Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF448

Introduced
2/18/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.(See HF 845.)

Impact

The passing of HF448 would place a new educational framework in schools, whereby the state board of education would develop course standards and guidelines for these elective courses. Importantly, the bill ensures that these courses adhere to federal and state guidelines concerning religious neutrality. This aspect aims to accommodate diverse religious views and prevent any endorsement of a specific religion within the educational context, addressing potential concerns about religious bias in public schooling.

Summary

House File 448 seeks to amend educational regulations by allowing Iowa school districts to offer elective social studies courses focused on religious scriptures, specifically the Hebrew Scriptures and the Bible. The bill’s intent is to provide students from grades nine to twelve with knowledge of biblical texts, narratives, and their influence on contemporary culture, which proponents argue is essential for a well-rounded education. This initiative aims to enrich students’ understanding of religious influences on literature, art, law, and public policy.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include debates about the appropriateness of religious studies within public school systems. Critics may argue that the inclusion of religious scripture in a secular educational environment could lead to challenges regarding the separation of church and state. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about the execution of these courses, particularly in ensuring that they do not favor any one religious perspective and that parental rights regarding children's education are respected.

Considerations

To implement HF448 effectively, school districts would need to establish recommendations from their school improvement advisory committees, which would then be subject to majority approval by the school boards. This requirement for approval could either foster a more community-focused approach to education or become a barrier if differing opinions within the district arise. The legislative outcome for HF448 could significantly impact educational curricula in Iowa and set a precedent for similar legislation in other states.

Companion Bills

IA SF138

Similar To A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.(See SF 510.)

IA SF510

Similar To A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.(Formerly SF 138.)

IA HF845

Similar To A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.(Formerly HF 448.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF139

A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.

IA HSB119

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(See HF 327.)

IA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

IA SSB1076

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(See SF 391.)

IA HF327

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(Formerly HSB 119.)

IA HSB587

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and modifying the responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools related to requiring teachers and students to sing the national anthem.

IA SF391

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, and required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom. (Formerly SSB 1076.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF2330

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents.(See HF 2544.)

IA HF12

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction in public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 132.)

IA HF132

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction in public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HF 12.)

Similar Bills

MS SB2183

School curriculum; allow public schools and charter schools to offer elective courses relating to certain religious texts.

MS SB2076

School curriculum; allow public schools and charter schools to offer elective courses relating to certain religious texts.

IA SF139

A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.

IA SF510

A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.(Formerly SF 138.)

IA HF845

A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.(Formerly HF 448.)

IA SF138

A bill for an act relating to elective social studies courses emphasizing religious scripture that school districts may offer and teach.(See SF 510.)

MO SB34

Authorizes school districts and charter schools to offer elective social studies courses on the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament

MO SB411

Creates and modifies provisions relating to elementary and secondary education