Education

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SSB 3164: A bill for an act relating to education reporting, including the sharing of unit-level wage data for secondary and postsecondary program evaluation, the establishment of the condition of education report, consolidating certain required reports, modifying responsibilities for the future ready Iowa last-dollar scholarship report, modifying Iowa workforce development data-sharing provisions, and creating a return on investment reporting system to be overseen by the Iowa student aid commission.

This bill establishes a new system for tracking the effectiveness of Iowa's education programs. It requires schools and colleges to report detailed data on program costs, completion rates, graduate employment, and earnings to the Iowa Student Aid Commission. The commission will then compile and publish this "return on investment" data in a public format, helping students and families compare program outcomes. Additionally, the bill consolidates multiple education reports into an annual "Condition of Education Report" and modifies how workforce data is shared for program evaluation. These changes directly affect public colleges, secondary schools, and students seeking postsecondary education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates public ROI reporting system for program outcomes (employment/earnings), enhancing transparency to help students compare educational options and make informed choices.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid Tags Data Reporting

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passed · Iowa · House Mar 19, 2026

HF 2336: A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the protected speech and expression rights of students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools and the duties of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

HF 2336 requires Iowa school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to comply with federal standards for student religious, political, and ideological expression. The bill mandates that schools annually distribute federal guidance on religious expression to all staff, offer related professional development, adopt model policies, and certify annual compliance. Schools that fail to follow these requirements face civil penalties of at least $5,000 per violation. This legislation directly affects all public K-12 schools in Iowa by establishing specific administrative duties to ensure student speech rights align with federal law.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates schools to comply with federal standards protecting student religious, political, and ideological expression, requiring policies and training to safeguard these rights, thus supporting educational freedom and student expression in sc...90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 11, 2026

HSB 683: A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the physical education and physical activity requirements applicable to certain specified students and by implementing a graduation requirement related to participation in a cocurricular or extracurricular activity.

This bill modifies Iowa's education laws to require all high school students (grades 9-12) to participate in at least one cocurricular or extracurricular activity as a condition for graduation. It defines "cocurricular" activities (like student government or theater) and "extracurricular" activities (like sports or band) in detail, mandating school districts to ensure students meet this requirement. The bill also updates physical education rules, adding self-defense content for grades 6+ and adjusting weekly activity time requirements, but the new graduation requirement is the primary policy change directly affecting students. School districts will fund this through existing state aid, per the bill's funding provisions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates student participation in cocurricular/extracurricular activities as graduation requirement, enhancing holistic student development programs per bill's explicit language.92% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Iowa · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SF 2404: A bill for an act requiring the department of education to develop and administer a pilot program that requires certain specified school districts to establish attendance centers for students requiring special education and students with behavioral issues.

SF 2404 requires Iowa's Department of Education to create a pilot program where one rural school district (defined by specific population criteria) and one urban school district (with at least 7,000 students) must establish specialized attendance centers. These centers will provide educational and special education services to eligible students, including those needing special education or facing behavioral challenges that interfere with regular classroom success. The bill mandates annual reporting on participation, academic outcomes, and stakeholder feedback from participating districts, and requires at least 48% of special education funds to support the pilot. The program is set to expire on July 1, 2031.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates specialized attendance centers for special education students, enhancing targeted support and educational access within K-12 system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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signed · Iowa · Senate May 22, 2026

SF 2231: A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the protected speech and expression rights of students, modifying provisions related to the duties of the department of education, and modifying eligibility and participation requirements for certain education programs, preschool programs, and tax provisions, providing civil penalties, and including retroactive applicability provisions.

