This bill requires Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services to seek federal approval to expand Medicaid and CHIP coverage for mental health services provided in schools. It ensures all children enrolled in Iowa's Medicaid or CHIP programs - regardless of whether they have a special education plan - can access covered services without needing a formal mental health diagnosis. Covered services include individual, group, and family therapy, prevention services, evaluation, and case management. The bill also mandates collaboration with schools and federal technical assistance to implement these changes, particularly in rural and under-resourced districts.
This bill requires the lead special education teacher (not coaches or athletic directors) to determine if students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can join school sports teams. The teacher must review the student’s attendance record and whether they are earning passing grades in their classes. It does not apply to students with severe or profound disabilities who receive special education under Chapter 256B. The law applies to both public and nonpublic schools in Iowa.
HF 730 requires Iowa's Department of Education to create a special education weighting work group to review the state's special education funding system, which hasn't been updated since 2004. The work group, composed of diverse stakeholders including school boards, educators, district representatives (by enrollment size and geographic location), and legislative members, will propose adjustments to special education funding weights. It must submit recommendations to the governor and legislature by January 2, 2026. The bill directly affects all Iowa public school districts serving students with special education needs by addressing outdated funding formulas. This is a procedural step to review current funding mechanisms, not a direct policy change.
HF 914 modifies Iowa's education structure by changing how area education agencies (AEAs) operate and interact with the Department of Education. It removes outdated sections and updates key provisions, including requiring AEAs to provide evidence-based professional development and special education oversight through a new "division of special education" within the Department (not AEAs). The bill also revises budget processes, mandating that AEA annual budgets must be approved by both the Department of Education and the State Board of Education before final adoption. These changes directly affect AEAs, local school districts, and students - particularly those with disabilities - by clarifying service responsibilities and oversight for educational programs.
HF 122 increases funding for Iowa school districts that share operational functions with other entities, specifically raising the supplementary weighting for sharing a school resource officer (SRO) from 2 to 4 pupils. This policy change directly affects school districts sharing SRO services (or other eligible roles like counselors or special education directors) for at least 20% of the school year. The bill provides additional state funding by assigning districts extra weighted pupils based on shared functions, with SRO sharing now earning 4 pupils instead of 2. The change applies to school budget years beginning July 1, 2025.
SF 91 updates how Iowa school districts calculate student enrollment for funding purposes. It sets specific dates (October 1 and March 1) for determining enrollment counts, including additional students served through special education and supplementary weighting programs. School districts must report these calculated enrollment figures to the Department of Education by set deadlines each year. These changes directly affect school districts and the state's funding formula for public education.
This bill modifies Iowa's education funding and teacher policies. It establishes a tiered system grouping school districts by enrollment size to calculate teacher salary supplement costs, ensuring districts meet minimum salary requirements ($50,000 starting, $62,000 for 12+ years' experience) and related retirement/insurance costs. It also requires 80 hours of pre-student teaching field experience for new teacher candidates and sets new criteria for out-of-state placements of students needing special education, requiring state department approvals. The changes directly affect school districts, teacher preparation programs, and students with special education needs.
HB 147 modifies several Iowa education policies. It establishes tiered school district funding based on enrollment size to help districts meet new minimum teacher salary requirements ($50,000 starting, $62,000 for 12+ years experience) by adjusting state aid. The bill also requires teacher preparation programs to include specific pre-teaching field experiences (80 hours for initial programs, 50 hours for interns) and clarifies criteria for out-of-state special education placements, including health care eligibility and residency requirements. These changes directly affect Iowa school districts, teachers, and students requiring special education services. The bill takes effect upon enactment.
This bill modifies several education policies in Iowa. It establishes tiered school district cost calculations for teacher salary supplements based on enrollment size (over/under 3,500 students), sets minimum teacher salaries ($50,000 starting, $62,000 for 12+ years experience), and requires districts to cover retirement and payroll costs. It also updates teacher preparation rules to mandate 80 hours of field experience for new teachers (including 10 hours before program entry) and clarifies requirements for out-of-state special education placements, requiring coordination between health, education, and residency criteria. These changes directly affect school districts, teachers, and students with special education needs.
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.
