Veterans

This bill allows surviving spouses, parents, children, or siblings of U.S. military members who died while on active duty during a conflict or from service-related causes to request a special mark on their driver's license or identification card. If the request is approved with proof of eligibility, the state will prominently display the phrase "GOLD STAR FAMILY" on the front of the license or card. The legislation does not change any other information on the documents and does not affect individuals who do not meet these specific eligibility criteria.

HF 779 expands eligibility for special Iowa license plates featuring a "veteran" emblem to include anyone who served in the U.S. reserve forces or Iowa National Guard and was discharged honorably, regardless of their total service duration. Currently, such plates were only available to reserve members meeting specific service thresholds (e.g., 20+ years or 90+ days of active duty). The bill allows these individuals to apply directly through the Department of Transportation with proof of service, removing prior service-time requirements. This change applies specifically to Iowa residents qualifying under these revised criteria for the veteran emblem plates.

HF 175 changes Iowa's tuition rules to allow certain military families to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges. It directly affects active-duty military members stationed in Iowa, their spouses and children, veterans eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, and survivors of deceased veterans. The bill creates new definitions that let these groups be classified as Iowa residents for tuition purposes if they meet specific criteria, such as having the military member stationed in Iowa, filing Iowa taxes, or claiming dependents on tax returns. Spouses and children can maintain in-state status even if the military member is transferred, as long as they stay enrolled continuously. This policy change aims to reduce tuition costs for military-connected students without altering residency requirements for other students.

This bill modifies the Iowa National Guard service scholarship program, which helps eligible Iowa National Guard members pay for college tuition. It establishes that scholarship awards cannot exceed the difference between a student's tuition and any financial aid they receive under specific federal military programs (10 U.S.C. §2007). Additionally, the bill removes a provision that previously prohibited scholarship eligibility or award determinations from being based on a National Guard member's unit, drill location, or whether they are in the Army or Air National Guard.

House File 117 establishes the National Guard Service Professional Qualification Scholarship Program, directly affecting members of the Iowa National Guard. This program provides scholarships to eligible Guard members pursuing specific educational programs at community colleges, state universities, or accredited private institutions. The scholarships are for programs leading to a "credential," such as a postsecondary certificate or competency-based qualification, but do not cover associate or higher degrees. The Adjutant General approves eligible educational programs and determines individual eligibility, with the College Student Aid Commission administering the scholarship payments, which cannot exceed the total program cost.

This bill updates requirements for county commissions of veteran affairs and their executive directors or administrators in Iowa. It mandates that these directors or administrators obtain specific training and certification directed by the commandant of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs within one year of employment, or face removal from office. They must also acquire a personal identification verification card to access veteran benefits systems and complete continuing education only from state-approved entities. Additionally, the bill changes the reporting period for veteran service hours from a calendar year to a fiscal year and removes a previous requirement for training from a national association.