Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF730

Introduced
3/4/25  

Caption

A bill for an act requiring the director of the department of education to establish a special education weighting work group.

Impact

The implications of HF730 are significant for state education funding laws, particularly concerning how special education is financed in Iowa. By requiring a review of the special education weighting plan, the bill seeks to adapt funding mechanisms to contemporary demographic trends and the specific needs of students requiring special education services. The recommendations put forth by the work group, due by January 2, 2026, could lead to legislative adjustments that enhance the fiscal allocations for special education across different school districts, potentially resulting in more equitable and adequate support for students with disabilities.

Summary

House File 730 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the special education funding challenges within Iowa's school systems. The bill mandates the establishment of a Special Education Weighting Work Group headed by the director of the Department of Education. This group's primary function will be to review the existing special education weighting plan as defined in section 256B.9 of the Iowa Code, which has remained largely unchanged since 2004. The work group will consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from school boards, area education agencies, and educator associations, ensuring a comprehensive review process that encompasses diverse perspectives from across the state.

Contention

While the overarching goal of HF730 is to improve funding for special education, it may also prompt discussion regarding the distribution of state education resources. Stakeholders could have divergent opinions about the proposed changes, with some supporting increased funding while others might be concerned about how these adjustments will affect funding for general education and the priorities of different districts. These discussions are vital, as they will determine how effectively the bill addresses special education needs without compromising the broader educational landscape in the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF477

A bill for an act requiring the director of the department of education to establish a low-income student and poverty weighting work group.

IA HSB542

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to the number of area education agencies in this state, the duties and powers of area education agencies, area education agency boards of directors, the department of administrative services, the director of the department of education, the division of special education within the department of education, the services provided by area education agencies, area education agency funding, the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil, and minimum teacher salaries, and including transition, effective date, and applicability provisions.

IA SSB3073

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to the number of area education agencies in this state, the duties and powers of area education agencies, area education agency boards of directors, the department of administrative services, the director of the department of education, the division of special education within the department of education, the services provided by area education agencies, area education agency funding, the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil, and minimum teacher salaries, and including transition, effective date, and applicability provisions.(See SF 2386.)

IA HSB713

A bill for an act relating to area education agencies, including modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, oversight by the department of education, funding, shared operational functions, and establishing a task force related to area education agency property and operations, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 2612.)

IA HF2211

A bill for an act relating to special education weighting for children enrolled in accredited nonpublic schools.

IA HF98

A bill for an act extending the period of budget years for which supplementary weighting is available for shared operational functions by school districts and area education agencies.

IA HF233

A bill for an act relating to determination of school district enrollments and education savings account participation and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF2612

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, the membership of the boards of directors of area education agencies, the department of education, area education agency funding, the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil and minimum teacher salaries, Iowa public employees' retirement system bona fide retirement requirements, and property tax replacement payments, establishing the state percent of growth and the categorical state percent of growth for supplemental state aid calculations for the budget year beginning July 1, 2024, and including transition, effective date, and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 713.) Effective date: 03/27/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA SF2302

A bill for an act relating to students who require special emotional, social, or behavioral supports in education, including calculations for funding and the establishment of regional special schools, and making appropriations.

IA SF389

A bill for an act directing the department of education to convene an achievement gap working group.(Formerly SF 38.)

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