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Iowa House Bill HF289
Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session
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Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF289

Introduced
2/10/25  

Caption

A bill for an act transferring the division of vocational rehabilitation services from the department of workforce development to the department of education.

Impact

The implication of this bill on state laws is multi-faceted. It seeks to create a more educationally-focused framework around vocational rehabilitation, which can potentially lead to improved outcomes for individuals seeking employment after experiencing disabilities. By integrating the division into the Department of Education, the bill may enhance collaboration with educational institutions and other agencies that contribute to vocational training, thereby streamlining processes that assist people with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.

Summary

House File 289 proposes a significant restructuring of vocational rehabilitation services in Iowa by transferring the division responsible for these services from the Department of Workforce Development to the Department of Education. This change is aimed at enhancing the delivery and coordination of services provided to individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they have better access to education and job training opportunities. The division plays a crucial role in administering the state's compliance with the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and utilizes both state and federal funding for this purpose.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has sparked some contention among stakeholders. Opponents may argue that shifting responsibilities from workforce development to education could lead to a dilution of focus on immediate job placement services, as education departments historically emphasize academic achievement over direct workforce outcomes. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding how this shift could affect the funding and resources allocated to vocational rehabilitation programs, particularly ensuring that they remain adequately supported to meet the needs of those with significant disabilities.

Latest IA HF289 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session HF289

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF722

A bill for an act relating to workforce training, unemployment insurance, and other functions and programs of the department of workforce development, the workforce development board, and local workforce development boards.(Formerly HSB 68.)

IA SB10

An Act For The Department Of Commerce - Division Of Workforce Services Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.

IA HSB68

A bill for an act relating to workforce training, unemployment insurance, adult education, and other functions and programs of the department of workforce development, the workforce development board, and local workforce development boards, and making appropriations.(See HF 722.)

IA SSB1068

A bill for an act relating to workforce training, unemployment insurance, adult education, and other functions and programs of the department of workforce development, the workforce development board, and local workforce development boards, and making appropriations.(See SF 222, SF 603.)

IA SF222

A bill for an act relating to workforce training, unemployment insurance, adult education, and other functions and programs of the department of workforce development, the workforce development board, and local workforce development boards, and making appropriations.(Formerly SSB 1068; See SF 603.)

IA HB1018

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

IA SB39

An Act For The Department Of Commerce - Division Of Workforce Services Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

IA HF2783

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, state board of regents, department of workforce development, and Iowa special education council. (Formerly HSB 778.) Effective date: 07/01/2026

IA HB2791

Relating to powers and duties of the Texas Workforce Commission with respect to the procurement of goods and services for the provision of vocational rehabilitation services.

IA HF2327

A bill for an act relating to programs and procedures of the department of workforce development and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 556.)

Similar Bills

AR SB10

An Act For The Department Of Commerce - Division Of Workforce Services Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.

NJ S3547

Requires DOLWD and DHS to conduct assessment of community rehabilitation programs and community businesses.

NJ A2464

Requires DOLWD and DHS to conduct assessment of community rehabilitation programs and community businesses.

CA SB423

An act to add Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 4970) to Part 4 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, relating to inmate firefighters.

TX HB2791

Relating to powers and duties of the Texas Workforce Commission with respect to the procurement of goods and services for the provision of vocational rehabilitation services.

CA SB75

Employment: Preapprenticeship Pathways to Employment Pilot Program.

IA HSB730

A bill for an act relating to rehabilitation projects and tax incentives under the workforce housing tax incentives program.

HI SR18

Requesting The Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation To Collaborate With The Department Of Transportation To Use Inmate Work Furlough Programs For State Roadway And Highway Maintenance.