The snow disrupted some of the planned work at the Capitol this week, but both Chambers continued to advance a large number of bills through subcommittee, committee, and the floor.
Three of the Governor’s policy bills saw action this week. On Wednesday, the Senate held a subcommittee hearing on Senate Study Bill 1076 regarding education flexibility; the subcommittee recommended passage and the bill will move to the Senate Education Committee. In the House, the Education Committee took up and passed the companion to SSB1076, HSB119 (renumbered HF327). The Senate also held a subcommittee on SSB1086, the Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Act, which recommended passage of the bill. The Senate Workforce Committee voted to pass the bill on Wednesday, so it now moves to the Senate floor and is renumbered Senate File 318.
Finally, the Senate wrapped up subcommittee meetings on the Governor’s state government reorganization bill (SSB1123). Next week, the House will begin to hold subcommittee hearings on its companion bill to SSB1123, House Study Bill 126, with a hearing set for each day, Monday through Thursday, from noon to 1:00PM.
The House Education committee met on both Tuesday and Wednesday this week and took up the following bills:
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House File 8: prohibiting instruction related to gender identity, sexual orientation in kindergarten through grade three.
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HF99: relating to approved courses of instruction for school bus drivers.
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HF123: related to shared operational functions by adding information technology specialists.
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HSB111 (renumbered HF323): related to school district compensation of student teachers.
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HSB118: related to responsibilities and duties of boards and officers of school boards
The Senate Education Committee did not meet this week, and is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00AM. The House Education Committee is again scheduled to meet twice next week, on Tuesday, February 21 at 2:30PM and on Thursday, February 23 at 11:00AM.
Lastly, subcommittees were held for the following bills this week:
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HF 123 : adding information technology specialist to the eligible shared operational functions. Subcommittee recommends passage.
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HF210: Change in age requirements for substitute authorizations. Subcommittee recommends passage.
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HF224: Eliminates some renewal requirements for teachers holding a Masters or Doctoral degree. Subcommittee recommends passage.
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HSB 134 (similar to SF167): related to youth employment. Subcommittee recommends passage.
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SF177: Requirements for school trainings, emergency care planning, and other provisions related to students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Subcommittee recommends passage.
Please reach out if you have any questions or comments, and keep an eye on the Department’s bill tracker to stay up-to-date on legislative activity during the week.
Eric St Clair Legislative Liaison Iowa Department of Education Grimes State Office Building 515-326-0274 eric.stclair@iowa.gov
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