This bill amends various provisions related to education in Iowa, specifically focusing on private instruction, world language instruction, dual enrollment, and the tuition and textbook tax credit. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for parents to provide evidence of immunizations and blood lead tests when placing a child under competent private instruction for the first time. The bill also modifies the reporting requirements for private instruction, allowing for more flexibility in the course of study documentation. Additionally, it redefines independent private instruction criteria, eliminating limits on the number of unrelated students and tuition fees, while ensuring that instruction in core subjects is provided.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding diplomas and credentials, stating that those issued under competent or independent private instruction will be recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma. It prohibits discrimination based on the source of these diplomas. In terms of world language instruction, the bill mandates that gender-neutral language cannot be incorporated into teaching if the language has a grammatical gender system. Lastly, the tuition and textbook tax credit is increased from 25% to 50% of the first $2,000 paid for each dependent receiving private instruction or attending an accredited school, with retroactive applicability to January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 299.4, 299A.2, 299A.8, 256.183, 256E.7, 256.11