Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF376

Introduced
2/22/23  
Introduced
2/22/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa tuition grants program administered by the college student aid commission and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

Impact

If enacted, SF376 will significantly impact state laws governing education funding in Iowa. By allowing for-profit institutions to qualify for tuition grants, the bill acknowledges a shift in the educational landscape where such institutions play a considerable role in higher education. Supporters argue that this will enhance competition and provide more choices for students, while critics raise concerns about the quality of education provided by for-profit entities compared to non-profit institutions.

Summary

Senate File 376 is a legislative proposal aimed at modifying the Iowa tuition grants program, which is overseen by the college student aid commission. The bill specifically allows for-profit institutions that meet certain criteria to be included as eligible institutions for tuition grants. This change broadens the definition of eligible colleges and universities, potentially increasing access to financial support for students attending these institutions. The bill also sets forth provisions for the appropriation of state funds to support these grants, ensuring that a specified amount from the state general fund is allocated annually.

Contention

The discussion surrounding SF376 has revealed notable points of contention. Proponents believe the bill will increase opportunities for students, particularly those who may benefit from the specific programs offered by for-profit institutions. However, opponents express worry that the inclusion of for-profit colleges could dilute educational standards and lead to increased student debt without a corresponding increase in value. This debate reflects broader concerns about the effectiveness and oversight of for-profit education models in the state.

Notable_points

Included in the bill are provisions for immediate enactment and retroactive applicability, which indicates a sense of urgency among lawmakers to adjust the current tuition grant framework. This retroactivity could affect students enrolled at the relevant institutions as of December 1, 2022, allowing for those students to potentially benefit from the changes as soon as they come into effect. Such timelines suggest a push to respond swiftly to the evolving needs of Iowa's higher education system.

Companion Bills

IA HF186

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the Iowa tuition grants program administered by the college student aid commission and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 421.)

IA HF421

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the Iowa tuition grants program administered by the college student aid commission and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 186.) Effective date: Enactment, 05/11/2023, 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 12/01/2022.

Previously Filed As

IA HF186

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa tuition grants program administered by the college student aid commission and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 421.)

IA HF421

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa tuition grants program administered by the college student aid commission and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 186.) Effective date: Enactment, 05/11/2023, 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 12/01/2022.

IA SF382

A bill for an act relating to education, including by prohibiting the use of certain mascots to represent schools and institutions of higher education, establishing grant programs to assist schools and institutions of higher education in adopting alternative mascots, modifying provisions related to the Iowa tuition grants program, and making appropriations.

IA SF560

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, the department of education, and the state board of regents; requiring the state board of regents to conduct a study and prepare a report related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and efforts; providing for responsibilities of the workforce development board; establishing the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program; requiring the department of education to convene a task force to study issues related to programs for at-risk students and dropout prevention programs; modifying provisions related to the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program, the all Iowa opportunity scholarship program, the education savings account program, the gap tuition assistance program, the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program, career and technical education programs, the fine arts beginning teacher mentoring program, the equipment replacement and program-sharing property tax levy, and the posting of education-related job openings; and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1212.) Effective date: 06/01/2023, 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 01/24/2023, 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1208

A bill for an act relating to certain education programs and tax credits and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 572.)

IA SF572

A bill for an act relating to certain education programs and tax credits and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1208.)

IA HF731

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, the department of education, and the state board of regents; requiring the state board of regents to conduct a study and prepare a report related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and efforts; providing for responsibilities of the workforce development board; establishing the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program; requiring the department of education to convene a task force on at-risk students and dropout prevention programs; modifying provisions related to the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program, the all Iowa opportunity scholarship program, the education savings account program, the gap tuition assistance program, the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program, career and technical education programs, the fine arts beginning teacher mentoring program, the equipment replacement and program-sharing property tax levy, and the posting of education-related job openings; and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 254.)

IA HF88

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to private instruction, world language instruction, dual enrollment, and the tuition and textbook tax credit, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 888.)

IA SF204

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to private instruction, world language instruction, dual enrollment, and the tuition and textbook tax credit, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.

IA SF2435

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3201.) Effective date: 05/09/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2024.

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