Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3015

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the verification of the identity and employment eligibility of individuals by the board of educational examiners, school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 2218.)

Impact

The bill has significant implications for existing state laws related to educational licensure. By instituting strict requirements for identity and employment eligibility verification, the legislation is poised to strengthen the oversight capabilities of educational institutions, ensuring that only legally authorized individuals are permitted to teach or hold administrative positions. This change aligns with federal immigration laws and aims to uphold the integrity of educational standards within the state.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3015 aims to enhance the verification processes concerning the identity and employment eligibility of individuals employed in educational settings. The bill mandates that all applicants for licensure, as well as those seeking license renewal through the board of educational examiners (BOEE), must provide proof of their lawful presence in the United States. This requirement is not only limited to first-time applicants but also extends to current license holders who are not subject to renewal to demonstrate their lawful status every five years.

Contention

However, SSB3015 could also be a source of contention. Critics may argue that stringent verification processes could deter qualified candidates from pursuing a career in education, especially if they face barriers in proving their employment eligibility. The potential for ambiguity in what constitutes adequate proof of lawful presence may lead to inconsistencies in enforcement and concerns regarding the inclusivity of educational institutions. Discussions around this bill may center on the balance between securing lawful employment and ensuring access to teaching positions for all qualified individuals.

Companion Bills

IA SF2218

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to state regulatory compliance and eligibility requirements, including by modifying provisions related to the verification of the identity and employment eligibility of individuals by the board of educational examiners, school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools; the provision of a false social security number to an employer, prospective employer, or a potential employee; qualifications for employment, professional licensure, voter registration, and bail; making penalties applicable; and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3015.) Effective date: 07/01/2026. Applicability date: 07/01/2026.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2218

A bill for an act relating to state regulatory compliance and eligibility requirements, including by modifying provisions related to the verification of the identity and employment eligibility of individuals by the board of educational examiners, school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools; the provision of a false social security number to an employer, prospective employer, or a potential employee; qualifications for employment, professional licensure, voter registration, and bail; making penalties applicable; and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3015.) Effective date: 07/01/2026. Applicability date: 07/01/2026.

IA HF2454

A bill for an act relating to the employment of temporary licensed mental health counselors by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

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 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 SF100

A bill for an act relating to mental health resources for students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

IA HSB276

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the minimum amount of instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

IA SSB3109

A bill for an act requiring school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to provide success-sequence education in grades seven through twelve.

IA HF586

A bill for an act relating to the development of a policy governing responses to a fire alarm activated on school grounds outside of a scheduled fire drill by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including effective date provisions.

IA HSB681

A bill for an act relating to student dress code policies of public schools, charter schools, and innovation school zones, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 2486.)

IA HF2486

A bill for an act relating to student dress code policies of public schools, charter schools, and innovation school zones, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 681.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.