Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2278

Introduced
2/1/24  
Engrossed
2/28/24  
Introduced
2/1/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Engrossed
2/28/24  
Enrolled
4/23/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Passed
5/1/24  
Enrolled
4/23/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the transportation to and from school of pupils participating in open enrollment. (Formerly HF 134, HF 41.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

Impact

The bill modifies existing regulations regarding how school districts handle transportation for students who opt for open enrollment. It stipulates that sending districts may be responsible for certain transportation costs, depending on the economic eligibility of students. If the transportation costs exceed an average determined from previous years, the sending district is limited in its financial responsibility. By allowing for transportation flexibility, HF2278 seeks to promote educational access for students in varying economic circumstances while balancing the financial burdens on school districts.

Summary

House File 2278 is a legislative bill in Iowa that addresses the transportation of students participating in open enrollment. It allows receiving school districts with specific enrollment numbers to send school vehicles into the districts of residence of these pupils for transportation purposes. This flexibility is intended to accommodate students whose primary residences are closer to the schools in the receiving districts than to their assigned schools in their home districts. This measure aims to enhance access to educational opportunities and potentially increase student mobility.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HF2278 appears to be supportive, particularly among education advocates who view it as a step towards improving student access to quality education. However, there are concerns about the potential financial implications for sending districts, especially regarding their ability to cover transportation costs for economically disadvantaged students. Overall, the sentiment reflects a balance between the need for equitable educational access and the fiscal constraints faced by school districts.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve the financial responsibilities placed on sending districts for transportation versus the benefits provided to students. Some legislators express concerns about whether the bill adequately addresses the funding implications and sustainability of such transportation arrangements. Additionally, there might be debates regarding how effectively the bill ensures that all students, regardless of their economic situation, will be able to access transportation without overly burdening the sending districts financially.

Companion Bills

IA HF41

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the transportation to and from school of pupils participating in open enrollment.(See HF 134, HF 2278.)

IA HF134

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the transportation to and from school of pupils participating in open enrollment.(Formerly HF 41; See HF 2278.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2010

A bill for an act relating to the transportation to and from school of pupils participating in open enrollment.

IA SF332

A bill for an act relating to the transportation to and from school of pupils participating in open enrollment.

IA HF2591

A bill for an act relating to open enrollment, student transfers, and interscholastic athletic eligibility requirements, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2034.) Effective date: Enactment, 08/01/2026

IA HF928

A bill for an act relating to the recounting and contesting of elections, and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 596.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF706

A bill for an act relating to open meetings and open records, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HF 416.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SF176

A bill for an act relating to participation in cocurricular and extracurricular activities offered by school districts by pupils who open enroll for purposes of receiving educational instruction and course content primarily over the internet. (Formerly SSB 1023.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

IA HF2754

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to charter school approval, contracts, funding, and operations, services provided to charter schools by area education agencies, charter school student participation in extracurricular activities provided by public schools, the Iowa public employees' retirement system, education savings accounts, independent accreditation, teacher training and licensure, the statewide voluntary preschool program, the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, open enrollment, school tuition organizations, private instruction, and innovation zone schools; making appropriations; and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2713, HSB 735.) Effective date: 05/12/2026. Applicability date: 07/01/2026.

IA HF2360

A bill for an act relating to child endangerment. (Formerly HF 2086.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

IA HF1028

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of management, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 756, HSB 72.) Effective date: 07/01/2026, 07/01/2027. Applicability date: 07/01/2026.

IA HF865

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the harassment or bullying of students enrolled in school districts or accredited nonpublic schools. (Formerly HF 149.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Similar Bills

NJ A2037

Provides supplemental transportation aid to certain districts participating in interdistrict public school choice program.

NJ S2758

Provides supplemental transportation aid to certain districts participating in interdistrict public school choice program.

NJ S1512

Permits jointure commission to provide transportation services on school buses it owns or leases to local school districts without public bidding.

NJ A2484

Permits jointure commission to provide transportation services on school buses it owns or leases to local school districts without public bidding.

ND HB1214

Payments for school district transportation of students, special education students, and career and technical education students, the distribution of transportation payments in the event of school district closure, and state transportation payments to school districts; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1214

AN ACT to create and enact section 15.1-27-31.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to transportation weighted student unit equivalents; to amend and reenact sections 15.1-31-05 and 15.1-27-31.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to open enrollment transportation; to repeal sections 15.1-27-26.1, 15.1-27-27.1, 15.1-27-28.1, 15.1-27-30.1, and 15.1-27-31.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to payments for school district transportation of students, special education students, and career and technical education students, the distribution of transportation payments in the event of school district closure, and state transportation payments to school districts; and to provide an effective date.

SC H3242

SC School Bus Privatization

NJ A2882

Provides additional State pupil transportation aid to school districts that meet certain criteria.