Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF402

Introduced
2/13/25  

Caption

A bill for an act establishing completion of a course on American history and civil government as a requirement for the completion of a baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education.(Formerly HSB 56.)

Impact

In terms of state law, HF402 aims to enhance civics education across public higher education institutions. By mandating the inclusion of American history and civil government coursework, the bill seeks to ensure that graduates possess a foundational understanding of civic duties and the workings of government. This initiative may also reflect a response to ongoing debates regarding the perceived decline in civics knowledge among younger generations. The course will contribute to meeting general education requirements and be valued at three semester hours.

Summary

House File 402, known as the Increasing Civics Proficiency in Higher Education Act, establishes a requirement for students at public institutions of higher education in Iowa to complete a survey course in American history and civil government as part of their baccalaureate degree program. This requirement will take effect starting with the academic year in 2027. The bill outlines the essential subjects that must be included in the course, emphasizing key American documents and principles. Students will be expected to engage with foundational texts such as the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and landmark Supreme Court cases.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention surrounding the implementation of this bill, particularly regarding the content of the course and the selection of texts. Critics could argue that the requirements may inadvertently promote a particular interpretation of American history or limit academic freedom by enforcing a standardized curriculum. Additionally, there could be discussions around the capacity of institutions to adequately prepare faculty and develop comprehensive course materials that align with the new mandate, which could present challenges for resource allocation and curriculum design.

Companion Bills

IA SF322

Similar To A bill for an act establishing completion of a course on American history and civil government as a requirement for the completion of a baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education.

IA HSB56

Related A bill for an act establishing completion of a course on American history and civil government as a requirement for the completion of a baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education.(See HF 402.)

Previously Filed As

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.)

IA HF2330

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.(See HF 2544.)

IA HF2558

A bill for an act relating to higher education, including by modifying the responsibilities of private institutions of higher education, community colleges, the state board of regents, and institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, modifying provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, tuition, and administrator hiring at state universities, membership of the state board of regents, and student-employer work and tuition programs at state universities and community colleges, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2327.)

IA HF182

A bill for an act relating to institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, including requiring the institutions to submit reports to the general assembly related to terms associated with courses offered by the institutions' colleges of education and establishing an interim study committee to evaluate practitioner preparation programs offered by the institutions, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 7.)

IA HF7

A bill for an act relating to institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, including requiring the institutions to submit reports to the general assembly related to terms associated with courses offered by the institutions' colleges of education and establishing an interim study committee to evaluate practitioner preparation programs offered by the institutions, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 182.)

IA HF2323

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program and establishing the national guard service continuing education scholarship program.(Formerly HSB 556.)

IA HF2457

A bill for an act providing for education on the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts.(Formerly HF 2197.)

IA SF252

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(Formerly SF 58.)

IA HF616

A bill for an act prohibiting institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents from expending moneys to fund diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or to hire individuals to serve as diversity, equity, and inclusion officers, creating a private cause of action, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 218.)

IA HF2144

A bill for an act establishing the United States army reserve service scholarship program within the college student aid commission.(Formerly HF 2023.)

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