Education (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.

This bill changes the election dates school districts can use to vote on taxes for paying school bond debts. It specifically adds "the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November" as an option for even-numbered years when holding a special election for bond-related tax levies or adjustments. School districts in Iowa will now have this additional date to schedule votes on bond payments, alongside existing March and September options. The change applies only to bond-related tax levies under sections 298.18 or 298.18A of the Iowa Code.

SF 88 requires Iowa public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to create policies allowing students in grades 9-12 to miss school for civic or political events without penalty. Schools must grant at least one excused absence per year for such events, with students required to give advance notice to an administrator and complete a short assignment demonstrating what they learned. The policy specifically covers activities like voting, attending political forums, serving as poll workers, or participating in public comment periods. Crucially, these absences will not count toward chronic absenteeism or truancy records.

SF 140 amends Iowa law to regulate satellite absentee voting stations. It requires that if a station is located on school property, the election must include a school-related ballot measure (such as a bond, levy, or educational program vote). The bill also mandates that election officials remove or obscure any published materials showing candidate names or public measure details (other than the ballot itself) at these stations. These changes affect how absentee voting locations are set up and what materials voters see near polling areas.