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Welcome to IA State Legislation Watch!

This a new series where volunteers are attempting to keep an eye on newly proposed pieces of legislation and how it may impact our communities.

On each of these updates, we hope to share items we find concerning, why we find them concerning, links directly to the item on the Iowa state legislative website for more information, as well as the sponsors of that legislation.

Education in General:

HF884 (OPPOSE)

This bill would allow school districts to hire and engage as volunteers, chaplains that may be unlicensed and unregulated. This bill is currently eligible for debate in the senate.

Education Committee, sponsors Mike Pike, [R], Kniff McCulla [R]

HF845, SF510 (OPPOSE)

The bill calls for establishing rules to allow the teaching of Hebrew Scripture, the Old Testament, and New Testament. The bill is currently in the Senate Education Committee.

SF2008 (SUPPORT)

The bill seeks establishing requirements related to nonpublic schools that receive tuition payments from the education savings account program.

Senate Sponsor: Charlie McClintock [R]

SF2066 (OPPOSE)

The bill would require an “opt in” rather than the current “opt out” from parents to allow the student to participate in classes on human growth and development.

Sponsor Sandy Salmon [R] Senate Education Committee has recommended passage

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Higher Education:

HF2116 (OPPOSE)

Summary from the website states “A bill for an act relating to trainings and curricula regarding specific defined concepts provided by public institutions of higher education and school districts.”

Sponsor Sandy Fett [R] and House Education Committee.

HSB537 (OPPOSE)

A bill that precludes private higher education institutions from participating in the Iowa tuition if the institution has DEI offices.

Senate Higher Education Subcommittee, Steven Holt [R], Timi Brown-Powers [D], Skyler Wheeler [D]

HSB542/SF2063 (OPPOSE)

A bill for an act prohibiting courses and content relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory in general education requirements and core curricula at regent’s institutions.

Higher Ed. Subcommittee and Steven Holt [R], Skyler Wheeler [R], Ross Wilburn [D]

HSB543/SF2033 (OPPOSE)

A bill that establishes required courses in American History and American Government for all undergraduate students. This bill continues to shift decisions on course requirements of higher education from the educational institutions to the state legislature. For more context, look for coverage on last year's HF401 "Core Curriculum Act'.

Bill has passed subcommittees.

Senate Ed. Committee recommends passage. Sponsor Kerry Gruenhagen [R]

HSB607 (OPPOSE)

A bill for an act repealing the board of regents' minority and women educators’ enhancement program.

The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SSB3095/HSB646 (SUPPORT)

A bill for an act requiring annual reports on antisemitism in community colleges, regent’s institutions, and public school districts.

Sponsored by Senate Education Committee.

Resources

A shout out to Connie Ryan and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa for information regarding many of the bills discussed above.