This bill requires Iowa's public universities (regents institutions) to freeze tuition for in-state undergraduate students after their first year of enrollment, starting with students beginning in 2027 or later. It applies only to the first three consecutive academic years following a student's initial enrollment, including students with transfer credits who can complete degrees faster. The freeze does not apply to any years beyond those three, and it specifically covers tuition charged in the student's initial year of enrollment. This policy directly affects Iowa resident undergraduate students at public universities, aiming to stabilize costs during their early academic years.
SF 2118 allows high school students (grades 9-12) in Iowa to participate in non-school-sponsored athletic events - including those involving college students - as "unattached competitors," meaning they cannot represent their school or wear school uniforms. The bill prohibits schools from providing any coaching, transportation, or financial support for students competing in these events. It directly affects students seeking to join outside athletic opportunities and schools that must cease supporting such participation. The law defines clear rules for student eligibility and school conduct in non-school athletic contexts.
SSB 3092 establishes Iowa’s first statewide community solar program, allowing residents and businesses to subscribe to shared solar projects and receive bill credits for the electricity generated. It directly affects subscribers (customers who pay for solar subscriptions), community solar facility owners (including for-profit entities), and electric utilities, which must provide bill credits and integrate these facilities. Key provisions include setting size limits (5 MW max, 20 MW on brownfield sites), requiring at least 3 subscribers per facility, mandating that 60% of capacity comes from small subscriptions (≤40 kW), and capping statewide capacity at 250 MW until a new rate methodology is adopted. The bill also ensures community solar doesn’t duplicate utility infrastructure and requires utilities to apply bill credits to future bills without minimum payment restrictions after rate adoption.
SF 2078 restricts foreign nationals from influencing Iowa ballot issue campaigns. It defines "foreign national" broadly (including foreign governments and entities) and requires political committees to obtain donor affirmations confirming they are not foreign nationals and have not received over $100,000 in foreign funds in the past four years. The bill prohibits foreign nationals from directing campaign decisions or soliciting contributions for ballot issues and imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 or three times the contribution amount for violations. This directly affects political committees, donors, and foreign entities seeking to influence statewide ballot measures through campaign contributions or expenditures.
Iowa's SF 2068 requires businesses operating massage therapy locations (excluding mobile services, standalone devices, healthcare facilities, student clinics, and sole practitioners) to obtain a license starting July 1, 2027. Businesses must apply for a license with the board, pay fees, undergo sanitary inspections, and maintain records of therapists and clients for three years. The bill allows the board to deny or revoke licenses for unlicensed therapists, disqualifying criminal histories (like human trafficking or sexual abuse), or fraudulent applications. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per day for ongoing non-compliance.
SF 2107 permits Iowa cities to establish "entertainment districts" where people can legally possess and consume alcoholic beverages in public spaces like streets and sidewalks. Cities must create local ordinances defining these districts, including maps, operating hours, requirements for clearly labeled containers, and rules for participating bars or restaurants holding "class C" or "special class C" alcohol licenses. The bill explicitly prohibits consumption in vehicles, during non-operational hours, or in ways that violate Iowa's general alcohol laws. This change directly affects cities seeking to create such districts, licensed establishments, and the public in designated areas.
This bill removes psilocybin and psilocybin (the active compounds in magic mushrooms) from Iowa’s Schedule I controlled substances list under state law. Schedule I substances are defined as having high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. The change would reclassify these substances under less restrictive drug laws, potentially enabling medical research or regulated personal use. The bill is currently under review by the Health and Human Services committee.
This bill extends the deadline for state departments and agencies to submit proposed legislation to the Legislative Services Agency from 45 to 60 days before each legislative session begins. It directly affects all state departments, agencies, and the governor's office (which must submit by Friday before the session, except during the governor's first year). The key change is simply adjusting the submission timeline to provide more lead time for review, without altering the content or requirements of proposed bills. The bill is procedural and does not create new policies or impact public programs.
HF 2178 establishes a certification system for reflexologists in Iowa. It requires applicants to complete a 200-hour approved education program covering anatomy, reflexology techniques, and ethics; pass an approved exam; provide proof of active certification from the American Reflexology Certification Board (or equivalent); meet age and background check requirements; and pay fees ($50 initial, $40 renewal). The bill defines reflexology as manual techniques applied to feet/hands for wellness support (not medical diagnosis), and allows certification for those already certified in other states. The Iowa Board of Medicine will administer the certification process and set related rules.
HF 2177 would allow Iowa state employees to take up to eight hours of paid leave each year for volunteer activities without losing seniority, pay, vacation time, health benefits, or other employment protections. Employees would be compensated at their regular hourly rate for the time taken off. The bill also clarifies that during this leave, employees would not be considered state employees for workers' compensation or tort claims purposes. This directly affects all Iowa state employees who wish to volunteer during work hours. The policy change aims to support employee community engagement while maintaining workplace benefits.
SF 172 requires Iowa school districts and schools to provide age-appropriate child sexual abuse and assault awareness education to students in kindergarten through grade six. It mandates the development of model guidelines for teaching safe touch, unsafe touch, reporting procedures, and internet safety, along with research-based materials for parents at registration and in student handbooks. The bill also requires educators to complete continuing education on prevention topics and incorporate these lessons into school curricula. This directly affects K-6 students, parents, and school staff across all Iowa public and nonpublic schools. The policy changes focus on preventive education, not legal enforcement or victim support services.
HF 2272 modifies license renewal requirements for certain educational practitioners in Iowa. It adds a new exemption: practitioners employed for 20+ years (unless holding an evaluator endorsement requiring 10-year renewal) are exempt from renewal requirements, alongside the existing 10-year exemption for those with advanced degrees. The bill allows continuing education to be completed electronically and requires the Board of Educational Examiners to conduct criminal history checks every five years for exempt practitioners. This directly affects licensed educational professionals meeting the specified employment duration thresholds. The bill does not change the board’s authority to deny or revoke licenses under existing rules.
