Immigration

HF 2513 prohibits Iowa public colleges and universities from hiring individuals holding valid H-1B visas who are citizens of countries designated as "foreign adversaries" by the U.S. Commerce Secretary or "state sponsors of terrorism" by the U.S. State Secretary. The law applies to institutions of higher education (excluding state board of regents institutions and community colleges) starting July 1, 2026. It requires these institutions to adopt policies preventing employment contracts with affected visa holders. The bill directly impacts hiring practices at Iowa's public universities for specific foreign nationals under federal designations. It does not affect current employment or apply to other visa types or countries not designated under federal criteria.

HF 2102 prohibits using any language other than English for driver's license examinations in Iowa. It directly affects individuals applying for or taking driver's license tests at state offices. The bill amends Iowa law to remove an existing exception, requiring the Iowa Department of Transportation or third-party examiners to conduct all written and oral tests in English. This change applies specifically to the examination process, not other official communications or documents. The bill does not alter requirements for other driver's license procedures or materials.

This bill modifies provisions related to charter schools in Iowa, affecting both their governing boards and student participation in educational programs. It changes the requirements for charter school governing board members, mandating U.S. citizenship for all members and allowing up to one member to reside in another state, while still requiring a majority to live in the school's service area. Additionally, the bill allows students from charter schools and innovation zone schools to access the district-to-community college concurrent enrollment program. These students can access the program through the school district where their charter or innovation zone school is located, or through their district of residence if they attend an online charter or innovation zone school.

HF 946 establishes a process for addressing law enforcement officers, including elected sheriffs, who knowingly and intentionally fail to comply with state immigration enforcement laws. Under this bill, such officers can be investigated by the Attorney General. If a complaint is found valid and the officer continues to refuse compliance, their case may be referred to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council. The Council could then receive a recommendation to revoke the officer's certification.

HF 572 establishes a new criminal offense for smuggling persons in Iowa, targeting individuals who knowingly transport people for payment while violating federal immigration laws. It specifically covers actions like using vehicles to evade officers, encouraging entry/remaining in the U.S. by hiding people, or guiding groups onto agricultural land without owner consent. Penalties range from a class C felony (standard) to class B or A felonies if aggravating factors apply, such as involving children, causing serious injury/death, or using firearms. A key exception allows close family members (within second degree of blood or marriage) to avoid prosecution for most offenses.