Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF868

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

A bill for an act providing for a study of establishing an institution of higher education governed by the state board of regents in Pottawattamie county or a contiguous county.(Formerly HSB 277.)

Impact

The study may have significant implications for state education policies, particularly in addressing higher education accessibility in rural or under-served areas. By proposing the establishment of a higher education institution in Pottawattamie County, the bill acknowledges the need for educational resources and opportunities in this region. If the study advocates for the creation of such an institution, it could lead to increased enrollment in higher education programs and potentially stimulate local economic growth through job creation and community engagement.

Summary

House File 868 is a legislative bill that mandates a study to explore the feasibility of establishing a state-regulated institution of higher education in Pottawattamie County, or a neighboring county. This proposal aims to identify the possible location for such an institution, assess its potential impact on the region, and outline the necessary steps and timelines for its establishment. The bill indicates that the Department of Education will be responsible for conducting this study, with a report due to be submitted to both the governor and the general assembly by December 31, 2025.

Contention

While the bill itself does not delve into contentious issues, establishing a new higher education institution can often lead to debates regarding funding, local versus state control, and the types of programs offered. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on whether the state's resources should be allocated for a new institution, especially in the context of existing educational facilities and the adequacy of current higher education offerings. Community feedback and consultation with local stakeholders will likely play a crucial role in shaping the discussions around the findings of the study.

Companion Bills

IA HSB277

Related A bill for an act providing for a study of establishing an institution of higher education governed by the state board of regents in Pottawattamie county or a contiguous county.(See HF 868.)

Previously Filed As

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 SF58

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.(See SF 252.)

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 HF2352

A bill for an act relating to the amount of tuition and mandatory fees charged by institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents and making appropriations.

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 HF11

A bill for an act relating to the responsibilities of the state board of regents and the institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, including requiring the board to publish certain information related to the average income and student debt of institution graduates and requiring the institutions to provide career services to undergraduates.(See HF 135.)

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 HF2320

A bill for an act requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the country for a student to be classified for in-state tuition and fees at a regents institution or community college.(Formerly HF 2128.)

IA HF48

A bill for an act prohibiting tenure systems at the institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents, and including applicability provisions.

IA HF370

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, and election commissioners, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards. (Formerly HSB 118.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.