Iowa House Bill HF96

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25
• Refer: 1/22/25

Caption

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(See HF 272.)

Summary

House File 96 creates the Advanced Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Competitive Scholar Program within the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. The program is designed to reimburse tuition costs for teachers who are working toward an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement issued by the Board of Educational Examiners. Eligible participants must teach in an Iowa school or an area education agency, apply annually, and verify their teaching service through an affidavit of practice. The bill limits participation to no more than two years per recipient and caps reimbursement at 75% of the teacher’s total endorsement tuition costs. Payments are structured in two installments: one after the first year of teaching in Iowa and the second after the second year. The bill also creates a dedicated fund in the state treasury, appropriates $335,000 for FY 2025-2026, requires the commission to adopt administrative rules, and directs the commission to report program outcomes to the General Assembly.

Impact

The bill would add a new section to Iowa Code chapter 256 and create a new state-funded tuition reimbursement program for teachers pursuing an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement. It would place administration with the College Student Aid Commission, establish a nonreverting dedicated fund, and require annual reporting on participation, payments, and outcomes. The measure also makes a general fund appropriation of $335,000 for the first fiscal year of operation.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests strong support, with the House Education Committee reporting the bill 22-0. No committee transcript is available, but the unanimous committee vote indicates broad agreement with the bill’s goal of expanding teacher training in dyslexia instruction and supporting educators who pursue the endorsement.

Contention

No explicit opposition appears in the provided materials. The main policy details that could invite scrutiny are the use of state funds for tuition reimbursement, the two-year service commitment tied to payments, the 75% reimbursement cap, and the administrative role assigned to the College Student Aid Commission. Any debate would likely center on program cost, eligibility, and whether the incentive structure is sufficient to recruit and retain qualified teachers.