HF 2393 allows Iowa school districts to use specific categorical funds - generated from students enrolled in the state's education savings account program - for any general school budget purpose, rather than restricted uses. This change applies only to funds tied to students participating in the education savings account program under Section 257.11B. Previously, these funds had to cover teacher salary supplements, professional development, or leadership program costs, but the bill removes those restrictions starting July 1, 2026. The policy directly affects school districts receiving these funds and provides greater budget flexibility for general operations.
This Iowa bill (HSB 718) requires teacher preparation programs to remove specific concepts from their curriculum by July 1, 2027. It prohibits instruction on "diversity, equity, and inclusion" theories, multicultural classroom management frameworks, and social-emotional learning models. Instead, programs must include explicit training in "authority-centered" classroom management techniques - such as clear rules, teacher-led instruction, and consistent discipline - and analyze historical management approaches prior to 1990. The law applies to students admitted to approved programs on or after July 1, 2027, and directs the state education board to enforce these changes through program approvals.
HF 2451 sets a 60-minute daily limit on digital instruction for Iowa students in kindergarten through fifth grade, excluding uses like IEP-required technology, teacher demonstrations, or state assessments. It requires school districts to adopt written technology use policies for these grades, including daily limits, a list of digital platforms, parent opt-out rights, and a statement that technology should support foundational learning. The bill also mandates a technology adoption checklist for one-to-one device programs, covering instructional purpose, age appropriateness, content filtering, and student data practices. These policies and checklists must be published online for public access. The bill applies to all school districts, charter schools, and innovation school zones in Iowa.
HF 2685 establishes Iowa's first statewide standards for student instructional technology in elementary schools (K-5). It limits digital instruction to 60 minutes daily, excluding uses like IEP-required technology, teacher demonstrations, assessments, and computer science classes. School districts must adopt written policies detailing daily limits, digital tools used, and parental opt-out rights for reduced screen time, and publish these policies online. The bill also requires transparency around one-to-one device programs, including data practices and parental choice options, but excludes online learning programs.
This bill modifies how Iowa school districts receive supplemental funding based on open enrollment. It sets a 35% threshold for open enrollment (students from outside the district) to qualify for aid, requires districts to hold a public hearing before applying, and caps aid at 50% of the net enrollment increase multiplied by specific per-pupil costs (like teacher salaries and professional development). Districts where over half of open-enrollment students use private online instruction are excluded. The changes apply to school budgets starting July 1, 2025, and repeal a prior tax levy limitation.
HF 554 modifies Iowa public school library requirements. It requires school districts to employ a licensed teacher librarian (starting July 1, 2025), removing the previous option of hiring someone previously employed at a public library. The bill eliminates enforcement mechanisms like written warnings and hearings for library program compliance, removes confidentiality protections for parents requesting book removals, and deletes prohibitions against student involvement in material removal decisions. These changes directly affect school districts, library staff, and parents making material removal requests.
HF 810 modifies Iowa's funding formula for school districts with high open enrollment (over 45% of students enrolled through open enrollment). It removes the "teacher salary supplement" from the calculation for supplemental aid, expands eligibility beyond the 2024 budget year, and requires school boards to hold public hearings before requesting aid. The bill also limits property tax increases for districts receiving aid after 2025, capping the next year's tax rate at the level of the aid year. It applies to school budget years starting July 1, 2025.
HF 929 requires Iowa school districts to publish online lists of all books in school libraries and instructional materials (like textbooks, articles, and videos) used in classrooms, organized by subject, grade, and teacher. It creates a formal process for parents or guardians to request removal of specific materials, allowing school boards to discuss such requests in closed sessions. School districts must post these lists within 10 days of materials being used and maintain them for two years, with specific formatting rules for digital access. The law applies to all public school districts starting July 1, 2025, and mandates annual policy updates for parents on material review procedures.
