Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF447

Introduced
2/18/25  

Caption

A bill for an act authorizing the use of revenues from the district management levy to pay costs related to school safety and security and including applicability provisions.

Impact

The implementation of HF447 is expected to have a significant impact on school district budgets starting in the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2025. By allowing school districts to utilize funds from the district management levy for security enhancements, this bill aims to empower local educational authorities to respond to safety concerns effectively. This could lead to improved safety measures within schools, potentially shaping a more secure environment for students and staff alike.

Summary

House File 447 (HF447) proposes to amend existing legislation in Iowa to expand the permissible uses of revenues generated from the district management levy. This bill specifically authorizes the allocation of these funds for costs related to school safety and security. Notable provisions include funding for installing and operating safety infrastructure, such as weapons detection systems and door monitoring systems, as well as the employment of school security personnel. The move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance safety protocols within educational facilities.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support from proponents who emphasize the necessity of increased security measures in schools, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of diverting funds from other educational needs. Critics may argue that prioritizing security expenditures could limit resources available for educational programs and services. There is also apprehension about the type of security measures implemented, particularly regarding surveillance and policing in schools, which some stakeholders believe could create a more hostile learning environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2652

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, the secure an advanced vision for education fund, school district use of professional development moneys, and school security equipment and infrastructure, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 692.) Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2024.

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 SF392

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.(Formerly SSB 1049.)

IA HSB692

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, requiring schools to conduct school safety reviews and have access to the statewide interoperable communications system, establishing the school emergency radio access grant program and the firearm detection software grant program within the department of homeland security and emergency management, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2652.)

IA HF2586

A bill for an act relating to school security, including the use of school security personnel by school districts and authorizing school employees to be issued professional permits to carry weapons, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 675.) Effective date: 04/19/2024, 07/01/2024.

IA HSB728

A bill for an act relating to school districts, including by modifying provisions related to the district management levy, waiving certain specified duties, responsibilities, and requirements for the school year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2653.)

IA HF2653

A bill for an act relating to school districts, including by modifying provisions related to the district management levy, waiving certain specified duties, responsibilities, and requirements for the school year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 728.) Effective date: 04/05/2024.

IA HF729

A bill for an act relating to state finances, including by making, modifying, limiting, or reducing appropriations, distributions, or transfers, authorizing expenditure of certain unappropriated moneys, making corrections, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 252.)

IA HSB675

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by requiring certain school districts to employ or retain school security personnel, establishing the school security personnel grant program within the department of education, and authorizing school employees to be issued professional permits to carry weapons.(See HF 2586.)

IA SSB1222

A bill for an act relating to state finances, including by making, modifying, limiting, or reducing appropriations, distributions, or transfers, authorizing expenditure of certain unappropriated moneys, making corrections, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 578.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.