesota's education laws to change mathematics instruction standards, update teacher training program requirements, and clarify the duties of the state education director. It directly affects K-12 schools, math teachers, and educator preparation programs by setting new guidelines for how math is taught and how teachers are trained. Key provisions include requiring specific math teaching methods and updating the process for approving teacher education programs. The bill also includes provisions for when these changes take effect. It was signed into law by the governor in June 2025.
