Rep. Chad Ingels

Maddy summaryHF 236 requires all Iowa high school students (grades 9-12) in public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to complete one full unit of U.S. government instruction as part of their social studies curriculum, increasing the current requirement from half a unit. The course must cover voting procedures, voter registration, paper ballots, absentee voting, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and civics education including citizen roles in government. This bill directly affects high school students and school districts by mandating specific content within the required social studies curriculum. The change aligns with existing standards but strengthens the depth of civic education for students.

Maddy summaryHF 326 establishes a pilot program in Iowa to provide hyperbaric oxygen treatment (for diabetic foot ulcers, traumatic brain injury, or PTSD) to eligible veterans through a dedicated reimbursement fund. It directly affects veterans diagnosed with PTSD or traumatic brain injury who require this treatment, as well as authorized treatment facilities. The bill creates a Veterans Recovery Fund to reimburse facilities for treatment costs and related travel/living expenses after a treatment plan is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Facilities must submit proposed treatment plans for approval before providing care, and veterans cannot be charged for services under the program. The program requires biennial reports to the legislature evaluating participation and effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHF 252 requires Iowa's approved teacher preparation programs to incorporate computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking training tailored to the grade level and subject a future teacher will instruct. This requirement takes effect for students admitted on or after July 1, 2026, and allows colleges to meet it through a dedicated course, module, or by integrating the content into existing programs. The state board of regents must provide guidance to all higher education institutions on implementing these changes. The bill directly affects future teachers in Iowa by updating their training requirements to include foundational digital literacy skills.

Maddy summaryHF 502 modifies Iowa's requirements for school activities administrators by changing the degree eligibility rule. Currently, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in athletics, physical education, or a related field; this bill would instead require only a bachelor's degree in *any* academic field. It directly affects individuals seeking authorization to oversee school sports and extracurricular programs under the Board of Educational Examiners. The bill amends Section 256.146 of Iowa Code to establish this new requirement through administrative rules.

Maddy summaryHF 253 requires Iowa high school students graduating in 2029 or later to complete one semester of computer science coursework to meet graduation requirements, which may include classes taken in eighth grade. The bill modifies existing science and math graduation rules to allow up to one unit of computer science to count toward those requirements. School districts must report annually on computer science course offerings, teacher certifications, and student enrollment, while allowing limited waivers for implementation challenges. The law also establishes standards for computer science courses and teacher authorizations to ensure quality instruction.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 3) is a symbolic statement by Iowa's House of Representatives affirming the state's support for Israel. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals or entities; instead, it expresses solidarity through shared values, condemns antisemitism and terrorism, and encourages cultural and economic collaboration between Iowa and Israel. The resolution highlights Iowa's partnership with Israel's Western Galilee region, economic ties in agriculture and technology, and support for Israel's sovereignty following the October 7 attacks. It was adopted unanimously (76-10) on February 13, 2025, with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryHF 33 creates an Iowa Department of Education grant program to expand access to agriculture, food, and natural resources education for high school students (grades 9-12). School districts can apply for grants covering up to 100% of teacher costs for up to 60 days of additional instruction in new agriculture programs (under 10 years old), or 50% for established programs. Funds must supplement, not replace, existing district funding for similar purposes and will be tracked through a statewide system. The bill establishes a permanent state fund for these grants, with unused balances carrying over annually.

Maddy summaryHF 97 establishes a scholarship program to help Iowa residents with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities cover costs for approved college programs. The program, administered by the College Student Aid Commission with input from vocational rehabilitation services, provides up to $5,000 annually per student toward tuition and fees at state-approved comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs. Applicants must be 18+ and reapply yearly; Iowa residents receive priority. Funds are held in a dedicated state treasury account that carries over unused money to future years, ensuring consistent support without annual reappropriation.