Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF293

Introduced
2/15/23  
Introduced
2/15/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to programs offered by community colleges that duplicate existing programs provided by private educational institutions or vocational institutions offering a career and technical education program.

Impact

The implications of HF293 are significant for community colleges across Iowa. If enacted, the bill will require community colleges to assess existing programs offered by private institutions within their geographical areas before establishing new programs. This could lead to a greater emphasis on partnership models, where community colleges contract with private institutions to offer certain programs, potentially enhancing educational diversity while minimizing redundancy. It opens the door for community colleges to leverage existing resources rather than duplicating efforts, which could ultimately lead to a more efficient allocation of educational funds.

Summary

House File 293 aims to address the educational landscape related to career and technical education programs offered by community colleges in Iowa. Specifically, the bill seeks to prevent community colleges from duplicating existing career programs that are already offered by private educational institutions or vocational institutions. By doing so, the bill intends to streamline educational offerings and foster cooperation between public and private educational entities. The proposed changes suggest that if a private institution can provide adequate facilities and curriculum, community colleges should not create similar programs that might compete unnecessary with private educational offerings.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its controversies. Critics may argue that restricting the ability of community colleges to develop programs based on local needs could limit access to education for students who rely on these public institutions. Furthermore, there are concerns that this legislation might inhibit innovation and responsiveness to changing workforce demands, as community colleges would need to engage in complex negotiations with private institutions instead of quickly adapting their offerings to meet community needs. This tension between collaboration and competition raises important questions about the future of vocational education in Iowa.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SB178

Relating to vocational and technical education programs

IA HB4823

Relating to vocational and technical education programs

IA HB2109

Relating to vocational and technical education programs

IA HB2070

Relating to vocational and technical education programs

IA HSB142

A bill for an act prohibiting community colleges offering a curriculum in barbering and cosmetology arts and sciences if a licensed school of barbering and cosmetology arts and sciences operates in the same merged area.

IA HB2034

Relating to vocational and technical education programs

IA HB4709

Relating to vocational and technical education programs

IA SB128

Constitutional Amendment to provide exclusive authority to Board of Supervisors for Community and Technical Colleges over programs of public postsecondary vocational-technical training and institutions of higher education offering associate degrees but not baccalaureate degrees. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

IA S698

Expands Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include career and technical education programs at county colleges and county vocational schools.

IA A2885

Expands Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include career and technical education programs at county colleges and county vocational schools.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.