Legislative Resources
Timely Information in Support of Our Members
2026 Comprehensive Legislative Overview
Table of Contents
- Checklist: Quick reference guide for prioritizing actions for your school district.
- High Priority/High Effort: Bills requiring major policy and process overhauls and/or immediacy of implementation.
- Moderate Impact: Additional bills that necessitate operational updates in your district.
- Low Impact/Awareness: Legislation requiring minimal to no action for most districts.
- Vetoed Bills: Bills vetoed by Governor Reynolds.
- Prior Years' Updates: Information on key bills from previous legislative sessions
Checklist
Each bulleted item is considered a "checklist" item for your district to complete. These are listed in priority order.
High Priority/High Effort
Bills requiring major policy and process overhauls and/or immediacy of implementation.
SF 2218 — E-verify bill
- All districts should register with E-Verify and use it for all new hires after July 1.
SF 2428 — Student Behavior / Classroom Removal
- Establish an oversight committee to review procedures and policy regarding returning students to the classroom that have been removed due to behavioral issues.
- Provide staff with Special Education professional development as created and distributed by the DE.
- All teachers must be made aware of an individual students’ IEP/504 requirements. It is our suggestion that this take place in a staff meeting prior to the start of the school year, and have a sign off sheet for staff on record to comply with the law.
- Requires that all staff read the accommodations section and changes to IEPS and inform in writing of having completed that reading.(See above.)
- Districts should review DE info on definitions of suspension and expulsion and adjust reporting accordingly.
HF 2676 — MAHA Bill
- Adjust student schedules regarding Physical Activity (includes recess and PE)
- K-4 — Require 40 minutes per day of physical activity (up from 30 minutes)
- 5th grade — 30 minutes per day of physical activity
- Develop a Board approved Technology Use policy
- Develop a Technology adoption checklist for new and renewed 1-1 programs (all grade levels).
- Administer the Presidential Physical Fitness test in grades 1-12. See link for resources and information.
- Review guidance regarding dyes from Nutrition Dept @ the DE (when available)
- Review guidance from School Nurse Section of DE website (when available.) Delivery system for epinephrine expanded to allow nasal sprays.
SF 2220 — TAG, Accelerated Learning, Math/ELA pathways
- Develop uniform procedures and processes for screening, referring, identifying and serving TAG students
- Develop an Advanced Math Pathway (2027-28 school year)
- Develop a course acceleration pathway for grades 4-12. (2027-28 school year)
HF 2591 — 8th grade eligibility for HS Sports
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Develop a board approved policy regarding the process for 8th grade participation in HS activities. Use IAHSAA/IGHSAU guidance.
SF 274 — Cash at the Gate
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Required for all school districts to accept cash extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competition . You can continue with cashless options, but must also accept cash. Non-school facilities are exempt. IAHSAA/IGHSAU document
HF 2670 — State Assessment and Curriculum
- Review/revise Health Curriculum to include Communicable diseases, Physical fitness, and Nutrition.
- May allow a Math credit for specific agriculture course work
- Social Studies assessment will be effective in the 2027-28 school year.
SF 2430 — Display of Flags at Half-Staff
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Be certain that a staff member is in charge of receiving and monitoring notices of half-staff for flags. Subscribe to Governor’s news release email
Moderate Impact:
Additional bills that necessitate operational updates in your district.
SF 2201 — SSA 2%/ $7M for support staff /2nd count date//See DE info
- Report to DE regarding hourly wage data
- Consider options (if any) for the second count date on January 15th.
- Receive and distribute money from the state for support staff wages.
SF 2231 — Protected Speech and Community based provider PK programs
- Distribute information related to constitutionally protected prayer and religious expression in public elementary and secondary schools to all staff and board, as provided by the DE.
- Be prepared for requests from community based providers to initiate 28E agreements for PK. Districts are required to collaborate with them.
SF 2219 — School Activities Absence Exemption
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Adjust district policies regarding exempt absences to include all school and school organization activities. See DE guidance, when available.
SF 176 — Online Academy extracurricular participation (AND)
HF 2754 — Charter/Home school bill
- A reminder that students attending on-line schools, Charter Schools, and Non-public schools,are eligible to participate at their resident district with certain regulations (HF 2754, Division 3, page 31-32.)
- Also requires districts to report reasons for Open enrollment denial.
SF 472 — Re-certification and Retention Elections
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Superintendents should consult with their Association rep about appropriate processes and steps and follow those at the applicable time.
HF 2490 — Open Meetings and Public Records. Requires districts to physically post notice of meetings, as well as posting online.
