This bill outlines the appropriations for Iowa's education system for the fiscal year 2025-2026, with significant funding directed towards the Department for the Blind, the Department of Education, and the State Board of Regents. Key allocations include $3,236,726 for the Department for the Blind and $7,293,356 for general administration within the Department of Education. The bill mandates a report from the Department of Education by January 15, 2026, detailing anti-bullying programming and expenditures. It also emphasizes mental health services in schools and includes funding for various educational initiatives, such as the Iowa Reading Research Center and the Future Ready Iowa initiative, which supports work-based learning.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for educational grants, including a new fund for tuition grants for for-profit institutions and appropriates $1,750,185 for vocational-technical tuition grants. It establishes a court reporter equipment grant program and modifies existing appropriations for special education support services, reducing state aid by $32,500,000 for the fiscal year. The bill allows the director of the department of management to deduct specific amounts from state aid allocated to school districts based on nonpublic school enrollment, ensuring adequate funding for services provided to nonpublic school students. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational resources and support systems while ensuring effective management of state resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.7, 256.189, 8.33, 284.13, 256.219, 257.35