Education

HF 522 amends Iowa's therapeutic classroom incentive program to allow school districts using grant funds to cover specific nutritional items for students. It directly affects students in therapeutic classrooms - those whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with learning - and the school districts administering these programs. Key provisions authorize funding for micronutrient access (like vitamins D and K2), assessments of macro-nutritional needs, provision of whole foods (fresh produce, healthy proteins), restrictions on artificial food additives, and initiatives addressing digital screen use and natural light exposure. The bill expands allowable uses of existing grant funds to support nutrition-based strategies within therapeutic classrooms.

HF 269 prohibits Iowa's public universities (regents institutions) from requiring students to take courses or faculty to use teaching materials related to diversity, equity, inclusion, or critical race theory as part of degree requirements. The bill bans institutions from constraining students' course choices to meet such requirements or mandating faculty to incorporate specific content or participate in related training as part of evaluations or promotions. Limited exemptions exist only for programs explicitly focused on racial, ethnic, or gender studies, and students cannot be forced to take these courses for other degrees. The law takes effect for academic years starting July 1, 2026.