SF 2365 — Public Improvement Contracts — Send written notice of final acceptance of any public improvement project within 14 calendar days after the district formally accepts the completed project. Create policy and process to comply.
Low Impact/Awareness:
Legislation requiring minimal to no action for most districts.
HF 2493 — Five-Year-Old PK — Allows a “young” five-year-old to attend PK and be counted for enrollment IF they did not attend PK as a four-year-old. 2027-28 timeline
HF 2231 — Civics Seal — Optional program for districts. Contact DE for enrollment.
SF 2086 — Jr. Firefighter Program — Optional program for districts. Must consult with local firefighters.
HF 2598 — Requires NEW CDL applicants (school bus drivers) to complete Human Trafficking training
SF 2474 — AEDs
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Begin to document information as to the number of AEDs in school facilities as well as their placement. Fall BEDs will ask for this according to the DE.
HF 2337 — Academic Fraud–Outlines penalties for misrepresentation of academic credentials
SF 140 — Satellite Absentee Voting — If a school building is a voting site and the election includes a school issue, visible information must be removed or covered.
SF 273 — Grooming Definition–Clarifies the definition of grooming.
HF 2724 — Alternative Certification (Math, Sci, Fine Arts, Strat II, Activity Dir.) BOEE will be working on this and will potentially allow additional people to be certified in those areas.
HF 2230 — BOEE Licensing, Postsecondary Testing — DE bill; changes some of the requirements for teacher prep programs
HF 2610 — CTE and Community Colleges–DE bill–Makes changes to CTE regulations for post secondary programs.
HF 2345 — IPERS Payment Modality — allows for payment to be made to recipients via a reloadable payment card
HF 2501 — Election Responsibilities — Minimal changes to election process and reporting requirements.
SF 2472 — Property Tax Bill — DE info https://educate.iowa.gov/media/13279/download?inline
High Priority/High Effort Items
Bills requiring major policy and process overhauls and/or immediacy of implementation.
SF 2428 — Student Behavior / Classroom Removal
First and foremost — All actions regarding student behavior are dictated by their IEP and the decisions of the IEP team (or 504 plan). Students with behavioral issues are subject to normal discipline procedures up to a certain point, depending on their IEP. If a student does not have an IEP, or does not have a behavioral goal/FBA/BIP, then violent or non-violent actions resulting in a removal from a class are to be handled as the new legislation and subsequent rules dictate. Always contact your AEA behavioral staff and/or your legal representation/advisor with questions on handling these behavioral issues.
- Section 1 — Professional development information regarding IEPS and 504s will be made available to districts from the DE. The district will need to share that information it receives from the DE, with their staff.
- Section 2 — Language about underreporting of student discipline issues (suspension/expulsion). Districts should review DE info on definitions of suspension and expulsion and adjust reporting accordingly.
- Section 3 — DE pilot project for Behavioral centers to address needs of certain students significant behavioral issues (two districts (rural and urban) will start a facility) No action necessary here, except for the two districts that are chosen. A reminder that the eligibility for a rural school is extremely specific. View DE information regarding application: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/13286/download?inline
- Section 7—Requires establishment of an oversight committee to review procedures and policies regarding returning students to the classroom who have been removed due to behavioral issues.(See page 8 of the bill.)
Each attendance center must create an oversight review committee that is responsible for developing a policy that establishes when a student who has been removed from the classroom may be readmitted to the classroom.
The oversight review committee must consist of all of the following members:
- Two teachers who work in the attendance center and who must be selected by the teachers of the attendance center. (This is an important point that you include teachers in the discussion, as this bill originated from the concerns of impacted teachers.)
- One administrative employee, mental health professional, or behavioral interventionist who works in the attendance center and who must be selected by the principal of the attendance center.
The oversight review committee may issue recommendations related to when a student who was removed from a teacher's classroom should be readmitted to the teacher's classroom. (The intent here was policy/process to follow in these cases, and NOT for each individual student issue.)
Requirements of the policies/procedures:
For NON-VIOLENT disruptions resulting in a removal:
- Requirement for students that are removed from a class to remain in the principal's office for at least 30 minutes.
- Grade 6-12 students may not return to that classroom until at least the next day.
- Language requiring a meeting between administrator and teacher regarding a student removed from the classroom, prior to the student returning to the same classroom.
- Requires principal to inform the teacher of the discipline step(s).
- Requires a group meeting following a students’ second removal for behavior to discuss potential plans/alternatives. (The group would include the teacher, principal, guidance counselor, or similar role.) Parents/guardians must be notified.
For VIOLENT disruptions resulting in a removal
- Students shall not be readmitted if the removal was due to the assault of a teacher AND the teacher refuses to allow return. (IEP and 504 exceptions.)
