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 2610 mandates Iowa high schools to require students to complete sequential career and technical education (CTE) courses across six defined content areas (like health sciences, business, and manufacturing) starting in 2023. It establishes a statewide common course numbering system for Iowa community colleges by 2027 to standardize transfer pathways and ensure course equivalency across institutions. The bill also requires all Iowa community colleges to replace traditional remedial math and English courses with corequisite models by the 2028-2029 academic year. These changes directly affect K-12 students, community college learners, and educators by aligning CTE programs with high-demand, high-wage occupations and improving academic transfer consistency.
This bill requires students (or their parents/guardians if minors) to reimburse school districts for community college courses taken through concurrent enrollment programs if the student fails the course. Specifically, if a student fails a class offered by a community college or taught by its instructor, the school district can request payment equal to the amount it paid the college for that specific course. The policy applies to high school students enrolled in Iowa's district-to-community college sharing program, which allows them to earn college credits while in high school. This change modifies existing rules under Code section 261E.8 to shift the financial responsibility for failed courses back to the student or family.
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.
HF 2231 establishes Iowa's "Seal of Civics Excellence" program administered by the Department of Education. It recognizes high school students who demonstrate civics proficiency through knowledge of American government and participation in community activities. Schools may voluntarily participate, and the Department will determine requirements, create a seal (like a sticker for transcripts or a certificate), and require it to be affixed to diplomas. The program is voluntary for schools, with the Department potentially charging a small fee for printing.
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.
