HF 2242 prohibits Iowa's regents-controlled public universities from raising tuition for resident undergraduate students starting upon the bill's enactment and continuing until July 1, 2031. This directly affects in-state undergraduate students at institutions like the University of Iowa, Iowa State, and others under the state board of regents. The key provision requires the board of regents to enforce a tuition freeze during this period, with the prohibition automatically ending on the specified date. The bill takes immediate effect once signed into law.
HF 389 creates a new process for investigating student abuse by school employees in Iowa. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) to investigate reports within 24 hours and complete investigations within 30 business days. Schools must immediately place accused employees (including teachers, vendors, and volunteers) on administrative leave during investigations, and must terminate employment if DHS confirms abuse. This directly affects public and nonpublic schools, their employees, and the DHS, replacing current procedures with a standardized, time-bound system for handling such reports.
SF 175 requires public school districts, charter schools, and other accredited schools to add specific content about pregnancy and fetal development to health and human growth classes for students in grades 5 through 12. This policy change directly affects all schools in the state and their students in those grade levels by mandating the inclusion of this topic in existing health education. The bill does not alter funding or create new programs but updates curriculum standards to include this subject matter. It was passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor on June 6, 2025.
HF 784 modifies Minnesota's education laws to change mathematics instruction standards, update teacher training program requirements, and clarify the duties of the state education director. It directly affects K-12 schools, math teachers, and educator preparation programs by setting new guidelines for how math is taught and how teachers are trained. Key provisions include requiring specific math teaching methods and updating the process for approving teacher education programs. The bill also includes provisions for when these changes take effect. It was signed into law by the governor in June 2025.
SF 278 requires the state Department of Education to provide technical assistance to school districts seeking to establish robotics-focused career and technical student organizations (CTSOs). It also authorizes high school athletic associations to sponsor interscholastic robotics competitions. The bill directly affects public high schools, students participating in robotics programs, and school administrators managing career and technical education. Key provisions create a structured pathway for schools to develop robotics clubs and integrate them into existing athletic or career-focused competition frameworks.
HF 835 requires schools to train personnel on emergency care for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders. It mandates specific emergency care planning, authorizes staff to assist students during seizures, and limits their liability when acting in good faith. The bill also directs the Department of Education to form a work group to develop health care training standards for school staff. These changes directly affect school personnel and students with seizure disorders across the state.
HF 865 modifies how Minnesota school districts and accredited nonpublic schools address student harassment or bullying. It updates existing policies to clarify procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents. The bill directly affects students and school staff by changing the framework for handling these cases within schools. As signed into law on May 27, 2025, it establishes concrete requirements for school districts to follow regarding harassment and bullying prevention and response.
This bill, known as the "Accreditation Autonomy Act," primarily affects Iowa's public colleges and universities and their accrediting agencies. It updates several state laws to recognize any federally recognized accreditor for various educational programs and institutions, rather than just a specific commission. The bill prohibits accrediting agencies from taking negative actions against public institutions for complying with Iowa state law or refusing to violate it. If an accrediting agency violates this provision, the affected institution, with the Attorney General's authorization, can pursue a civil lawsuit for injunctive relief and financial damages.
This bill modifies Iowa's existing law concerning school concussion and brain injury policies. It specifically expands the definition of "licensed health care provider" for the purpose of clearing students to return to extracurricular interscholastic activities after experiencing a concussion or brain injury. Under this bill, a person who holds a doctorate in psychology with specialty training in neuropsychology or concussion management would be added to the list of professionals who can provide such clearance. This change directly affects students participating in school activities and the range of medical professionals involved in their return-to-play protocols.
This bill expands which grades are eligible for a year-round school calendar in Iowa. It authorizes public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to apply to the Department of Education for permission to implement a year-round calendar for students in grades nine through twelve. This extends an existing provision that currently only allows year-round calendars for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Before applying for authorization, school boards are required to hold a public hearing on any year-round calendar proposal.
