Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2320

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

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.)

Impact

The enactment of HF2320 will significantly alter the landscape of higher education for students seeking in-state tuition in Iowa. Institutions will have to develop new rules and processes to verify citizenship status, which may lead to administrative challenges and increased scrutiny of student applications. This move is positioned to reduce potential financial burdens on state resources by limiting in-state tuition benefits to citizens and lawful residents, thus influencing the enrollment of non-citizen students and affecting their access to higher education.

Summary

House File 2320 mandates that students provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. to be classified as residents for in-state tuition and fees at state universities and community colleges. This legislation aims to ensure that only legally present individuals in the country are eligible for resident tuition benefits, reflecting increased scrutiny on educational opportunities available to undocumented immigrants. The bill requires institutions to amend their current classification procedures accordingly, thereby aligning state education practices with stricter immigration policies.

Contention

Debate surrounding HF2320 is likely to center on issues of equality and access to education. Supporters of the bill may argue that it is a necessary step to uphold immigration laws and ensure state resources are reserved for legal residents. Conversely, opponents may contend that restricting in-state classification based on citizenship could unfairly penalize deserving students, regardless of their immigration status, thus exacerbating inequalities in educational access. The implications of this legislation may further polarize discussions on immigration reform and educational policy in the state.

Companion Bills

IA HF2128

Similar To 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.(See HF 2320.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2128

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.(See HF 2320.)

IA HF175

A bill for an act relating to in-state residency for purposes of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for certain military personnel and family members. (Formerly HSB 6.)

IA HSB6

A bill for an act relating to in-state residency for purposes of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for certain military personnel and family members.(See HF 175.)

IA HSB329

A bill for an act providing for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for peace officers and their legal dependents and making appropriations.

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 SF288

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 12.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

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 HF103

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.

IA SF12

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 288.)

IA HF440

A bill for an act relating to tuition, degree programs, employment, and related matters pertaining to students enrolled at regents institutions. (Formerly HSB 51.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.