IA
Iowa House Bill HF603

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF603

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to school safety, including grant programs, attendance center standards, and emergency planning, and making appropriations.

Impact

The implementation of HF603 would significantly affect existing state laws regarding school safety. By mandating that school districts adhere to specific safety protocols such as installing shatter-resistant doors and developing comprehensive access control and entry plans, the bill aims to raise the physical security standards in educational institutions. This change is expected to unify the safety measures across all schools, including public, nonpublic, charter, and innovation zone schools, ensuring a consistent level of safety awareness and preparedness throughout the state.

Summary

House File 603 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing school safety across Iowa. The bill encompasses various measures including the establishment of grant programs for attendance centers, specified safety standards for school infrastructure, and mandates related to emergency preparedness. It requires the Department of Education to create a grant program to assist schools in purchasing safety-enhancing doors and to ensure compliance with new standards for school building security. This act seeks to allocate funds for these initiatives as appropriated by the General Assembly, reflecting a proactive approach to mitigate risks and threats in educational environments.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may face contention regarding the funding responsibilities it places on school districts. As HF603 specifies that the costs associated with compliance will be drawn from the state school foundation aid, there are concerns about whether adequate funding will be available. Critics may argue that such a funding mechanism could strain local school budgets, especially in economically challenged areas, potentially shifting resources away from other educational needs. Additionally, discussions may arise over the balance between enhanced security measures and maintaining a welcoming educational environment.

Latest HF603 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2438

A bill for an act relating to the security of school district buildings, including establishing the school security grant program within the department of education, establishing design and construction standards for new attendance centers, and making appropriations.

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 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 SF2060

A bill for an act relating to school lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

IA HSB730

A bill for an act providing for cardiac emergency response plans in schools and a cardiac emergency response plan grant program.

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 HF2368

A bill for an act relating to school lunch programs provided by school districts and accredited nonpublic schools and making appropriations.

IA SF8

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa core curriculum and to assessment and content standards for school districts and accredited nonpublic schools and including effective date provisions.

IA HF2547

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring school engagement meetings and attendance cooperation proceedings when children are absent from school, requiring school districts to restrict student use of cellular phones and smartphones, modifying provisions related to open enrollment of truant students, and modifying penalties. (Formerly HF 2254.)

IA HSB219

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 597.)

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