Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF78

Introduced

1/22/25

Refer

1/22/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to certain specified skilled trades, including modifying provisions related to department of workforce development internship programs, the Iowa summer youth corps program, college student aid commission programs, the senior year plus program, the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative within the innovation division of the department of education, and curricula provided in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to include the skilled trades, and including applicability provisions.

Impact

The bill's implications are poised to bolster the state's economy by ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers. By integrating skilled trades into educational programs, the legislation not only supports the academic growth of students but also enhances their employability. Collaborations between the Department of Workforce Development and educational institutions are also encouraged to create internship pathways that lead to permanent positions, thus addressing both educational and economic challenges within the state.

Summary

Senate File 78, introduced by Senator Donahue, seeks to enhance educational opportunities in specified skilled trades within Iowa's education system. The bill modifies existing programs related to the Department of Workforce Development, the Iowa Summer Youth Corps, and the College Student Aid Commission (CSAC). It mandates the inclusion of skilled trades-related curricula in schools and aims to better prepare students for opportunities in fields like welding, electrical work, and automotive mechanics. The legislation emphasizes the importance of aligning educational standards with workforce demands, particularly in areas facing labor shortages.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SF78 could arise from the allocation of education funding and potential resistance from traditional educational advocates who may prefer conventional academic paths. There may also be concerns regarding the balance between general education and vocational training, specifically about whether to emphasize skilled trades at the expense of other academic disciplines. Additionally, the effectiveness of integrating skilled trades education into existing curricula and the ability to recruit quality teachers to deliver this instruction effectively could be areas of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2396

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to programs administered by the college student aid commission, including the skilled workforce shortage tuition grant program, Iowa workforce grant and incentive program, vocational-technical tuition grant program, the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program, and the gap tuition assistance program, and making appropriations.

IA HF536

A bill for an act relating to firearm, hunting, and wildlife instruction provided to students enrolled in grades six through eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.

IA HSB610

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.)

IA SF58

A bill for an act relating to school lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

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 SF113

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

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 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 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 HSB556

A bill for an act relating to programs and procedures of the department of workforce development and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2327.)

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