The bill establishes an Iowa cancer research program and appropriates $4 million from the state’s general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding is designated to support cancer research projects at public institutions of higher education in Iowa. Specifically, the bill allocates $1.25 million each for pediatric cancer research, cancer prevention research, and basic cancer research. HHS is tasked with issuing requests for proposals to select projects that align with these research focuses.

Additionally, the bill outlines criteria for project selection, which includes scientific rationale, potential health benefits for Iowans, collaboration among experts, economic return on investment, and the ability to benefit underserved populations. HHS is also permitted to use up to 5 percent of the appropriated funds for administrative costs related to the Iowa cancer research program.