Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2116

Introduced
1/21/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to trainings and curricula regarding specific defined concepts provided by public institutions of higher education and school districts.

Impact

If enacted, HF2116 will modify existing Iowa Code sections significantly. Notably, it disallows school districts from using any funds, resources, or time to support educational programming that violates the provisions stated in the bill. This will potentially centralize control over educational content and limit local decision-making capabilities regarding matters of curriculum and training. The bill also mandates that school district superintendents ensure compliance with these provisions, effectively placing an administrative burden on local districts to adhere to the state's stipulations regarding educational content.

Summary

House File 2116, introduced by Representative Fett, aims to regulate the training and curricula provided by public institutions of higher education and school districts relating to specific defined concepts. The bill emphasizes that all educational materials and training directed by school employees, contractors, or volunteers must not teach, advocate, or promote any content that could be perceived as stereotyping or scapegoating others based on their demographic identity. This legislative effort is grounded in the intention to create a respectful environment for all students and employees, ensuring no divisive or discriminatory content is included in educational frameworks.

Contention

The passage of HF2116 is likely to spark debates regarding the balance of local control in education versus state-imposed regulations. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to eliminate bias in education and promote a unified curriculum across the state, while opponents may see it as an encroachment on local governance and an infringement on educators' ability to address complex societal issues in their teachings. There are concerns regarding the implications this bill could have on discussions around diversity, equity, and representation in educational contexts, raising questions about what constitutes acceptable educational content within Iowa's public schools.

Companion Bills

IA SF2174

Similar To A bill for an act relating to trainings and curricula regarding specific defined concepts provided by public institutions of higher education and school districts.(See SF 2405.)

IA SF2405

Similar To A bill for an act relating to trainings and curricula regarding specific defined concepts provided by public institutions of higher education and school districts.(Formerly SF 2174.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2174

A bill for an act relating to trainings and curricula regarding specific defined concepts provided by public institutions of higher education and school districts.(See SF 2405.)

IA SF2405

A bill for an act relating to trainings and curricula regarding specific defined concepts provided by public institutions of higher education and school districts.(Formerly SF 2174.)

IA HF2123

A bill for an act relating to state entities, including by modifying provisions related to prohibited diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and officers and to trainings and curricula regarding specific defined concepts provided by school districts.

IA SF2072

A bill for an act relating to state entities, including by modifying provisions related to prohibited diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and officers and to trainings and curricula regarding specific defined concepts provided by school districts.

IA SF335

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to trainings and curricula provided by school districts and prohibited sexual orientation and gender identity instruction, and implementing prohibitions related to the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents, community colleges, and public schools.

IA HB2102

Relating to prohibiting discrimination and conduct motivated by antisemitism by public schools and institutions of higher education and providing antisemitism awareness training and instruction at those schools and institutions.

IA HB928

Relating to tuition and fee bills or billing statements provided to students by public institutions of higher education.

IA HB1696

To Establish The Strengthening Arkansas Education Act; And To Provide A Core Curriculum At State-supported Institutions Of Higher Education.

IA HB2899

Relating to requirements for courses in the core curriculum adopted by public institutions of higher education.

IA SB2098

Relating to requirements for courses in the core curriculum adopted by public institutions of higher education.

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