This bill amends Iowa's definition of "qualified education expenses" for state tax-advantaged savings plans. It aligns Iowa's definition with specific federal Internal Revenue Code sections (529(e)(3) and 529(c)(7)), expanding covered expenses to include elementary/secondary school tuition, registered apprenticeship program costs, and principal/interest payments on qualified education loans for beneficiaries or their siblings. The change directly affects Iowa residents using the state's educational savings plan trust (Code chapter 12D) by clarifying which education costs qualify for tax benefits. The bill removes an outdated reference to a specific federal amendment while updating the definition to match current federal guidelines.
This bill amends Iowa's definition of "qualified education expenses" for state educational savings plans. It aligns the definition with specific sections of the federal Internal Revenue Code, explicitly including elementary and secondary school tuition, apprenticeship program costs (registered with the U.S. Labor Department), and qualified education loan payments. The change directly affects Iowa residents using the state's educational savings plans (like 529 plans) by expanding eligible expenses to cover more education-related costs under federal tax rules. The bill removes an outdated reference to a specific IRS amendment while ensuring state plan rules match current federal definitions.
SSB 3006 requires Iowa colleges and universities to schedule a career development meeting for all newly enrolled undergraduate students during their first semester or orientation. During this meeting, students must review their work history, interests, and potential career paths tied to their major or interests, while also receiving information on internships, jobs, and resume resources. Institutions must also provide written materials detailing local job availability, pay ranges, high-demand occupations, and high-paying careers in Iowa that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. The law applies to first-time students enrolling on or after July 1, 2026, and covers both state-regulated institutions and private schools serving students with Iowa tuition grants.
This bill updates Iowa's definition of "qualified education expenses" for its educational savings plans to align with current federal Internal Revenue Code standards. It specifically includes elementary and secondary school tuition (under IRS section 529(c)(7)), apprenticeship program costs, and qualified education loan payments for beneficiaries or their siblings. The change directly affects Iowans using state savings plans for education expenses, ensuring eligibility matches federal guidelines. The bill is procedural, simplifying Iowa's legal reference without altering policy benefits or creating new requirements.
This bill requires Iowa regents institutions to mandate that all undergraduate students complete introductory survey courses in American history and American government, each worth at least three semester hours of credit. These courses must fulfill general education requirements in social sciences or humanities and cannot focus exclusively on subgroups of Americans. The requirement applies to students starting at these institutions in academic years beginning July 1, 2028, and excludes students in designated three-year degree programs. The centers for civic education at Iowa’s three regents universities must annually designate qualifying courses to meet this standard.
This bill requires Iowa's Board of Educational Examiners to create new teaching certifications (endorsements) for teachers specializing in fine arts, mathematics, and science - subjects identified as high-need areas. To qualify for these endorsements, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. These new certifications will expire on July 1, 2030, meaning the requirement is temporary. The policy directly affects educators seeking to teach in these specific subject areas within Iowa's K-12 schools.
This bill requires Iowa's public universities (governed by the Board of Regents) to apply for and qualify for accreditation through the Commission for Public Higher Education. It directs the Board of Regents to ensure each institution takes all necessary steps to meet accreditation standards. The policy change mandates that these institutions formally seek accreditation rather than relying on existing processes. This affects all public universities in Iowa under the Board of Regents, such as the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The bill focuses on establishing a formal accreditation pathway for these institutions.
This bill (SSB 3049) updates Iowa's career education framework to better align high school programs with workforce needs. It requires the state workforce board to create a statewide list of high-demand jobs, while allowing community colleges to add up to five regional high-demand job listings for local program planning. The bill modifies career academy requirements to ensure they include articulated postsecondary coursework, improves credit transfer between community colleges and four-year institutions for career programs, and expands funding for high school students (grades 9-12) to take college-level classes through concurrent enrollment. These changes directly affect high school students, community colleges, school districts, and the state workforce development board by strengthening career pathways and college credit access.
HB 549 requires Iowa's public universities to set a policy where tuition for in-state undergraduate students remains fixed after their first year of enrollment, starting with students beginning in 2027 or later. This means a resident student's tuition won't rise in their second, third, or fourth year (up to three consecutive years total), unless they transfer credits allowing them to graduate faster. The policy does not apply to students who start after their first year or beyond the three-year window. It directly affects undergraduate students enrolled at Iowa's regents universities who are classified as state residents.
HF 2152 repeals Iowa's school tuition organization (STO) tax credit program, which allowed taxpayers to reduce their individual or corporate income tax by 75% of donations to private schools. Starting July 1, 2026, new contributions to STOs will no longer qualify for this credit, and the annual credit limit for 2026 is reduced to $10 million (down from $20 million). The program is fully repealed effective July 1, 2032, ending all future use of the credit. This directly affects Iowa taxpayers and businesses that previously claimed this credit against their state income tax bills.
