Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF256

Introduced
2/9/23  
Engrossed
2/22/23  
Introduced
2/9/23  
Refer
2/23/23  
Engrossed
2/22/23  
Enrolled
5/3/23  
Refer
2/23/23  
Enrolled
5/3/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the minimum age of applicants for licenses from the board of educational examiners. (Formerly HF 100.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

Impact

By lowering the minimum age requirement for para-educator certificates, HF256 is poised to significantly impact educational practices and staffing in Iowa. It could enhance access to employment for younger individuals looking to begin their careers in education, fostering early professional development in the field. This legislative change may help alleviate staff shortages in schools, particularly in roles that do not require a full teaching license, thereby ensuring that educational institutions are better equipped to maintain adequate support for instructors and students.

Summary

House File 256 aims to amend the existing law regarding the minimum age of individuals applying for licenses from the Board of Educational Examiners in Iowa. Specifically, it is designed to allow persons who are at least eighteen years of age to obtain a para-educator certificate, thereby increasing the potential pool of candidates eligible for these positions. The law was previously more stringent regarding age requirements, potentially limiting the workforce available in educational settings. The effective date of this bill is established as July 1, 2023.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF256 appears to be positive, with unanimous support reflected in the voting record (49 yeas and 0 nays) during its passage in the House. Many legislators likely view the bill as a progressive step toward modernizing educational policy and increasing opportunities for youth. The focus on para-educator roles is particularly relevant in discussions about enhancing educational support and flexibility within Iowa's educational system.

Contention

While HF256 received broad support, the discussions around its implications hint at underlying concerns regarding the adequacy of training and qualifications for para-educators. Some may argue that lowering the age could result in younger, less experienced individuals entering educational roles, which may impact the quality of support provided to teachers and students. However, the legislation does clarify that a para-educator certificate does not equate to a teacher or administrator license, which may alleviate some of these concerns by maintaining a necessary distinction between varying levels of educational qualifications.

Companion Bills

IA HF100

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the minimum age of applicants for licenses from the board of educational examiners.(See HF 256.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF100

A bill for an act relating to the minimum age of applicants for licenses from the board of educational examiners.(See HF 256.)

IA HF614

A bill for an act relating to licenses issued by the board of educational examiners to applicants from other states or countries. (Formerly HF 221.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF255

A bill for an act modifying requirements related to teacher intern license programs and licenses and authorizations issued by the board of educational examiners and establishing a temporary initial teaching license to be issued by the board of educational examiners to applicants who complete an alternative teacher certification program. (Formerly HF 4.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF430

A bill for an act relating to education, including requirements related to mandatory reporters, a process for investigating complaints against school employees, and the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and the board of educational examiners, modifying the membership of the board of educational examiners, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 10.) Effective date: 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF221

A bill for an act relating to requirements for professional licensure, including licenses issued by the board of educational examiners to applicants from other states or countries.(See HF 614.)

IA SF392

A bill for an act relating to education, including eligibility for grants under the teach Iowa scholar program, licenses issued by the board of educational examiners, and the use of revenues from the district management levy, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1049.)

IA HF4

A bill for an act modifying requirements related to teacher intern license programs and licenses and authorizations issued by the board of educational examiners and establishing a temporary initial teaching license to be issued by the board of educational examiners to applicants who complete an alternative teacher certification program.(See HF 255.)

IA HF672

A bill for an act relating to certain specified employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, including renewal requirements associated with licenses issued by the board of educational examiners to practitioners with master's or doctoral degrees, fees associated with the review of certain specified records, and background checks for employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools. (Formerly HF 355, HF 224.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF10

A bill for an act relating to education, including requirements related to mandatory reporters, a process for investigating complaints against licensed practitioners, and the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 430.)

IA HF787

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil, teacher preparation requirements, out-of-state placement of certain specified students requiring special education, the duties of the department of education, and minimum teacher salaries, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 147.) Effective date: 06/06/2025, 07/01/2025.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.