Iowa House Bill HF271

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25

Caption

A bill for an act establishing the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program scholarship program and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 97.)

Impact

The establishment of this scholarship program is intended to enhance educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Iowa. By allocating state funds to support these students, the bill seeks to provide them with equitable access to educational resources that may not have been reachable due to financial constraints. The funds will remain available for future expenditures to this program, preventing any reversion to the general state fund, ensuring a continuous investment in the education of individuals with disabilities over time.

Summary

House File 271 aims to establish a scholarship program specifically designed to aid individuals with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities. This initiative will allow eligible individuals aged 18 and older, enrolled in federally approved comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs in Iowa, to receive financial assistance to cover a portion of their tuition and fees. The maximum annual scholarship amount awarded under this bill will not exceed $5,000 per academic year, helping to reduce the financial barriers for these individuals and encourage greater participation in higher education.

Contention

While the bill has the potential for positive impact, it could also raise points of contention regarding the allocation of funds and prioritization of applicants. The provision that gives priority to Iowa residents may raise discussions about fairness and accessibility for out-of-state individuals who might also benefit from such programs. Further, the annual application requirement places an additional administrative burden on applicants, which might deter some eligible individuals from applying or receiving the scholarship.

Administration

The implementation of this scholarship program will be the responsibility of the college student aid commission, in consultation with the division of vocational rehabilitation services. They will be tasked with establishing evaluation criteria for applications and adopting necessary administrative rules. This governance structure underscores the partnership between education and vocational rehabilitation sectors in promoting inclusive educational practices for individuals with disabilities.