Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF316

Introduced
2/10/25  
Engrossed
3/10/25  
Refer
3/10/25  
Enrolled
5/6/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to career education, including middle school career exploration and industry-recognized credential seals and certificates for high school students. (Formerly HSB 44.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Impact

The implications of HF316 are considerable for state education laws, as it amends existing requirements regarding curriculum content. By integrating career exploration and recognized certifications into educational standards, the bill not only enhances academic offerings but also aligns them more closely with job market needs. This change could potentially lead to improved workforce readiness among graduates, as they will possess tangible qualifications recognized by industry standards upon their graduation. Furthermore, it positions Iowa educational institutions to better serve the evolving needs of employers and the economy.

Summary

House File 316 is legislation aimed at enhancing career education in Iowa, specifically targeting students in middle and high school. The bill outlines the development and implementation of programs that facilitate career exploration and the attainment of industry-recognized credentials for students. It mandates that schools provide resources regarding various certifications available for students in grades nine through twelve and encourages the inclusion of career planning and pathways in the curriculum, ensuring students are informed about local career opportunities. Schools are also expected to recognize students who obtain these credentials by affixing seals to their high school transcripts or providing certificates.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HF316 appears to be supportive, as it is seen as a proactive measure to address workforce readiness through structured career education. Proponents argue that the bill represents a necessary evolution in the education system, creating robust pathways for students to transition into employment or further education. However, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of implementation across all school districts, particularly those lacking resources or expertise in technical education.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HF316 touches on critical considerations about the adequacy of support for implementation. Opponents might argue that additional funding or resources are required to ensure equitable access to the programs mandated by the bill. While the intent of the legislation is to promote career preparedness, challenges related to varying school district capabilities and resources could lead to disparities in program effectiveness across the state.

Companion Bills

IA HSB44

Related A bill for an act relating to career education, including middle school career exploration and industry-recognized credential seals and certificates for high school students.(See HF 316.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF597

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HSB 219.)

IA HF2545

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring the director of the department of education to review the state's high school graduation requirements, core curriculum, core content standards, and educational standards, requiring the state board of education to review and revise the state's social studies standards, requiring that the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in grades seven and eight include instruction related to civics, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2329.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024.

IA SF391

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, and required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom. (Formerly SSB 1076.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SF496

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, authorizing the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school district to enroll the student in another attendance center within the same school district in certain specified circumstances, prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in kindergarten through grade six, and modifying provisions related to student health screenings, school district library programs, the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, the department of education, the board of educational examiners, and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools, competent private instruction, and special education, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1145.) Effective date: 05/26/2023, 07/01/2023.

IA HSB219

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 597.)

IA SF2223

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

IA HSB587

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and modifying the responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools related to requiring teachers and students to sing the national anthem.

IA HF513

A bill for an act relating to education, including requiring instruction related to persons with disabilities in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools in kindergarten through grade eight, modifying the responsibilities of the state board of education, and modifying provisions related to school district and accredited nonpublic school programs that are designed to eliminate harassment and bullying.

IA SF83

A bill for an act relating to instruction relating to gender identity in the curriculum provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools and creating a private cause of action.

IA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.