Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF78

Introduced
1/22/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to certain specified skilled trades, including modifying provisions related to department of workforce development internship programs, the Iowa summer youth corps program, college student aid commission programs, the senior year plus program, the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative within the innovation division of the department of education, and curricula provided in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to include the skilled trades, and including applicability provisions.

Impact

The bill's implications are poised to bolster the state's economy by ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers. By integrating skilled trades into educational programs, the legislation not only supports the academic growth of students but also enhances their employability. Collaborations between the Department of Workforce Development and educational institutions are also encouraged to create internship pathways that lead to permanent positions, thus addressing both educational and economic challenges within the state.

Summary

Senate File 78, introduced by Senator Donahue, seeks to enhance educational opportunities in specified skilled trades within Iowa's education system. The bill modifies existing programs related to the Department of Workforce Development, the Iowa Summer Youth Corps, and the College Student Aid Commission (CSAC). It mandates the inclusion of skilled trades-related curricula in schools and aims to better prepare students for opportunities in fields like welding, electrical work, and automotive mechanics. The legislation emphasizes the importance of aligning educational standards with workforce demands, particularly in areas facing labor shortages.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SF78 could arise from the allocation of education funding and potential resistance from traditional educational advocates who may prefer conventional academic paths. There may also be concerns regarding the balance between general education and vocational training, specifically about whether to emphasize skilled trades at the expense of other academic disciplines. Additionally, the effectiveness of integrating skilled trades education into existing curricula and the ability to recruit quality teachers to deliver this instruction effectively could be areas of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF116

A bill for an act relating to certain specified skilled trades, including modifying provisions related to economic development authority internship programs, the Iowa summer youth corps program, college student aid commission programs, the senior year plus program, the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative established at the university of northern Iowa, and curricula provided in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to include the skilled trades, and including applicability provisions.

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 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 SF8

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa core curriculum and to assessment and content standards for school districts and accredited nonpublic schools and including effective date provisions.

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 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 HSB254

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.(See HF 731.)

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 SF2060

A bill for an act relating to school lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

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.

Similar Bills

IA SF116

A bill for an act relating to certain specified skilled trades, including modifying provisions related to economic development authority internship programs, the Iowa summer youth corps program, college student aid commission programs, the senior year plus program, the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative established at the university of northern Iowa, and curricula provided in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to include the skilled trades, and including applicability provisions.

US SB2124

Apprenticeship Pathways Act of 2023

US SB235

Apprenticeship Pathways Act of 2025

LA SB225

Creates the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Advisory Council (LaSTEM). (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

CA AB928

Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act of 2021: Associate Degree for Transfer Intersegmental Implementation Committee.

RI S0233

Repeals the establishment of statewide academic standards for core subjects and the implementation into the curriculum of all public schools.

RI S2518

Repeals the establishment of statewide academic standards for core subjects and the implementation into the curriculum of all public schools.

RI H5498

Curriculum