HF 301 requires the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to prioritize Iowa residents, Iowa college/university graduates, or Iowa medical school graduates for federal medical residency and fellowship positions. It also mandates that primary care and psychiatry trainees complete rural rotations to gain exposure to rural healthcare settings across Iowa. The bill directly affects medical training programs at the University of Iowa, changing how candidates are selected and adding rural experience requirements. These are concrete policy changes to increase Iowa-focused medical training and rural healthcare exposure.
SF 450 requires Iowa's Department of Education to develop and distribute family resources supporting math learning at home, a statewide math plan by July 2025, and a list of approved screening tools for K-6 students. It mandates school districts to assess all K-6 students in math three times yearly using approved screeners and to provide targeted interventions for students identified as "persistently at risk" (not meeting benchmarks on two consecutive assessments). Schools must create personalized math plans and deliver small group or intensive support until students meet proficiency targets on state assessments. The bill also updates teacher preparation programs to include specific math pedagogy requirements for educators teaching K-12.
HF 771 would have required Iowa's Department of Education to create a "Purple Star School Initiative" recognizing public schools that support military-connected students and their families. Schools applying for this designation would need to demonstrate existing commitment to this student group, with the goal of encouraging more schools to expand such support. The initiative would operate as a voluntary recognition program, not direct funding. The bill was introduced in March 2025 but was withdrawn on April 8, 2025, after being substituted by another bill.
HF 579 adjusts funding limits for school districts providing programs for at-risk students, alternative school attendees, or returning dropouts. It sets a 2.5% cap on supplemental funding relative to a district's total regular program costs for fiscal years starting July 1, 2013, and later, with a historical adjustment for districts exceeding this cap before 2013. Starting in 2026, districts could exceed the 2.5% limit to 5% if approved by local voters through an election. The bill directly affects school districts receiving these specific supplemental funds, requiring voter approval for higher funding levels beyond 2025.
HSB 329 establishes a program to waive tuition and mandatory fees at Iowa's regent institutions and community colleges. This waiver is available to eligible peace officers and their legal dependents who are Iowa residents. Peace officers must be certified and pursuing a law enforcement-related degree, while legal dependents must agree to reside in Iowa for five years post-graduation. Both groups can receive the waiver for up to three years. The bill also creates a state fund to reimburse educational institutions for the cost of these waivers.
This bill requires school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to implement new training and emergency care provisions for students with epilepsy or seizure disorder. It mandates that by July 2025, each school must have at least one employee trained to administer seizure medications or assist with vagus nerve stimulators. By December 2026, all school personnel must receive training on recognizing seizure signs and providing first aid, with biennial refreshers for staff supervising students. Schools must also collaborate with parents to develop individual health and seizure action plans for affected students and are granted liability protection when acting in good faith under these plans. Additionally, the Department of Education will convene a work group to review broader health care training needs for school personnel.
SSB 1241 addresses state government finances and appropriations, primarily for the fiscal year 2025-2026. It modifies funding for education by limiting the appropriation for nonpublic school pupil transportation and setting instructional support state aid to zero. The bill also reallocates over $21 million from the Iowa Economic Emergency Fund for school foundation aid and reduces overall funding for school districts and area education agencies by $25 million. Furthermore, it allows certain state employee salary adjustments to be funded from unappropriated special funds. The bill also includes several corrective provisions to existing state laws.
House File 1055 is a state finance bill that makes various adjustments to appropriations and transfers for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. It limits funding for nonpublic school pupil transportation and sets instructional support state aid to zero for that fiscal year, directly affecting schools. The bill also allows salary adjustments to be funded from unappropriated moneys in specific state special funds. Additionally, it transfers over $21 million from the taxpayer relief fund to the general fund to support school foundation aid, and reduces amounts for school districts and area education agencies by $25 million. The bill also includes technical corrections to other state laws.
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.
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.
