This bill aims to enhance robotics extracurricular activities in Iowa by mandating the Department of Education (DE) to provide technical assistance and educational resources to school districts for chartering career and technical student organizations, specifically those related to robotics. The new subsection added to Section 256.9 emphasizes compliance with the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, ensuring that these organizations and their associated robotics teams and competitions meet federal and state standards.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 280.13D, which allows high school athletic organizations that receive funding from school districts or nonpublic schools to sponsor and administer interscholastic contests related to robotics. This provision clarifies that such organizations are not restricted from sponsoring other types of contests or competitions, thereby promoting a broader engagement in robotics activities within the educational framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9