HF 2685 establishes Iowa's first statewide standards for student instructional technology in elementary schools (K-5). It limits digital instruction to 60 minutes daily, excluding uses like IEP-required technology, teacher demonstrations, assessments, and computer science classes. School districts must adopt written policies detailing daily limits, digital tools used, and parental opt-out rights for reduced screen time, and publish these policies online. The bill also requires transparency around one-to-one device programs, including data practices and parental choice options, but excludes online learning programs.
SF 2224 requires all Iowa public high schools (grades 9-12) to include artificial intelligence fundamentals in computer science courses, mandating instruction on what AI is, how it works, and its societal impacts. It updates graduation requirements to mandate a half-unit of computer science starting in 2022, allowing schools to fulfill part of this requirement through applied science, technology, engineering, or manufacturing courses. The bill also adds new standards for teacher preparation programs, requiring future educators to complete training in AI and computational thinking relevant to their grade level. These changes apply to all Iowa public schools and teacher training institutions, directly affecting students, educators, and curriculum developers. The law modifies existing education codes (sections 256.7, 256.11, and 256.16) to implement these requirements.
SSB 3176 ensures Iowa state agencies continue receiving funding at the previous fiscal year's level if the legislature fails to pass a new annual budget by July 1. It automatically applies the prior year's appropriations for ongoing operations, excluding one-time projects like infrastructure or technology funds. The bill prevents funding gaps by maintaining existing spending levels without new legislative action, while preserving existing budget rules, allocations, and staffing authorizations from the previous year. This procedural measure applies only to fiscal years without a passed budget and does not create new spending.
HF 2649, the "REACH Act," creates a pilot program allowing eligible Iowa community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees in specific high-demand fields like nursing, IT, and education. To qualify, colleges must be at least 50 miles from existing bachelor's programs and limit offerings to three degrees per institution, with upper-level courses taught on campus (not online). The bill requires annual reporting on enrollment, student outcomes, and workforce alignment to the state education department and legislature. It directly affects community colleges in rural or underserved areas seeking to expand local higher education options without replacing university programs.
This bill appropriates $500,000 from Iowa's water quality infrastructure fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to Iowa State University of Science and Technology. The funds will support the Iowa Nutrient Research Center in administering the Iowa Water Quality Information Systems, specifically using sensor technology to collect data on nutrient impacts. The primary purpose is to monitor how nutrients affect the state's surface waters, including rivers and lakes. This directly affects the data collection and monitoring capabilities of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and the state's water quality management efforts.
HF 2452 establishes a state-run data security program within Iowa's Department of Education, allowing school districts to opt in for enhanced protection of student and district data. The department must select data security vendors through a request for proposals process, and participating school districts must commit for an entire school year without mid-year withdrawal. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to fund this program, with money in the dedicated fund rolling over annually instead of reverting to the general fund. This program directly affects school districts choosing to participate and aims to standardize data security practices across Iowa's educational institutions.
This bill (HF 2657) is incorrectly titled as relating to fishing/hunting licenses, but its actual content concerns tax information privacy. It amends sections of Iowa law (specifically 422.20, 422.72, and 483A.1A) to clarify that tax returns and related information cannot be disclosed without specific legal authorization. The bill adds a new provision requiring the Department of Revenue to verify tax filing status (for the prior year) when confirming residency for license applicants, but only providing the minimal necessary confirmation to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It does not change fishing/hunting license requirements or residency criteria; it only governs how tax status information is shared between agencies. The bill is currently in the introduction stage (2026-02-20).
SF 2199 clarifies ownership rights for artificial intelligence (AI) output and trained AI models in Iowa. It states that a person who provides input to an AI owns the resulting output (like text or images) they create, as long as it doesn't infringe on others' copyrights. The person who trains an AI model using lawful data owns the trained AI, unless they've already sold those rights. If an employee uses AI for work within their job duties under employer direction, the employer owns the output or trained AI, provided it doesn't violate existing copyrights. The law explicitly states it doesn't override preexisting copyright or intellectual property rights.
This bill requires Iowa law enforcement to obtain a court-approved warrant before using reverse-location data (like cell tower records or geofences around crime scenes) to investigate violent crimes. It mandates that all collected location data be anonymized before sharing with police, and requires detailed maps and clear notices explaining how the search may affect innocent people. The law applies only when an investigation involves a violent felony and presents an imminent threat to public safety. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, data providers (like phone companies), and individuals whose location data might be collected during such searches.
This bill establishes four new programs under Iowa's Economic Development Authority to support the state's game industry. It creates a tax credit program offering up to 30% of eligible development costs (with a $20 million annual cap) for companies maintaining a physical presence and $250,000 in state payroll. It also provides forgivable loans matching private investments in Iowa game studios (capped at $20 million per studio annually) and offers $150,000-$200,000 annual grants for industry professionals to relocate and work in education, consulting, or industry-building roles for two years. These programs directly affect game developers, investors, and industry professionals seeking to establish or grow Iowa-based operations.