- Gives precedence to any and all IEP/504 procedures and requirements.
- Requires granting a leave of absence if needed, for a teacher injured by a student.
- Requires a teacher’s right to appeal placement.
Section 8
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Allows a teacher to request an IEP meeting regarding a student. Allows administrators to deny the request by citing Federal law (in writing).
Section 9
- Requires any staff who may be a part of an IEP team be provided with professional development as created and distributed by the DE (see Section 1).
- Requires all teachers to be made aware of individual students’ IEP/504 requirements. It is our suggestion that this take place in a staff meeting prior to the start of the school year.
- Requires that all staff read the accommodations section and changes to IEPS and inform in writing of having completed that reading.
- Requires that at least one paraeducator who works with the student to attend the IEP meeting.
DE Guidance https://educate.iowa.gov/media/13288/download?inline
IASB Sample Disruptive Behavior Policy
IASB recently published a new sample policy 503.11 – Disruptive Behavior. Following additional guidance on the implementation of new Iowa Code section 279.90 (SF 2428), IASB has updated the policy to better align with the law and support its practical application by school districts. This update should replace the previous version released on June 29 from Policy Update Vol. 34 #5.If you have questions about this update, please contact Anna Harmon, IASB Policy & Legal Services Director at aharmon@ia-sb.org.
Division 5 — Prohibits certain dyes in food served at schools–See guidance from Nutrition Dept @ the DE
Division 6 (Section14) — Delivery system for epinephrine expanded — Allows for the use of other “delivery systems” besides auto-injector. See guidance from the School Nurse Section of DE.
Division 8 — Students and screen time in schools (K-5 limited to 60 minutes per day). See page 13 of the bill.
DE Guidance https://educate.iowa.gov/media/13274/download?inline
- Districts will need to develop a Board approved technology use policy. DE Guidance: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/13289/download?inline
- 60 minutes per day or additional district limits
- Option for parents to further limit minutes
- Statement regarding supplement not supplant
- Prohibition on device use at recess
- Publicized on website ***Exceptions to the 60 minute rule:
- IEP/504 mandated/allowed
- Adaptive/assistive tech to facilitate learning
- Teacher use of technology
- State assessments, screenings, etc
- Computer Science/Tech curriculum
- Does not apply to on-line learning situations or virtual school days (weather)
- Districts will develop a Technology adoption checklist for 1-1 programs (all grade levels). This checklist shall “consider”:
- The instructional purpose of the device.
- Age appropriateness of the device and associated software.
- Content-filtering limitations and the district's capacity to mitigate those limitations.
- Whether student data is collected, stored, or shared, and the nature of such data practices.
Division 9 — President’s Physical Fitness Test
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Requires schools to administer the test in grades 1-12. See link for resources and information.
- K-4 — Require 40 minutes per day of physical activity (up from 30 minutes)
- 5th grade — 30 minutes per day of physical activity
- 6-12 — 120 minutes per week of physical activity — UNCHANGED
- Allows school sponsored or non-school sponsored physical activities to count toward the 120 min requirement – UNCHANGED
Section 2 — Schools will develop uniform procedures and processes for screening, referring, identifying and serving TAG students (required for 2026-27 school year; page two of the bill)
A school district shall base the identification of gifted and talented children on a body of evidence from multiple data sources, both objective and subjective, which must include, at a minimum, local comparisons within the school district and, when appropriate, within individual attendance centers, and which may include but are not limited to any of the following:
- Standardized assessments
- Student achievement
- Cognitive ability
- Creative ability
- Qualitative and quantitative data
- Teacher and parent input
- Observation of gifted characteristics and behaviors
The identification procedures established by the board of directors of a school district shall not provide that any one particular criteria prohibits a student from participating in the school district's program for gifted and talented children. Districts should review TAG services and student progress annually.
Section 3 — Schools will develop an Advanced Math Pathway (2027-28 school year)
DE Guidance: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/13291/download?inline
Section 4 — Develop a course acceleration pathway for grades 4-12. (2027-28 school year)
HF 2591 — 140 calendar Days Ineligibility period//8th grade eligibility for HS Sports
- Districts will need to develop a board approved policy regarding the process for 8th grade participation in HS activities. Use IAHSAA/IGHSAU documents and DE emergency rules
- Open enrollment ineligibility is now 140 calendar days (NOT 90 school days)
SF 274 — Cash at the Gate
-
Required for all school districts to accept cash. You can continue with cashless options, but must also accept cash. Non-school facilities are exempt from this requirement. IAHSAA/IGHSAU document
HF 2670 — State Assessment
- Grades 3-11 an assessment in mathematics and English language arts, including reading and writing.
