HF 665 requires Iowa's public colleges and universities to enhance mental health support for students. It mandates annual mental health awareness sessions during orientation, integration of mental health topics into coursework, and publication of campus mental health resources online. The bill also requires institutions to implement an annual online screening tool for mental health conditions (starting three years after enactment), provide mental health first aid training for resident assistants and advisors, establish peer support programs using student peers, and form partnerships with local mental health providers for referrals. These measures directly affect all students at Iowa's public institutions of higher education.
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.
HF 221 limits school districts' bond issuances for capital projects approved after July 1, 2025, to 80% of the project's total cost. This means districts must cover the remaining 20% of project expenses through non-bond funding sources, such as existing reserves or other revenue streams. The bill directly affects school districts planning new construction or major improvements, requiring them to secure alternative funding for a portion of project costs rather than relying solely on bond sales. It applies specifically to projects where voter approval occurs after the specified date.
SF 453 changes transportation reimbursement rules for students at nonpublic schools: school districts no longer must pay for transportation if parents use education savings accounts (section 257.11B) to cover school costs. It also adjusts funding for area education agencies based on enrollment of nonpublic school students who do not use these accounts, requiring agencies to provide comparable services or face potential budget reductions. The bill affects public school districts, nonpublic schools, and area education agencies by altering reimbursement eligibility and funding calculations. These changes apply to school budget years beginning July 1, 2025.
HF 552 modifies Iowa's compulsory education laws to address chronic absenteeism. It requires public school districts to create policies defining chronic absenteeism (missing 15% or more of school days) and mandating school engagement meetings when students reach this threshold. These meetings involve parents/guardians and schools to develop absenteeism prevention plans, with parents facing penalties for non-attendance - ranging from $100 fines for a first offense to $1,000 for third offenses, or community service - unless they prove reasonable efforts were made. The bill excludes students with individualized education programs (IEPs) affecting attendance from these provisions.
HF 730 requires Iowa's Department of Education to create a special education weighting work group to review the state's special education funding system, which hasn't been updated since 2004. The work group, composed of diverse stakeholders including school boards, educators, district representatives (by enrollment size and geographic location), and legislative members, will propose adjustments to special education funding weights. It must submit recommendations to the governor and legislature by January 2, 2026. The bill directly affects all Iowa public school districts serving students with special education needs by addressing outdated funding formulas. This is a procedural step to review current funding mechanisms, not a direct policy change.
HF 119 modifies Iowa's teacher licensing rules for two groups: content specialists (educators with advanced degrees in subject areas) and career/technical secondary educators. It eliminates the requirement for these educators to convert their initial teaching credentials to full authorizations after three years. Instead, they may continue teaching under their initial credentials for up to three years if working under a mentor with a full authorization. The bill also requires the Board of Educational Examiners to issue initial career/technical secondary credentials to eligible community college instructors who meet specific standards. These changes apply to anyone applying for these credentials before, on, or after the bill's effective date.
This bill modifies two key aspects of Iowa's charter school system. First, it removes a requirement that non-resident charter school board members must be Iowa state residents (only requiring geographic area residency). Second, it expands student access to dual enrollment programs: charter school students can now choose to enroll through either their school's district or their home district, including for online charter schools. These changes directly affect charter school boards and students seeking college course access. The bill aims to provide greater flexibility for charter schools and their students within existing educational pathways.
This bill prohibits courts from requiring either parent to pay for a child's postsecondary education (like college or career training) in divorce or custody orders. It directly affects parents in divorce cases involving children aged 18-22 who are attending school. The key provision (Section 598.21F) states courts "shall not order" such payments in temporary orders or final judgments. The law applies only to new or pending orders after July 1, 2025, and does not change existing orders made before that date.
SF 221 updates Iowa's child abuse reporting procedures for schools. It requires public and nonpublic schools to report alleged abuse by staff to child protection services and law enforcement if criminal. Schools must allow confidential access to children during investigations and cooperate with assessments. The bill also mandates that school boards and educational examiners be notified of verified child abuse findings against staff, potentially leading to license denial or revocation for educators. These changes apply directly to all schools and their employees.
