HF 845 Iowa House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.

HF 845 allows Iowa public high schools (grades 9-12) to offer elective social studies courses focused on the Bible's Old and New Testaments, subject to school board approval. School districts must get a recommendation from a school improvement committee and a majority vote from the school board to implement such courses. Courses must teach how biblical content influences modern culture, literature, and society while maintaining religious neutrality - prohibiting endorsement of any faith and requiring students to choose their own Bible translations. The bill affects Iowa high school students and teachers, who must follow state guidelines for course content and professional development.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 7, 2025 Last action Apr 3, 2025
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Apr 3, 2025
Committee
Referred to Education.
lower
Mar 7, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, placed on calendar.
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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