This bill amends various sections of Iowa's education law, primarily focusing on the funding and transportation services related to nonpublic schools and education savings accounts (ESAs). It removes the requirement for school districts to provide transportation services to nonpublic school pupils if those schools accept payments from ESAs. Additionally, parents or guardians using ESA funds for nonpublic school payments will not be eligible for transportation reimbursement or supplemental mileage payments. The bill also specifies that shared-time and part-time pupils enrolled in public schools will have their tuition reduced by any increased state aid received by the district, unless they are attending a nonpublic school that accepts ESA payments.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that nonpublic school pupils who attend schools accepting ESA funds will not be counted in enrollment figures for area education agencies, thus exempting these schools from certain educational services and funding provisions. Contributions to student tuition organizations that are used by schools accepting ESA payments will not qualify for tax credits, and the tuition and textbook tax credit will only apply to accredited nonpublic schools that do not accept ESA funds. The bill's provisions will take effect for school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 285.2, 285.1, 299A.8, 257.11B, 273.2, 273.1, 256.11, 422.12