Education 2/14
- indivisiblecria
- Feb 14
- 4 min read
There was much going on this week in the legislature.
Next Friday, Feb. 20, is the first funnel day, meaning that bills in both the House and Senate have to have passed through committees to continue to be considered during this session; there are some exceptions, as always, having to do with financial issues.
Senator Liz Bennett shared some good news bills, I’ll list them and let you pursue those, the legislators deserve good news as well. SF2441, SF2249, SF2261, SJR2009
Urgent Action Item:
SF2201 (OPPOSE) CRITICAL
CRITICALLY IMPORTANT issue for our K-12 school districts.
The bill sets the Supplemental State Aid (SSA) at 1.75% growth. See 2/8 post for more details.
SF2201 has passed in the Senate. This bill will now go to the House Subcommittee and is scheduled for a hearing on Monday, Feb. 16 at 11:30 in Room 103.
ACTION:
Please email committee members;
Thomas.gehlbach@legis.iowa.gov
And be prepared to send emails to other house members as well.
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/house
Education Bills:
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. (no update this week)
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 out of subcommittee and 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.
No New Action
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.
The bill is out of subcommittee and in the Senate Education Committee
HF2324 (OPPOSE) NEW
An Act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from entering into certain specified contracts with public libraries and hosting mobile libraries.
This is eligible for consideration by the House.
An Act to education, including by modifying provisions related to the protected speech and expression rights of students enrolled in school districts, charter school, and innovation zone schools and the duties of the department of education, and providing civil penalties. While students have rights, there are limits and the rights do not include using the classroom to convert or proselytize.
This is eligible for consideration in both houses.
Higher Education:
The bill relates to the prohibition of diversity, equity, and inclusion in state universities and K-12 public schools, but goes further to allow a person living in the school district to be able to go to court and force an action on the school district. This could be a costly burden on districts and also the courts.
The bill is in the Senate Education Committee.
Please consider attending in person or emailing the subcommittee members:
HSB537 (OPPOSE)
A bill that precludes private higher education institutions from participating in the Iowa tuition if the institution has DEI offices.
The bill has passed out of committee and will be eligible for consideration in the House (It will be renumbered)
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. The board of regents is required to complete a review of all undergraduate course requirements and if related to the above, may eliminate those requirements.
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'. Formerly (HSB543 /SF2033)
Bills have passed subcommittees and are eligible for consideration by the House and Senate
HSB607 (OPPOSE)
A bill for an act repealing the board of regents' minority and women educators’ enhancement program.
Out of committee, will be renumbered, and will be eligible for consideration in the House.
SSB3095/HSB646 (SUPPORT)
A bill for an act requiring annual reports on antisemitism in community colleges, regent’s institutions, and public school districts.
Both bills are out of committee, will be renumbered, and eligible for consideration in both houses.
HSB548 (OPPOSE)
The bill mandates that the three state universities sign the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” created by the Trump Administration.
This bill has passed out of committee with no amendments, although there were questions about how this would fit with other legislation being passed.
(This bill will be renumbered)
Resources:
Another thanks to Connie Ryan and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. Please consider going to their Legislative Advocacy page and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
