The bill mandates the Iowa Department of Education to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a state board of regents-governed institution of higher education in Pottawattamie County or a neighboring county. This study will evaluate the potential for offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs and will include recommendations for the most suitable city for the institution's location, as well as tentative timelines for its establishment and operationalization. Additionally, the department is authorized to consult with relevant federal, state, or local agencies and stakeholders to gather necessary information for the study.
The findings and recommendations from this study are required to be compiled into a report and submitted to the governor and the general assembly by December 31, 2025. This initiative aims to explore the possibilities of enhancing higher education access in the specified region, thereby potentially benefiting the local community and economy.