SF 2231 expands access to preschool and college programs in Iowa. It allows community-based childcare centers and preschool providers to participate in school district programs under specific agreements, ensuring eligible four-year-olds can access services regardless of their program type. The bill also creates pathways for high school students (grades 9-12) to enroll in nonsectarian college courses at community colleges for credit, requiring school districts to notify students and parents about these options. Additionally, it mandates that public school districts make textbooks available to accredited nonpublic school students upon request, using state funds if appropriated. These provisions directly affect preschool providers, public/private school districts, high school students, and nonpublic school students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands preschool access for 4-year-olds and creates college course pathways for high school students (grades 9-12) at community colleges, directly advancing educational access and opportunities.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Higher Education K-12 Education

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 16, 2026

HF 2458: A bill for an act establishing the teacher and para-educator grant program within the department of workforce development, and making appropriations.

HF 2458 establishes a state grant program within Iowa's Department of Workforce Development to help two groups: high school students pursuing a para-educator certificate and associate degree, and current para-educators seeking a bachelor's degree. The program provides financial assistance for education costs and is funded by a $3.5 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026-2027. It also allows prior work experience through this grant program to count toward the 14-week student teaching requirement for education students. The bill requires the Department of Workforce Development to administer the program in consultation with the Department of Education.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $3.5M in new appropriations for educator grants, directly funding workforce development through state budget spending.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes $3.5M grant program for para-educator/teacher education, funding associate/bachelor's degrees, directly advancing educator workforce development and access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides state grants for para-educator/teacher education, funding workforce development and career advancement in education sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations K-12 Education Teachers Workforce Development

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 11, 2026

HF 2404: A bill for an act relating to the timing of school district bond elections.

HF 2404 changes when school districts in Iowa can hold bond elections. It requires all school district bond votes to occur only on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years (like 2026 or 2028). This aligns school bond elections with the state's regular general election schedule, rather than allowing them on other dates. The bill directly affects school districts seeking voter approval for bond issues, ensuring these votes happen consistently with statewide elections. It does not apply to other political subdivisions or non-bond-related elections.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill aligns school bond elections with general elections to increase voter turnout, facilitating passage of infrastructure funding (key education funding need) without restricting access or funding.80% confidence

Tags Elections

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 16, 2026

HF 2453: A bill for an act relating to school district general fund flexibility accounts by expanding eligible uses to include costs to expand preschool programs.

HF 2453 allows Iowa school districts to use existing general fund flexibility accounts for costs to expand preschool programs for four-year-olds. This directly affects school districts by expanding the permitted uses of funds they already manage under state law. The bill amends Section 298A.2, subsection 2, paragraph c, subparagraph (1) to specifically include "start-up costs and costs to expand" approved local preschool programs. The key change is redirecting current flexibility funds toward preschool expansion without creating new state funding.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill redirects existing school district funds to expand preschool access, advancing educational access for four-year-olds through explicit funding flexibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

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signed · Iowa · House Apr 30, 2026

HF 2491: A bill for an act providing for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities.

HF 2491 waives all tuition and mandatory fees at Iowa's regents universities for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, veterans must apply for admission and have exhausted all other federal or state financial aid options, such as Pell Grants or VA education benefits. The waiver is prorated each semester to cover only the difference between other aid received and the actual tuition and fees charged. This policy directly affects eligible veterans seeking higher education at Iowa's public universities, ensuring they face no out-of-pocket costs for tuition and mandatory fees after other aid is applied.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill waives tuition/fees for veterans with disabilities at regents universities, expanding higher education access and providing direct financial support through a targeted funding mechanism.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransWaives tuition/fees for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities, expanding educational benefits after exhausting other aid options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 17, 2026

HF 2306: A bill for an act modifying the responsibilities of school district teachers and other educational staff related to students who have individualized education programs or plans under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act.

HF 2306 requires Iowa school district teachers and instructional staff to read and acknowledge individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans for students with disabilities. Specifically, teachers must read these plans and provide written notice to the special education teacher or principal, while instructional assistants must attend related meetings unless parents object. The bill modifies staff responsibilities to ensure alignment with federal disability accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act. Funding for compliance will be covered by existing state school foundation aid, eliminating the need for additional state funds.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates teachers to acknowledge IEPs/504 plans and ensures compliance with federal disability accommodations, strengthening special education implementation for students with disabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Teachers

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