Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF175

Introduced

1/30/25

Engrossed

2/20/25

Refer

2/24/25

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. (Formerly HSB 6.)

Impact

The bill represents a significant change in the educational landscape for military personnel and their families within Iowa. By allowing these individuals to qualify for in-state tuition, it alleviates potential financial burdens often experienced by military families when pursuing higher education. This is particularly important for families who may frequently relocate due to military assignments, creating a more stable educational path for dependent children. The adjustments in residency classification have implications for institutional funding and financial aid distribution, potentially leading to increased enrollment from military families at Iowa’s educational institutions.

Summary

House File 175 (HF175) addresses the issue of in-state residency classification for undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges in Iowa for certain military personnel and their families. Specifically, the bill establishes provisions to classify qualified veterans, active military members, their spouses, dependent children, and survivors as residents for tuition purposes, thereby allowing them access to in-state tuition rates regardless of their actual residency status prior to enrollment. This amendment seeks to recognize the unique circumstances of military families and ensure they have equal opportunities in education while stationed in Iowa.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HF175 appears to be positive, especially among veterans' advocacy groups and military family organizations who support the bill for its inclusivity and recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel. Advocates emphasize that this bill would enhance access to education for those who serve the country and their families. However, there may be some concerns raised by budget-conscious stakeholders, as in-state tuition policies can have a broader impact on state funding and resource allocations for public colleges and universities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HF175 could include discussions on the financial implications for state-funded educational institutions, as classifying more students as in-state residents may create budgetary strain due to lower tuition rates. Additionally, debates might arise around the balance between supporting military families and ensuring fairness for non-military residents seeking in-state tuition. The bill could also prompt conversations about how residency laws are applied in higher education, particularly concerning how they intersect with tax filings and other residency qualifications in Iowa.

Latest IA HF175 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session HF175

Companion Bills

IA HSB6

Related 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.)

Previously Filed As

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 HF2320

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.)

IA HF370

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, and election commissioners, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards. (Formerly HSB 118.)

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 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 HF2560

A bill for an act relating to the forfeiture of property for criminal offenses and repealing civil forfeiture. (Formerly HSB 634.)

IA HF2128

IA HF567

A bill for an act relating to nonsubstantive Code corrections, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 159.) Contingent effective date. Applicability date: 01/01/2022, 01/01/2023.

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 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.