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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
SF 2425 is an education bill modifying multiple areas, primarily affecting charter schools, nonpublic schools, and public school districts in Iowa. It increases funding for charter schools by adding teacher leadership, salary, and professional development supplements to their per-pupil state allocation. The bill also requires charter schools to participate in the state retirement system and establishes new rules allowing students at nonpublic schools or charter schools to join public school athletic programs under specific conditions. These changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2026, and include provisions for charter school closures and federal funding access.
This bill modifies multiple aspects of Iowa's education system. It changes how charter schools receive funding by adding specific supplements to per-pupil allocations, requires charter school employees to join the state retirement system, and allows students in charter or nonpublic schools to participate in public school sports under defined conditions. The bill also designates charter schools as local education agencies for federal funding purposes and creates bond authority for charter and accredited nonpublic school facility projects. These changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2026.
This bill modifies Iowa's education savings account program eligibility. For the 2025 school year (starting July 1, 2025), it maintains current rules allowing nonpublic school students (K-12) to receive payments. Starting July 1, 2026, it adds an income requirement: households must earn 400% or less of the U.S. federal poverty income guidelines to qualify. The change directly affects families with children attending nonpublic schools who seek these state-funded education savings accounts. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
SF 2232, the "Increasing Civic Proficiency in Higher Education Act," requires Iowa's regents institutions (like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa) to mandate that undergraduate students complete introductory survey courses in American history and American government, each worth at least three credit hours, as part of their general education requirements. These courses must cover all American history and government and fulfill social sciences or humanities requirements, applying to students starting at these institutions in academic years beginning July 1, 2028, while exempting three-year degree programs. The bill also directs three university centers to annually designate qualifying courses, host ongoing lecture and debate series promoting civil dialogue on American republic issues, and submit annual reports to state officials. This legislation directly affects undergraduate students and regents institutions by embedding specific civic education requirements into graduation criteria.
This bill lowers the statewide school district foundation property tax rate from $5.44 to $4.44 per $1,000 of assessed property value, effective July 1, 2026. It also repeals Iowa’s education savings account program, which allowed families to use public funds for private school tuition. The tax rate change directly affects all Iowa school districts and adjusts tax credit calculations for agricultural landowners under existing family farm tax credit programs. The bill’s provisions apply to school budgets beginning July 1, 2026, with phased increases for reorganized school districts.
