Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF560

Introduced
3/2/23  
Introduced
3/2/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the department of education, including the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program and the postsecondary summer classes for high school students program, and making appropriations.

Impact

The bill not only allocates funds for concurrent enrollment but also ensures that any unspent money at the end of the fiscal year remains available for subsequent years. This measure is intended to provide stability in funding for educational programs that allow high school students in grades 9 through 12 to take college-level classes, either at community colleges or through classes taught by community college-employed instructors. By incorporating provisions to prevent reversion of funds, the bill supports long-term educational goals under the Future Ready Iowa initiative.

Summary

House File 560 aims to enhance educational opportunities by addressing funding for community colleges and concurrent enrollment programs for high school students. Specifically, the bill appropriates $2 million from the state's general fund for the 2023-2024 fiscal year to support payments to community colleges for the concurrent enrollment of accredited nonpublic school students. This provision seeks to encourage high school students to engage in college-level coursework, fostering a smoother transition from high school to higher education.

Contention

While the bill is generally well-received, discussions around its implications highlight concerns regarding equitable access to these educational opportunities. Critics argue that the emphasis on funding for concurrent enrollment primarily benefits students in nonpublic schools, potentially leading to disparities in access for those in public educational institutions. This raises important questions about funding priorities and ensuring that all students, regardless of the type of school they attend, have equal opportunities to participate in postsecondary education programs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2176

A bill for an act relating to the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program.(See SF 2299.)

IA SF2299

A bill for an act relating to the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program. (Formerly SF 2176.) Effective date: 07/01/2026

IA SF2223

A bill for an act relating to career education, including by modifying provisions related to career academies, the collective statewide articulation agreement between community colleges and the state board of regents, the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, and individual career and academic plans.(Formerly SSB 3049.)

IA SF2320

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program. (Formerly SF 2170.) Vetoed 6-2-26.

IA SF2170

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program.(See SF 2320.)

IA HSB572

A bill for an act relating to career education, including by modifying provisions related to career academies, the collective statewide articulation agreement between community colleges and the state board of regents, the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, and individual career and academic plans.(See HF 2547.)

IA SSB3049

A bill for an act relating to career education, including by modifying provisions related to career academies, the collective statewide articulation agreement between community colleges and the state board of regents, the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, and individual career and academic plans.(See SF 2223.)

IA HSB105

A bill for an act relating to charter schools, including by modifying provisions related to charter school board member requirements and charter school student participation in the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program.(See HF 785.)

IA HF2547

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to career academies, the collective statewide articulation agreement between community colleges and the state board of regents, the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, and individual career and academic plans, and by requiring the state board of regents to submit a report related to establishing a performance-based funding model for the institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents. (Formerly HSB 572.)

IA SF2501

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, and innovation zone schools; making appropriations; and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 2425, SF 2175.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.