The Combatting Terrorist Sympathizers Act mandates that institutions of higher education in Iowa adopt and enforce a policy regarding nonimmigrant visa holders who express support for terrorist activities or organizations. The bill defines "institution of higher education" to include both state-governed institutions and accredited private institutions, and it requires these institutions to prohibit students, faculty, and staff holding nonimmigrant visas from publicly endorsing terrorist activities or organizations, except when such support aligns with U.S. policy. The policy must also outline procedures for investigating credible allegations of violations, with penalties including suspension or termination of employment for first and second offenses.

Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general to enforce compliance with these policies, investigate suspected violations, and compel institutions to produce relevant documents. If a court finds that a non-regents institution has violated the policy, that institution will become ineligible for state tuition grants for the following academic year. The bill includes a new requirement for accredited private institutions to adopt a compliance policy and takes effect on December 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.183