HF 2240, the "Tax the Endowments Act," imposes an annual tax of 7.1% on the endowment value exceeding $500 million held by Iowa public universities (governed by the state board of regents) and accredited private colleges. The tax revenue is directed to two specific programs: funds from public institutions support workforce grant programs, while funds from private institutions supplement tuition grants for students in high-wage, high-demand majors. The bill also limits institutions to charging no more than 5% on gift proceeds and 1% annual fees on endowment management. It directly affects large Iowa colleges with substantial endowments, redirecting tax revenue to workforce development and targeted student financial aid.
HF 2132 would require Iowa's public universities (regents institutions) to waive all tuition and mandatory fees for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, veterans must apply for admission, have exhausted all other federal or state financial aid (like Pell Grants or VA education benefits), and not receive other assistance covering their tuition costs. The bill mandates that institutions prorate the waiver to cover only the gap between other aid received and the full tuition/fees amount. This policy directly affects eligible veterans seeking higher education at Iowa's public universities.
HF 2236 modifies Iowa's tuition grants program to expand eligibility for students at accredited private colleges and universities. It revises definitions to include "accredited private institutions" in key sections, ensuring these schools qualify for state financial aid programs like the Iowa Tuition Grant and teacher shortage loan programs. The bill also requires institutions to post required textbook lists online 14 days before each term and creates a new teacher shortage forgivable loan program for students in designated teacher shortage areas. These changes directly affect students attending private colleges, public institutions, and community colleges participating in Iowa's state aid programs.
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.
HF 2241 (Iowa) requires public universities governed by the state board of regents to cover 10% of the amount owed when a student defaults on an educational loan used for tuition during their enrollment. This applies specifically to loans taken out on or after July 1, 2026, and directly affects borrowers who default on these student loans. The bill establishes that the institution’s 10% liability offsets the borrower’s debt under the same terms, unless the institution negotiates different terms. It does not change the borrower’s primary responsibility for the remaining 90% of the debt.
HB 549 requires Iowa's public universities to set a policy where tuition for in-state undergraduate students remains fixed after their first year of enrollment, starting with students beginning in 2027 or later. This means a resident student's tuition won't rise in their second, third, or fourth year (up to three consecutive years total), unless they transfer credits allowing them to graduate faster. The policy does not apply to students who start after their first year or beyond the three-year window. It directly affects undergraduate students enrolled at Iowa's regents universities who are classified as state residents.
HB 3 establishes Iowa's National Guard Service Professional Qualification Scholarship Program, providing financial aid to Iowa National Guard members pursuing approved postsecondary credentials. The scholarship covers the full cost of approved educational programs at community colleges, state universities, or accredited private institutions, excluding associate degrees and higher. Eligible members must complete initial training, maintain good performance, enroll in an approved program, and apply for other state/federal aid first. The Adjutant General verifies eligibility and approves educational programs, while unspent funds roll over annually to support the program.
This bill modifies the National Guard Service Scholarship Program, which provides financial aid to Iowa National Guard members attending eligible Iowa colleges and universities. It changes how scholarship award amounts are calculated. The bill stipulates that scholarship awards cannot exceed the difference between the institution's tuition rate and any federal financial aid received under 10 U.S.C. §2007. Additionally, it removes the previous minimum scholarship award amount and eliminates the prohibition against basing award determinations on a member's unit, drill location, or branch of service.
SSB 1068 updates Iowa's workforce development laws to align with federal requirements. It revises definitions for national service programs (like AmeriCorps and RefugeeRISE), requires local workforce boards to develop federally compliant plans, and mandates new reporting on education and job training outcomes. The bill affects the Department of Workforce Development, local workforce boards, and job seekers accessing training programs. Key changes include repealing outdated sections (84A.7-84A.11) and adding requirements for annual reports on scholarship program participation and employment outcomes.
This bill modifies Iowa's National Guard service scholarship program for state university students. It changes the scholarship cap to cover tuition minus any federal aid received under 10 U.S.C. §2007, instead of previously capping at resident tuition rates. It also removes a prior rule prohibiting decisions based on a member's unit, drill location, or whether they serve in the Army or Air National Guard. The change affects Iowa National Guard members using the scholarship at eligible colleges. The program continues to require minimum awards of 50% of resident tuition if funds are limited.
