A bill for an act relating to accreditation of postsecondary educational institutions, prohibiting adverse action by accrediting agencies against certain postsecondary educational institutions for compliance with state law, providing remedies, and including effective date provisions.

This bill, the "Accreditation Autonomy Act," prohibits accrediting agencies from taking adverse actions (like revoking accreditation) against Iowa public colleges and universities for complying with state law or refusing to violate it. It defines "accrediting agency" as a non-governmental entity and "public institution of higher education" as state-regulated colleges or community colleges. If an agency violates this rule, affected institutions can sue for injunctive relief and damages equal to the prior year's federal financial aid, plus legal fees. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.