Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB43

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to community college and department of education reporting requirements, the national board certification pilot project, and employees of the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program or the Iowa school for the deaf, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 890.)

Impact

A notable adjustment introduced by HSB43 is the alteration of provisions regarding funding under the national board certification program. The bill states that unallocated funds at the fiscal year's end may be repurposed for stipends intended for advanced dyslexia specialists. This change not only supports educational professionals seeking further certifications but also underlines Iowa's commitment to enhancing the quality of educational support for students with dyslexia. As such, the bill could result in greater availability of specialist training and resources for an underserved demographic within Iowa's educational system.

Summary

House Study Bill 43 (HSB43) is principally designed to modify existing education-related laws in Iowa, specifically focusing on community colleges' reporting requirements and provisions concerning the Department of Education (DE). The bill mandates community colleges to submit data directly to the DE, thereby streamlining reporting processes and potentially improving oversight over educational programming. In addition to these administrative changes, the bill establishes clearer guidelines for annual reports that gauge educational and employment outcomes at the community college level, allowing for more informed decision-making at both the state board and legislative levels.

Contention

Another critical aspect of HSB43 is its application to the Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Iowa School for the Deaf. HSB43 extends provisions related to employment conditions and reporting for staff involved in these programs. Employees will now be subject to specific rules that govern their professional conduct and rights. While this alignment is aimed at ensuring uniformity and clarity in employment standards, it may also raise concerns about resource allocation and staffing adequacy, which could impact the level of service provided to children who require special education.

Notable_points

Overall, HSB43 reflects a broader governmental effort to refine educational regulations and reporting mechanisms, maintaining a focus on accountability and quality. While the adjustments to reporting requirements may be favorably viewed by advocates for educational reform, there are ongoing discussions about the implications of shifting funding allocations and how they affect educational outcomes for specialized programs, particularly those focusing on visual impairments and hearing issues. As the bill progresses, stakeholders are encouraged to weigh the benefits of these changes against potential drawbacks in service delivery.

Companion Bills

IA HF890

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to community college and department of education reporting requirements, the national board certification pilot project, employees of the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program or the Iowa school for the deaf, and the employment contracts between community colleges and community college instructors, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 43.) Effective date: 06/06/2025, 07/01/2025.

Previously Filed As

IA HSB672

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to education data collection and the determination of enrollment, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 2542.)

IA SSB3156

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to education data collection and the determination of enrollment, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See SF 2367.)

IA SSB3201

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, department of education, and state board of regents, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2435.)

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 HF2542

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to education data collection and the determination of enrollment, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 672.)

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 SSB1049

A bill for an act relating to education, including eligibility for grants under the teach Iowa scholar program, licenses issued by the board of educational examiners, and the use of revenues from the district management levy, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 392.)

IA HF2704

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, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF2487

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of certain specified school employees, complaints against school employees and the investigation of complaints against school employees, and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners. (Formerly HSB 568.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HSB713

A bill for an act relating to area education agencies, including modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, oversight by the department of education, funding, shared operational functions, and establishing a task force related to area education agency property and operations, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 2612.)

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