- Grades 5, 8, and 11, an assessment in science
- Grades 8 and 11, an assessment in social studies. (July 2027 implementation for SS only)
- May allow a math credit for specific agriculture course work
- Health curriculum must include:
- Communicable diseases
- Physical fitness
- Nutrition
- Removed language concerning Multicultural and Gender Fair from code
SF 2430 — Display of Flags at Half-Staff
-
Be certain that a staff member is in charge of receiving and monitoring notices of half-staff for flags–Subscribe to Governor’s news release email
SF 2218 —E-verify bill
-
The board of directors of each school district and the authorities in charge of each accredited nonpublic school shall use the e-verify system of the United States citizenship and immigration services to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.
Moderate Impact Items
Additional bills that necessitate operational updates in your district.
SF 2201 — SSA 2%/ $7M for support staff /second count date//See DE info
- Report to DE regarding hourly wage data
- Consider options for 2nd count date–Jan15
- Receive and distribute $ from State for support staff wages
SF 2231 — Protected Speech and Private PK
- Distribute information to all staff and board, pertaining to religious speech as provided by the DE
- Be prepared for requests from private providers to initiate 28E agreement for PK. Districts are required to collaborate with them.
SF 2219 — School Activities Absence Exemption
- Adjust district policies regarding exempt absences to include all school activities. DE guidance https://educate.iowa.gov/media/10555/download?inline
SF 176 — Online Academy extracurricular participation (AND)
HF 2754 — Charter/Home school bill
A reminder that students attending on-line schools, Charter Schools, and Non-public schools,are eligible to participate at their resident district with certain regulations (Division 3, page 31-32)
SF 472 — Re-certification and Retention Elections
-
Superintendents should check with their teachers association rep about appropriate processes and steps and follow those, to avoid additional intervention by the legislature.
HF 2490 — Open Meetings and Public Records. Requires districts to physically post notice of meetings, as well as posting online.
SF 2365 Public Improvement Contracts— Districts must send written notice of final acceptance of any public improvement project within 14 calendar days after the district formally accepts the completed project. Create policy and process to comply.
Low Impact/Awareness
Legislation requiring minimal to no action for most districts.
SF 2474 — AEDs — DE will require districts to enter this device information(number in buildings and locations) in Fall BEDs.
HF 2598 — Requires NEW CDL applicants(school bus drivers) to complete Human Trafficking training
HF 2231 — Civics Seal–Optional program for districts. Contact DE for enrollment.
SF 2086 — Jr. Firefighter Program–Optional program for districts. Must consult with local firefighters.
HF 2493 — 5yr old PK allows a “young” 5 year old to attend PK and be counted for enrollment IF they did not attend PK as a four-year-old. (2027-28 timeline)
HF 2337 — Academic Fraud–Outlines penalties for misrepresentation of academic credentials
SF 140 — Satellite Absentee Voting — If a school building is a voting site and the election includes a school issue, visible information must be removed or covered.
SF 273 — Grooming Definition–Clarifies the definition of grooming.
HF 2724 — Alternative Certification (Math, Sci, Fine Arts, Strat II, Activity Dir.) BOEE will be working on this and will potentially allow additional people to be certified in those areas.
HF 2230 — BOEE Licensing, Postsecondary Testing — DE bill; changes some of the requirements for teacher prep programs
HF 2610 — CTE and Community Colleges–DE bill–Makes changes to CTE regulations for post secondary programs.
HF 2345 — IPERS Payment Modality — allows for payment to be made to recipients via a reloadable payment card
HF 2501 — Election Responsibilities — Minimal changes to election process and reporting requirements.
SF 2472 — Property Tax Bill — DE info https://educate.iowa.gov/media/13279/download?inline
Vetoed Bills
These bills were unexpectedly vetoed by the Governor and are not law. There is a group of Community College reps, Superintendents, and Education Organizations having conversations regarding Concurrent Enrollment processes over the interim. Stay tuned.
SF 2299 Concurrent Enrollment Repayment (failure or drop required payment by student/parents)
SF 2320 Concurrent Enrollment Modality In-Person
Previous Years' Updates
SF 496 — Book Removal from School Library — Based on an Apri 2026 U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit decision, school districts must maintain K-12 library programs with only age-appropriate materials that support curriculum goals.
HF787 — Out-of-State Placement and Special Education Costs — The 2025 legislative session decision allows districts with students in out-of-state placement to apply for extra funding from the state. The timelines for submission are August 1 and August 15. The DE anticipates sharing more information on the application process soon.