Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB6

Introduced
1/14/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to in-state residency for purposes of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for certain military personnel and family members.(See HF 175.)

Impact

Under current Iowa law, the classification of eligible military personnel and their family members as residents requires them to have been domiciled in Iowa for a certain period, usually one year. HSB6 broadens this definition, allowing for a more inclusive recognition of individuals who might have transient living situations due to military obligations. As a result, this change could significantly lower the cost of education for many military families by making them eligible for in-state tuition rates, which are typically much lower than out-of-state rates.

Summary

House Study Bill 6 (HSB6) proposes to amend the existing criteria for establishing in-state residency for purposes of undergraduate tuition and fees at Iowa's regents institutions and community colleges. The bill specifically targets military personnel, their spouses, and dependent children, facilitating access to education for these individuals through the recognition of residency status while they are enrolled. The primary goal of HSB6 is to better align educational opportunities for military families, reflecting their service and circumstances.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding HSB6, particularly concerning how the new definitions might affect state funding and tuition models at public colleges and universities. Critics might argue that the amendments could lead to fluctuations in enrollment numbers or financial disparities, as changes in residency status could alter the demographic composition of the student body. Additionally, lawmakers may have differing opinions on the implications of offering benefits to military families, whether it could set a precedent for similar requests from other groups, and how such policies should be funded.

Additional_notes

Overall, HSB6 reflects an appreciation for the unique situations faced by military families, aiming to enhance their educational access in Iowa. While the proposed changes seem to cater to an equitable approach for veteran and military education, the bill's discussion in the legislature is likely to raise questions regarding eligibility parameters and its financial consequences on the educational system.

Companion Bills

IA HF175

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to in-state residency for purposes of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for certain military personnel and family members. (Formerly HSB 6.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF175

A bill for an act relating to in-state residency for purposes of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for certain military personnel and family members. (Formerly HSB 6.)

IA HF577

A bill for an act providing for a waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees and a stipend at regents institutions for Iowa residents who receive the maximum score on certain standardized tests.(Formerly HF 154.)

IA HF135

A bill for an act providing for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at regents institutions and community colleges for certain sanitation workers and their children.

IA HF154

A bill for an act providing for a waiver of undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees and a stipend at regents institutions for Iowa residents who receive the maximum score on certain standardized tests.(See HF 577.)

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 HSB549

A bill for an act relating to tuition charged to resident undergraduate students enrolled at regents institutions.(See HF 2362.)

IA SF2227

A bill for an act relating to tuition charged to resident undergraduate students enrolled at regents institutions.(Formerly SF 2002.)

IA HF2362

A bill for an act relating to tuition charged to resident undergraduate students enrolled at regents institutions. (Formerly HSB 549.)

IA HSB531

A bill for an act prohibiting an increase in the amount of tuition and mandatory fees charged to resident undergraduate students at regents institutions for a period of time and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2242.)

IA HB1867

Relating to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for the siblings of certain military personnel.

Similar Bills

TX HB5629

Relating to the occupational licensing of military service members, military veterans, and military spouses.

AZ SB1618

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NC S1060

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CA SB970

Military or overseas voters.

SC H5396

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WY SF0119

Expedited professional licensure for military members.

NJ SR63

Urges educational institutions in NJ to include veterans and active service members in discussions about military, military values, and leadership.

TX SB2255

Relating to the occupational licensing of military spouses.