Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB6

Introduced

1/14/25

Refer

1/14/25

Caption

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.)

Impact

Under current Iowa law, the classification of eligible military personnel and their family members as residents requires them to have been domiciled in Iowa for a certain period, usually one year. HSB6 broadens this definition, allowing for a more inclusive recognition of individuals who might have transient living situations due to military obligations. As a result, this change could significantly lower the cost of education for many military families by making them eligible for in-state tuition rates, which are typically much lower than out-of-state rates.

Summary

House Study Bill 6 (HSB6) proposes to amend the existing criteria for establishing in-state residency for purposes of undergraduate tuition and fees at Iowa's regents institutions and community colleges. The bill specifically targets military personnel, their spouses, and dependent children, facilitating access to education for these individuals through the recognition of residency status while they are enrolled. The primary goal of HSB6 is to better align educational opportunities for military families, reflecting their service and circumstances.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding HSB6, particularly concerning how the new definitions might affect state funding and tuition models at public colleges and universities. Critics might argue that the amendments could lead to fluctuations in enrollment numbers or financial disparities, as changes in residency status could alter the demographic composition of the student body. Additionally, lawmakers may have differing opinions on the implications of offering benefits to military families, whether it could set a precedent for similar requests from other groups, and how such policies should be funded.

Additional_notes

Overall, HSB6 reflects an appreciation for the unique situations faced by military families, aiming to enhance their educational access in Iowa. While the proposed changes seem to cater to an equitable approach for veteran and military education, the bill's discussion in the legislature is likely to raise questions regarding eligibility parameters and its financial consequences on the educational system.

Latest IA HSB6 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session HSB6

Companion Bills

IA HF175

Replaced by 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.)

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 SF2020

A bill for an act relating to the waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees charged to certain specified first responders and dependents of such first responders who are enrolled in institutions of higher education under the state board of regents.

IA HF2320

IA SF336

A bill for an act requiring that regents universities and community colleges waive a percentage of the tuition and mandatory fees for children of veterans with service-connected disabilities.

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 HF2327

A bill for an act relating to higher education, including 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.(See HF 2558.)

IA HF2505

A bill for an act relating to state services and benefits provided to veterans, including state grants, public assistance programs, business fee waivers, substance use disorder programs, mental health and disability services, undergraduate tuition and fees, disabled veteran tax credits, department of natural resources' licenses and fees, civil litigation priority, vehicle registration fees, and driver's licenses, making penalties applicable, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

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 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 SF33

A bill for an act relating to the tuition and fees community colleges and state universities charge to former crew members of any United States navy vessel named for the state of Iowa.