This bill addresses educational institutions in Iowa by prohibiting the use of discriminatory mascots that reference or are associated with disabilities. It defines "discriminatory mascot" and outlines the responsibilities of public educational institutions, including school districts, nonpublic schools, charter schools, and institutions of higher education. The bill mandates that these institutions must not adopt or continue using such mascots and must conduct a review of their current representations within one year of the bill's effective date. Institutions currently using a discriminatory mascot must adopt a new compliant representation and can continue using existing materials until September 1, 2027, provided they meet transition requirements.

To assist institutions in transitioning to alternative mascots, the bill establishes grant programs administered by the Department of Education and the State Board of Regents. These programs will provide financial support for costs related to new signage, uniforms, and educational materials. The bill also modifies provisions related to the Iowa tuition grants program, requiring accredited private institutions and eligible institutions to comply with the new mascot regulations similarly to community colleges. The grant programs and associated funds will be in effect until September 1, 2027, with appropriations from the general fund of the state to support these initiatives starting from the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.183, 261K.1, 261.9