HF 2217 requires all public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in Iowa to test for radon gas in school buildings at least once by July 2027 and every five years thereafter, with testing limited to October-March. It creates a state grant program within the Department of Education to help schools cover the costs of radon testing and mitigation, using funds that remain available year-to-year rather than reverting to the general fund. Schools must follow specific testing protocols and address elevated radon levels (4 picocuries per liter or higher) by conducting follow-up tests or developing mitigation plans. The bill also mandates that testing results be published online and reported to health officials, with grants intended to supplement, not replace, existing school funding for radon-related work.
SJR 2005 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring Iowa to guarantee all youths a comprehensive public education meeting or exceeding national standards through public schools and qualified educators. It mandates instruction in core subjects including reading, math, science, history, social studies, arts, and human development, as determined by the legislature or education agencies. The resolution, currently referred to a committee after introduction on January 21, 2026, must next be published for three months and referred to the next general assembly before potentially going to voters for ratification. This is a procedural step toward amending Iowa's constitution, not an immediate law.
This bill allocates $5 million from Iowa's general fund to the Department of Education for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to establish a therapeutic classroom incentive grant program. It directly provides funding to school districts to create therapeutic classrooms for students aged 3 to 21 whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with their success in regular school settings. The program enables school districts to receive grants to set up specialized classrooms designed to support these students' learning and development. The funding is specifically designated for this purpose and cannot be used for other educational programs.
SF 2133 modifies Iowa's requirements for school administrator licenses. It requires new applicants for an initial administrator license to have taught as a teacher in Iowa for at least five consecutive years (across no more than two school districts) before applying. The bill also mandates that current administrators holding initial or professional licenses must maintain an active teacher license to keep their administrator credential. These rules apply to all new applications and licenses granted after the bill's effective date.
HF 2243 requires Iowa's State Board of Regents to submit a report by November 2026 to the governor and legislature on creating a performance-based funding model for the state's public universities. The report must detail how funding could be tied to specific student outcomes, including graduation rates, degrees in high-demand fields, post-graduation employment and income, and whether graduates remain in Iowa. This bill directly affects Iowa's public universities governed by the State Board of Regents. The model would use these five measurable factors to guide potential funding decisions, though the bill itself does not implement the funding changes - only mandates the report.
This bill removes Iowa's requirement for students to provide proof of specific vaccinations to enroll in public or private elementary and secondary schools. It eliminates mandates for immunizations against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, and chickenpox, as well as hepatitis B for children born after 1994 and meningococcal disease for grades 7 and 12. The bill also strikes related provisions requiring schools to provide exemption information and parents to submit immunization records when placing children in private instruction. These changes apply directly to students, parents, and schools across Iowa.
This bill, the REACH Act, allows Iowa community colleges to offer bachelor's degree programs for the first time, directly affecting students seeking four-year degrees without transferring to a university. To qualify, programs must address high-demand local job needs (verified by employers and job vacancies) and require in-person or hybrid instruction - not entirely online. Community colleges must follow state oversight rules for these programs, and Iowa residents enrolled in them pay up to 150% of standard community college tuition rates. The bill amends existing law to expand community college offerings while ensuring alignment with regional workforce demands.
SF 2080 requires Iowa school districts to allow Area Education Agency (AEA) employees who provide educational services to students to access relevant school district records. This directly affects AEA staff (such as special education providers) and school districts, ensuring AEA employees can access necessary student information to deliver effective services. The bill mandates that school districts permit this access when needed for educational programs, and resolves disputes by requiring districts to comply if either the AEA's special education director or the school district's special education director directs it. It removes barriers to information sharing while maintaining oversight through designated education leadership. The policy change focuses on enabling coordinated student support without expanding access beyond what is necessary for service delivery.
HF 2209 requires Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine to admit at least 80% of students who are Iowa residents or attended eligible Iowa colleges. It prioritizes applicants planning to work in Iowa rural communities (under 25,000 people) and specialize in mixed-animal veterinary care. Applicants must disclose their Iowa background and career intentions in their applications. The university must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing admission statistics and reasons for rejections.
This bill modifies Iowa's high school curriculum requirements by allowing technology, engineering, or manufacturing courses to count toward the half-unit computer science credit required for grades 9-12. It specifically permits schools to use dedicated coursework or combined courses (that also meet career-technical education standards) to fulfill this requirement. The change applies to all public school districts, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools in Iowa. The state board of education must create implementing rules, and the policy takes effect for the 2022 school year.
