Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB610

Introduced

1/22/26

Refer

1/22/26

Caption

A bill for an act relating to computer science education, including high school curricula and graduation requirements, practitioner preparation programs, and college admissions, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 2540.)

Impact

The bill not only modifies graduation requirements but also mandates the establishment of high-quality standards for computer science instruction across all educational levels. These standards will include foundational concepts of artificial intelligence, ensuring students understand its workings, societal impacts, and ethical considerations. Furthermore, the legislation enables school districts to utilize blended learning and online instruction formats for teaching computer science, promoting flexibility in delivering these critical educational components.

Summary

House Study Bill 610 (HSB610) is focused on enhancing computer science education in Iowa by establishing new high school graduation requirements. Beginning with the graduating class of 2030-2031, all students in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools will be required to complete a minimum of one semester of computer science. This amendment to graduation standards aims to prepare students for a technology-oriented workforce, emphasizing the necessity of understanding evolving computer technologies and artificial intelligence.

Contention

There are several notable points of contention related to HSB610. One issue is the potential financial burden on smaller school districts, as they may face challenges in meeting the new requirements. The bill does allow for waivers from the graduation requirement, providing districts some leeway in implementation. Additionally, educators and stakeholders have raised concerns about the availability of qualified computer science teachers and suitable resources, which could affect the quality and accessibility of computer science education across diverse school populations. The bill outlines a structured approach to address these issues through state mandates and reporting requirements for course offerings and educator preparedness.

Companion Bills

IA SF2094

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to computer science and artificial intelligence education, including high school curricula and graduation requirements, practitioner preparation programs, and college admissions, and including applicability provisions.

IA HF2540

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to computer science and artificial intelligence education, including high school curricula and graduation requirements, and practitioner preparation programs, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 610.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2094

A bill for an act relating to computer science and artificial intelligence education, including high school curricula and graduation requirements, practitioner preparation programs, and college admissions, and including applicability provisions.

IA HF2540

A bill for an act relating to computer science and artificial intelligence education, including high school curricula and graduation requirements, and practitioner preparation programs, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 610.)

IA SF2224

A bill for an act relating to computer science education, including by modifying provisions related to standards for computer science education, the curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, and practitioner preparation programs, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3050.)

IA HF2286

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies curriculum, core curriculum, graduation requirements, area education agencies, and high school equivalency diplomas, and including transition provisions and effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF253

A bill for an act relating to computer science instruction, including by modifying provisions related to the graduation requirements, the computer science instruction provided by students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, computer science instruction endorsements and authorizations issued by the board of educational examiners, and the computer science professional development incentive fund.

IA HF252

A bill for an act incorporating preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking into the preparation required in approved practitioner preparation programs, and including applicability provisions.

IA HSB718

A bill for an act relating to practitioner preparation programs, including by modifying the preparation required to be included in practitioner preparation programs and the duties of the state board of education and the director of the department of education, and including applicability provisions.

IA HF2670

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to summative testing in schools and the educational program provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade twelve, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 746.) Effective date: 07/01/2026 Applicability date: 07/01/2027

IA HSB543

A bill for an act relating to general education requirements, core curricula, other functions of regents institutions, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 2361.)

IA HSB555

A bill for an act relating to teacher education and licensing, including by modifying provisions related to practitioner preparation programs and licenses issued by the board of educational examiners.(See HF 2230.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.