Legislative Update for 01/27/2018
Another busy week at the Capitol!
The Senate worked on a de-appropriations bill for the current fiscal year, which passed out of the Appropriations Committee on a party line vote of 13-8. The Senate bill would cut about $52 million in spending, which is larger than the $27 million reduction proposed by Governor Reynolds. For further details see SF 2117.
The Department of Education's bill to expand access to Iowa Learning Online (ILO), which was introduced in the Senate as SSB 3030 and introduced in the House as HSB 563, passed subcommittees in both chambers. The bill is now eligible for a vote in the Senate and House Education Committees.
SF 2064 is a bill establishing a new school start date. Currently, school districts are required to start school no earlier than August 23. The new bill states the earliest school start date would be August 23, or the Monday following the last day of the Iowa State Fair, whichever occurs first. The bill passed a Senate subcommittee and will now head to the Senate Education Committee, where it is expected to pass.
Another bill that passed a Senate subcommittee is SSB 3002, School Bus Route Limitations. Currently, there are time limits established for the amount of time students can ride on a bus under normal circumstances. For elementary students, the time limit is 60 minutes and for high school students it is 75 minutes. This bill places the responsibility to determine the amount of time a student can be on a bus with local school boards.
HSB 578 - Statewide Assessment – This bill states that the new assessment shall be developed by the Iowa Testing Program located within the University of Iowa College of Education and be administered by the Iowa Testing Program’s designee. The bill has been assigned to a subcommittee. As a reminder, during the 2017 Legislative session, SF 240, required the Department of Education (Department) to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) by July 1, to choose the statewide assessment that would be administered in the 2018-2019 school year. The Department worked with the Department of Administrative Services to issue the RFP and evaluate submissions in accordance with SF 240. An intent to award was announced. One of the applicants appealed the decision, which is currently pending before an administrative law judge.
SF 475 - Education Omnibus bill, passed the Senate last year. This week it passed the House Education Committee, with an amendment, on a party-line vote, and is now eligible for debate on the House floor.
The bill covers several areas:
Week four of the legislative session brings us into February. The first funnel occurs at the end of week six, so stay buckled up, as the pace for now is sure to remain lightning fast!
Shan Seivert
Policy Liaison
Iowa Department of Education
Cell: 515-326-5595
Office: 515-281-3399
shanlyn.seivert@iowa.gov