Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB708

Introduced
2/13/24  
Introduced
2/13/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to regents institutions and the enforcement of state, local, and municipal laws, and personal injury or illness of a peace officer employed by a regents institution.

Impact

If passed, the bill will implement a formal structure for handling complaints against regents institutions regarding law enforcement policies, enhancing transparency and legal compliance. Local entities or regents institutions that are found to violate these provisions may face sanctions, including a denial of state funds for their operations in the fiscal year following such a determination. This could significantly alter how law enforcement is carried out at universities and affect the funding and operational capabilities of those institutions.

Summary

House Study Bill 708 aims to establish clear guidelines regarding the enforcement of state, local, and municipal laws by regents institutions, specifically the state universities of Iowa. The bill prohibits these institutions from adopting policies that hinder or discourage law enforcement practices concerning state and local laws. Additionally, it allows individuals to file complaints with the attorney general if they believe that a regents institution is violating this provision, thereby promoting the accountability and enforcement of local laws at these educational institutions.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HSB708 include concerns about the balance between state oversight and local autonomy. While proponents argue that the bill fosters uniformity in law enforcement and ensures compliance with state laws, opponents express fears that it could infringe on the operational independence of regents institutions. There are also concerns regarding potential whistleblower protections, as the bill establishes safeguards against retaliation for individuals who file good-faith complaints, yet critics may argue that the implementation of such measures could be inconsistent or ineffective.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SSB1024

A bill for an act providing for a review by the state board of regents of academic programs offered at regents institutions.

IA HSB50

A bill for an act providing for a review by the state board of regents of academic programs offered at regents institutions.(See HF 420.)

IA HF420

A bill for an act providing for a review by the state board of regents of academic programs offered at regents institutions.(Formerly HSB 50.)

IA HF103

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.

IA SF12

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(See SF 288.)

IA HSB329

A bill for an act providing for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for peace officers and their legal dependents and making appropriations.

IA HF264

A bill for an act providing for temporary abrogation of authority of the state board of regents over regents institutions based on the amount of appropriations to the institutions from the general fund of the state.

IA HSB535

A bill for an act prohibiting land acknowledgments by regents institutions.

IA SF288

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges. (Formerly SF 12.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB534

A bill for an act relating to postsecondary education institutions, including the membership and functions of the state board of regents and accreditation of public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

KS HB2299

Senate Substitute for Substitute for HB2299 by Committee on Education - Providing that certain statutory references to accredited nonpublic schools mean nonpublic schools accredited by the state board of education, requiring that schools accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency shall have the same rights as schools accredited by the state board, requiring school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to prohibit the use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day and prohibiting employees of a school district from using social media to communicate with students for official school purposes.

CA SB289

Postsecondary education: Gender and Sex Discrimination Educational Oversight Office.

OH SB368

Regards institutional violation of an endowment agreement

OH HB751

Regards action for institutional violation of endowment agreement

CA AB871

Mandated reporters of suspected financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult.

KS SB164

Prohibiting discriminatory practices on the basis of religion at public educational institutions and authorizing the attorney general to investigate violations and assess civil penalties under the Kansas act against discrimination.

IA SF347

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF558

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.