Education 2/8
- indivisiblecria
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 14
New THIS WEEK!
SF2201 (OPPOSE) CRITICAL
CRITICALLY IMPORTANT issue for our K-12 school districts.
This bill relates to funding beginning July 1, 2026.
The bill sets the Supplemental State Aid (SSA) at 1.75% growth. The amount is totally insufficient to cover inflation and rising costs. The insufficiency of this amount is exacerbated by the permission from Republicans to continue to provide Unlimited Funds to private schools through vouchers.This will have a negative effect on 90% of Iowa children and public schools, both urban and rural will be faced with nearly impossible decisions to maintain the best education for their students. This bill has passed out of committee and is eligible for consideration by the Senate.
ACTION: Contact your senator and perhaps all members of the Senate. It is suggested that the legislature start over and move toward a funding of 5%. The floor manager of the bill is Lynn Evans , List of Senators: List of Senators
HSB548 (OPPOSE)
The bill mandates that the three state universities sign the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” created by the Trump Administration.
The compact is deeply concerning for many reasons, including requiring standardized tests for admittance. Not all students do well with standardized tests and wealthy families can hire tutors, creating inequity. The compact mandates the campus environment be ideologically neutral while simultaneously protecting conservative ideas exclusively. The compact also insists the universities allow for “lawful force” to maintain order on campus.
(Credit to Connie Ryan for the wording on this explanation).
This bill is currently in the House Higher Education Committee
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.
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.
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.
Sponsor Sandy Salmon [R] Senate Education Committee has recommended passage
Higher Education:
This bill is part of the broader attempt to regulate and restrict “critical race theory” or “divisive concepts” by regulating how ideas of race, gender, and systemic inequality are handled in public education.
Pending in Senate Education Committee
A subcommittee is scheduled for Monday, 2/9 at 4:00 in Room 102.
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.
A subcommittee hearing is scheduled for Monday, Feb 9 at 4;00 in Room 102.
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.
A subcommittee is scheduled for Monday, 2/9 at 4:30 in Room 102.
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'.
Bills have passed subcommittees and are eligible for consideration by the House and Senate
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:
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.
