Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF61

Introduced
1/16/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to robotics extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics.(See SF 278.)

Impact

The implementation of SF61 is projected to have a positive impact on education in Iowa by promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through the lens of robotics. By mandating the provision of technical assistance from the Department of Education, it seeks to ensure that schools have the necessary guidance to develop effective robotics programs. This initiative is likely to enhance students' skills in technology and engineering, preparing them for future academic and career opportunities.

Summary

Senate File 61, introduced by Senator Sinclair, aims to enhance robotics extracurricular activities within Iowa's educational system. The bill requires the Department of Education to provide technical assistance to school districts in relation to the creation and regulation of career and technical student organizations focused on robotics. This would include resources and support for establishing robotics teams and organizing competitions, thereby aiming to foster interest and expertise in this field among students.

Contention

While SF61 presents a structured approach to integrating robotics into school curricula and activities, there could be areas of concern regarding funding and resource allocation. Schools may face challenges in garnering additional funding to support these programs, potentially resulting in disparities between districts that can afford robust robotics programs and those that cannot. Furthermore, the bill's success relies heavily on the Department of Education's ability to deliver meaningful technical assistance and ensure that all districts can implement these initiatives effectively.

Companion Bills

IA HF204

Similar To A bill for an act relating to robotics extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics.(See HF 514.)

IA SF278

Similar To A bill for an act relating to robotics extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics. (Formerly SF 61.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF514

Similar To A bill for an act relating to robotics extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics.(Formerly HF 204.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2431

A bill for an act relating to robotics extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics.

IA SF264

A bill for an act relating to robotics extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics.(See SF 398.)

IA SF398

A bill for an act relating to robotics extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics.(Formerly SF 264.)

IA SF199

A bill for an act relating to robotics curriculum and extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics, modifying the career and technical education curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve in school districts and charter schools to include robotics, and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics.

IA HF2553

A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students enrolled in nonpublic schools to compete in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competitions provided by public schools.(Formerly HF 2214.)

IA HF2003

A bill for an act relating to the participation in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests and competitions by students with disabilities who are enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools.

IA HF2214

A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools to compete in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competitions provided by other public schools or nonpublic schools.(See HF 2553.)

IA HSB605

A bill for an act relating to extracurricular interscholastic athletic activities and including applicability provisions.

IA SF121

A bill for an act prohibiting the expenditure of certain public moneys for dues or membership fees to high school organizations that do not meet certain requirements concerning school classifications for extracurricular interscholastic activities.

IA HF392

A bill for an act relating to interscholastic activities provided by school districts and nonpublic schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.