Education (Student Financial Aid)

in committee · Iowa · Senate Jan 28, 2025

SSB 1049: A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program.

SSB 1049 modifies Iowa's National Guard Service Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance to Iowa National Guard members attending eligible Iowa colleges. The bill changes how scholarship amounts are calculated, stating awards cannot exceed the difference between the institution's tuition rate and any federal financial aid received under 10 U.S.C. §2007. It also removes a previous provision prohibiting eligibility or award decisions based on a member's unit, drill location, or whether they serve in the Army or Air National Guard. The program remains administered by the College Student Aid Commission for qualifying Iowa National Guard members.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationModifies scholarship program to expand access for National Guard members at Iowa colleges by removing eligibility barriers and capping awards at tuition minus federal aid.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SF 14: A bill for an act establishing the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program scholarship program and making appropriations.

This bill establishes a scholarship program to help Iowa residents with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities (age 18+) cover tuition and fees for approved postsecondary education programs. The program, administered by the College Student Aid Commission with input from vocational rehabilitation services, provides up to $5,000 per student, prioritizing Iowa residents. It creates a dedicated scholarship fund in the state treasury, with unspent funds rolling over annually instead of reverting to the general fund. The bill requires the Commission to set application criteria and adopt rules for the program’s operation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates dedicated state appropriations ($5,000/student) for college scholarships via state treasury, directly advancing public service funding through new budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes scholarship program funding postsecondary education access for disabled students, directly advancing educational opportunity through state appropriations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 18, 2025

SF 283: A bill for an act establishing the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program scholarship program and making appropriations.

SF 283 establishes a scholarship program to help Iowa residents with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities (age 18+) cover costs at approved postsecondary programs. The program, administered by the College Student Aid Commission with input from vocational rehabilitation services, provides up to $5,000 annually per academic year for tuition and fees at U.S. Department of Education-approved programs. Funds are held in a dedicated state treasury account that carries over yearly, avoiding annual budget reversion. Priority for scholarships is given to Iowa residents applying through an annual process.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state appropriations for disability scholarship program, increasing public service funding via dedicated treasury account.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes $5,000 annual scholarships for postsecondary education access for disabled Iowans, directly expanding educational funding and access for a specific group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 24, 2025

HF 154: A bill for an act providing for a waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees and a stipend at regents institutions for Iowa residents who receive the maximum score on certain standardized tests.

HF 154 would waive undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at Iowa's public universities for Iowa residents who achieve the highest possible score on the ACT or SAT college readiness assessments. It also provides a $5,000 semester stipend to qualifying students. To receive these benefits, students must submit score documentation and maintain satisfactory academic progress toward graduation. The bill directly affects high-scoring Iowa students at regents institutions, creating a new financial aid pathway tied to standardized test performance.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill waives tuition and provides stipend for high-scoring students at regents institutions, directly expanding access to higher education and increasing financial support for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 24, 2025

SF 361: A bill for an act establishing the armed forces reserve component scholarship program within the college student aid commission.

SF 361 establishes Iowa's Armed Forces Reserve Component Scholarship Program, administered by the College Student Aid Commission. It provides tuition coverage (up to 100% of resident fees based on financial need) for Iowa-resident military reservists (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force) enrolled full-time at eligible institutions like community colleges or state universities. To qualify, students must complete required initial active duty training, maintain satisfactory academic progress toward an associate degree or high-demand certificate, and apply for other financial aid. The program includes provisions for active duty orders (extending scholarship use to five years) and requires repayment if students discontinue enrollment without active duty orders.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates tuition scholarship program for military reservists at colleges, directly funding higher education access and expanding student financial support.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates tuition scholarship for Iowa military reservists, directly funding education benefits for service members transitioning to veteran status.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 28, 2025

HSB 152: A bill for an act concerning information regarding certain state and federal student loan programs.

This bill requires Iowa's student loan corporation to provide the state's college aid bureau with specific information about federal and state student loan rates and terms. The bureau must then verify this data, compare rates, and if Iowa's state loans (College Family Loan and Partnership Loan) offer lower rates than federal PLUS loans, publish a clear online statement. This statement must be included in all financial aid offers sent to Iowa students by colleges, explaining when state loans may be a lower-cost option. The bill directly affects Iowa students, colleges, and the state's student loan programs by standardizing loan comparison information.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires transparent comparison of state vs federal loan rates in financial aid offers, reducing student debt burden and supporting higher education access through cost-effective loan options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Iowa · House Mar 7, 2025

HF 837: A bill for an act establishing the armed forces reserve component scholarship program within the college student aid commission.

HF 837 establishes a scholarship program for Iowa residents serving in U.S. military reserve components (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force). The program covers tuition and mandatory fees up to 100% of financial need at eligible Iowa colleges or universities, including community colleges and state universities. To qualify, students must complete required active duty training, maintain full-time enrollment, and meet academic progress standards while enrolled in a high-demand career program. Scholarships are distributed by the College Student Aid Commission, with priority given to those with demonstrated financial need, and include special provisions for students ordered to active duty.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes tuition scholarship program for military reservists at Iowa colleges, expanding higher education access and funding for students.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes tuition scholarship for military reservists (future veterans), directly funding education benefits as a core veteran support service.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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in committee · Iowa · House Mar 27, 2025

HF 271: A bill for an act establishing the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program scholarship program and making appropriations.

HF 271 creates a scholarship program providing up to $5,000 annually for Iowa residents with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities who are enrolled in approved comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs (college programs designed for students with disabilities). The College Student Aid Commission, working with vocational rehabilitation services, will administer the program, requiring annual applications and prioritizing Iowa residents. Funds for the program will be held in a dedicated state treasury account that carries over each year instead of reverting to the general fund. This bill establishes the program structure and funding mechanism but requires separate annual appropriations from the legislature to operate.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly makes appropriations to fund a new scholarship program, increasing state budget expenditure for educational support of disabled students.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates $5,000 annual scholarships for Iowa students with disabilities in college programs, expanding higher education access and funding for a specific group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 10, 2025

HF 97: A bill for an act establishing the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program scholarship program and making appropriations.

HF 97 establishes a scholarship program to help Iowa residents with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities cover costs for approved college programs. The program, administered by the College Student Aid Commission with input from vocational rehabilitation services, provides up to $5,000 annually per student toward tuition and fees at state-approved comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs. Applicants must be 18+ and reapply yearly; Iowa residents receive priority. Funds are held in a dedicated state treasury account that carries over unused money to future years, ensuring consistent support without annual reappropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds ($5k/student) for disability scholarship program via appropriations, directly funding an essential public education service.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates scholarship program expanding higher education access for disabled students through state-funded tuition support, directly enhancing educational access and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Iowa · House Mar 7, 2025

HF 234: A bill for an act establishing the armed forces reserve component scholarship program within the college student aid commission.

HF 234 establishes a scholarship program for Iowa residents serving in U.S. military reserve components (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force) who are enrolled full-time at eligible Iowa colleges or universities. The scholarship covers up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees - based on financial need - for up to eight semesters, administered by the College Student Aid Commission. To qualify, students must complete required active duty training, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and provide military certification. The program requires applicants to apply for all other available state and federal aid, and funds are distributed based on eligibility if appropriations are limited.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes tuition scholarship for military students at Iowa colleges, directly expanding higher education access and funding for eligible students.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes tuition scholarship for military reservists, directly funding education benefits that advance veterans' service recognition and transition support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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