Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF880

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to public libraries that are eligible to receive state assistance under the enrich Iowa program.(Formerly HF 284.)

Impact

The bill establishes that eligible public libraries must not be dues-paying members of any nationwide nonprofit organization or any local nonprofit that advocates for laws affecting libraries. This represents a significant shift as it excludes numerous libraries from receiving state funding based on their membership status with advocacy organizations. The change aims to increase accountability and focus state resources on libraries that are not swayed by outside lobbying efforts.

Summary

House File 880 aims to modify the eligibility criteria for public libraries seeking state assistance under Iowa's Enrich Iowa program. This bill is designed to ensure that public libraries receiving state support do not have any financial affiliations with certain nonprofit organizations that are involved in advocacy for library-related legislation at various governmental levels. The primary goal is to potentially align state funding more closely with libraries that are independent of external advocacy influences.

Contention

While proponents of HF880 argue that the bill will protect state funds from being allocated to libraries influenced by external lobbying efforts, critics raise concerns about the implications for library autonomy and advocacy. Opponents argue that participation in advocacy organizations can enhance the capabilities of libraries and enrich their services rather than detract from them. The potential challenge is finding a balance between funding neutrality and the need for libraries to advocate for essential resources and policy reform.

Companion Bills

IA HF284

Similar To A bill for an act modifying provisions related to public libraries that are eligible to receive state assistance under the enrich Iowa program. (See HF 880.) Effective date: 01/01/2027.

IA SF238

Similar To A bill for an act modifying provisions related to public libraries that are eligible to receive state assistance under the enrich Iowa program.

Previously Filed As

IA SF238

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to public libraries that are eligible to receive state assistance under the enrich Iowa program.

IA HF284

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to public libraries that are eligible to receive state assistance under the enrich Iowa program. (See HF 880.) Effective date: 01/01/2027.

IA HF2622

A bill for an act relating to public libraries, including eligibility requirements for state assistance and oversight by city councils.(Formerly HSB 720.)

IA HF2752

A bill for an act relating to the teach Iowa scholar program, including modifying eligibility provisions and establishing funding allocations. (Formerly HF 2441, HSB 648.)

IA HSB720

A bill for an act relating to public libraries, including eligibility requirements for state assistance and oversight by city councils.(See HF 2622.)

IA HF2441

A bill for an act relating to the teach Iowa scholar program, including modifying eligibility provisions and establishing funding allocations.(Formerly HSB 648; See HF 2752.)

IA HSB648

A bill for an act relating to the teach Iowa scholar program, including modifying eligibility provisions and establishing funding allocations.(See HF 2441, HF 2752.)

IA HF521

A bill for an act relating to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions.(Formerly HF 274.)

IA SF2310

A bill for an act relating to eligibility for certain public assistance programs.

IA HF2092

A bill for an act relating to the statewide preschool program by modifying provisions relating to eligibility, funding, and compulsory attendance and including applicability provisions.(See HF 2493.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.