Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2737

Introduced
3/9/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the education savings account program, including modifying eligibility provisions, providing a future repeal date, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

Impact

The implementation of HF2737 is set to expand access to education savings accounts, allowing more families to enroll their students in nonpublic education options through financial support. However, the bill also encompasses a repeal of the education savings account program effective July 1, 2029, which raises questions about the program's long-term viability. Such a change could affect how educational funding is structured in Iowa, particularly for families who rely on these financial instruments for educational choice.

Summary

House File 2737 proposes significant changes to Iowa's education savings account program, primarily focused on modifying eligibility criteria for participating students. The bill aims to adjust the income thresholds for families seeking to enroll their children in nonpublic schools while utilizing education savings account payments, aligning these thresholds with federal poverty guidelines. Specifically, for the school budget year starting on July 1, 2027, households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level will be eligible, which will decrease to 300% for the subsequent year, beginning July 1, 2028.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HF2737 involve the balance of public versus private education funding and the implications of the planned repeal. Proponents argue that expanding eligibility promotes educational choice and allows families more options for their children's education. Conversely, opponents may express concern that such programs could divert essential funding from public schools, potentially undermining the educational infrastructure for students who remain in public education systems.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2228

A bill for an act relating to school district funding provisions, including reducing the foundation property tax and repealing the education savings account program, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF2736

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to area education agency funding, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF187

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to eligibility for payments under the education savings account program, and including effective date provisions.

IA HF2265

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to eligibility for payments under the education savings account program, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF2321

A bill for an act repealing the education savings account program.

IA HF199

A bill for an act repealing the education savings account program.

IA SF199

A bill for an act repealing the education savings account program.

IA SF2229

A bill for an act relating to education funding, including the amounts for the statewide preschool program and eligibility for payments under the education savings account program, and including applicability provisions.

IA SF2329

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, the department of education, and area education agency funding, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF914

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, the department of education, and area education agency funding, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

Similar Bills

AR SB425

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation; And To Declare An Emergency.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2025 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2026 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

TX HB5663

Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.

LA HB719

Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (RE +$2,274,000 GF EX See Note)

LA SB454

Provides for a population based allocation of assistant district attorney positions in the state. (7/1/26) (OR +$397,950 GF EX See Note)

CA AB2482

School districts: reorganization.

KY SB1

AN ACT relating to education.