HF 96 establishes a tuition reimbursement program for Iowa teachers pursuing an advanced dyslexia specialist certification. It provides up to 75% of tuition costs (capped at two years) to teachers working in Iowa schools or area education agencies who are obtaining this specialized certification. The program, funded with $335,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026, requires annual applications and verification of current teaching status. Teachers must apply each year and complete the certification process to receive payments, with the first payment after year one and the second after year two. The College Student Aid Commission administers the program and reports annually on participation and outcomes.
HF 294 allows Iowa cities to certify a local tax for public library funding, limited to the amount the city collected for libraries in fiscal year 2022-2023. It requires cities to submit the tax question to voters at a regular election for approval, and the tax remains valid for ten years - renewable with another voter approval. Cities may also discontinue the tax via a majority city council vote. This bill directly affects participating Iowa cities and their library funding mechanisms, restoring a funding option eliminated by prior legislation (HF 718).
This bill amends Iowa law to clarify the definition of "grooming behavior" by licensed school employees toward students. It specifies that grooming behavior includes "building trust and emotional connections with a student with the intent to exploit such student," replacing the previous definition focused on "enticing or entrap[ing] a student to engage in a sex act." The change directly affects school employees (like teachers and staff) who may engage in such behavior, as well as school administrators required to report it to the Board of Educational Examiners. Current mandatory reporting rules for misconduct involving students remain in place, but this bill refines the specific conduct that triggers those reporting obligations.
This bill establishes a scholarship program to help Iowa residents with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities (age 18+) cover tuition and fees for approved postsecondary education programs. The program, administered by the College Student Aid Commission with input from vocational rehabilitation services, provides up to $5,000 per student, prioritizing Iowa residents. It creates a dedicated scholarship fund in the state treasury, with unspent funds rolling over annually instead of reverting to the general fund. The bill requires the Commission to set application criteria and adopt rules for the program’s operation.
SF 283 establishes a scholarship program to help Iowa residents with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities (age 18+) cover costs at approved postsecondary programs. The program, administered by the College Student Aid Commission with input from vocational rehabilitation services, provides up to $5,000 annually per academic year for tuition and fees at U.S. Department of Education-approved programs. Funds are held in a dedicated state treasury account that carries over yearly, avoiding annual budget reversion. Priority for scholarships is given to Iowa residents applying through an annual process.
SF 345 requires Iowa school districts to update their absenteeism and truancy policies to explicitly allow excused absences for students undergoing military entrance processing or engaged in military service, alongside existing reasons like illness, medical appointments, and family emergencies. These policies must clearly define unexcused absences, outline penalties, and detail support strategies for students with chronic absenteeism. The bill repeals outdated sections of law related to attendance reporting and enforcement, streamlining how schools handle attendance requirements.
SF 111 requires Iowa schools to ensure staff are trained to assist students with epilepsy or seizure disorders. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, each school must have at least one trained employee (or full-time school nurse) capable of administering approved seizure medications or medical devices. Schools must provide all staff with seizure recognition and first aid training by December 2026, and obtain annual parent authorization for medication administration. The bill also mandates seizure action plans for affected students and provides liability protection for school staff acting in good faith under these plans. These requirements apply only to schools with students diagnosed with epilepsy or currently taking FDA-approved seizure medication.
SF 309 creates a tuition grant program for dependents of Iowa veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. It provides up to $10,000 annually for full-time students (max 8 semesters) or proportionally less for part-time students (max 12 semesters) to cover tuition and mandatory fees at eligible Iowa colleges. To qualify, students must be Iowa residents under 27, claimed as dependents on the veteran’s prior tax return, and enrolled full- or part-time at a state-regulated institution. The program requires annual reapplication, pays grants directly to institutions, and is funded by a $500,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2025-26.
This bill changes the election dates school districts can use to vote on taxes for paying school bond debts. It specifically adds "the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November" as an option for even-numbered years when holding a special election for bond-related tax levies or adjustments. School districts in Iowa will now have this additional date to schedule votes on bond payments, alongside existing March and September options. The change applies only to bond-related tax levies under sections 298.18 or 298.18A of the Iowa Code.
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This bill changes Iowa's funding rules for school programs supporting at-risk students, alternative school attendees, and dropout prevention. It raises the maximum allowable funding ratio (from 2.5% to 5% of a district's regular program costs) for these programs starting in 2026, but only if approved by voters in a school district election. If approved, the ratio can increase by no more than 0.25% per year. School boards must follow specific voter approval procedures to implement the higher funding limit. The change directly affects school districts seeking to expand these student support programs beyond current funding caps.
