This bill modifies Iowa's education reporting requirements, establishes a national board certification pilot program for teachers, and updates employee compensation for staff at Iowa's educational services for the blind and deaf. It requires community colleges to submit annual financial data directly to the Iowa Department of Education (DE) by March 15, with DE including a statewide summary in its annual report to lawmakers by February 1. The bill allocates $508,250 for teacher certification awards under the pilot program and mandates DE to establish annual compensation schedules for employees of the blind/visually impaired and deaf programs. These changes affect community colleges, public school teachers seeking certification, and staff at specialized educational programs.
HF 76 requires Iowa public and private schools to include specific content about pregnancy and fetal development in health and human growth curricula for students in grades 7-12. The bill mandates that this instruction cover human biology related to pregnancy, fetal development inside the womb, and include a 3-minute high-definition ultrasound video showing early organ development. It also requires a computer-generated animation demonstrating fertilization and every stage of fetal development with key milestones. These provisions apply to all school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools offering the required courses.
This bill requires Iowa school districts to employ either a licensed school nurse or a licensed athletic trainer (under Chapter 152D) to provide student health services starting July 1, 2025, replacing the current requirement for only a school nurse. It affects all public school districts in Iowa, mandating they aim for one provider per 750 students. The bill updates existing code sections to include athletic trainers as qualified personnel and specifies where health-related records must be stored (with the school nurse, athletic trainer, or administrator). These changes align with provisions for health services documentation and staffing in school health policies.
HF 111 creates a tax credit for advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) who serve as unpaid clinical preceptors for nursing students. Eligible preceptors receive a $500 credit per qualifying clinical mentoring session (with at least 100 hours of supervised learning), capped at $2,000 annually for individual income tax. To qualify, preceptors must provide uncompensated instruction at their workplace, be selected by nursing programs, and have at least one year of preceptor experience. The credit applies to tax years starting January 1, 2026, and any unused portion isn’t refundable or carryable to other years.
HF 80 prohibits Iowa school districts and charter schools from disciplining employees, contractors, or students for using legal names, names listed on school registration records, or for not using specific personal pronouns in official communications like emails or forms. It specifically bans disciplinary actions such as termination, suspension, or fines for these reasons. The bill allows affected employees to seek civil remedies, including reinstatement, back pay (up to three times annual wages), and attorney fees, if terminated in violation. This policy directly affects school staff, students, and contractors interacting within official school communications.
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.
This bill requires the lead special education teacher (not coaches or athletic directors) to determine if students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can join school sports teams. The teacher must review the student’s attendance record and whether they are earning passing grades in their classes. It does not apply to students with severe or profound disabilities who receive special education under Chapter 256B. The law applies to both public and nonpublic schools in Iowa.
This bill requires all Iowa public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to publish mental health resources from "your life Iowa" (a state program) on their websites or link to them online. Schools must also collaborate with enrolled students to develop new ways to improve awareness of these mental health resources. The law directly affects students and schools by mandating accessible online resource sharing and student involvement in awareness efforts. It does not change funding or create new services, but standardizes how schools provide mental health information.
HF 155 requires the Iowa State Board of Regents to have its student member physically present at all meetings. If the student member is absent, the board cannot hold a meeting. This bill amends Iowa Code section 262.8 to enforce this requirement, directly affecting how the board conducts its business. The change ensures student representation is present for all official board decisions.
SF 133 requires free period products (tampons and pads) to be available in restrooms at no cost for specific state facilities. It applies to state buildings (excluding governor's office, legislature, and courts), health care institutions under the Department of Health and Human Services, the Iowa School for the Deaf, public and nonpublic schools, and correctional facilities. Schools will receive state reimbursement for costs, and all covered entities must provide products appropriate to health needs in designated locations. The bill defines "period products" as tampons and pads for menstrual cycle use. This policy change directly affects students, staff, patients, residents, and the public in these facilities.
