This bill outlines the appropriations for Iowa's education system for the fiscal year 2025-2026, focusing on funding for the Department for the Blind, the Department of Education, and the State Board of Regents. It allocates resources for various educational programs, including career and technical education, early childhood services, and mental health support. A significant provision mandates the Department of Education to report on anti-bullying programming by January 15, 2026, and establishes a new Court Reporter Equipment Grant Program to assist students in court reporter training with necessary equipment purchases. The bill also emphasizes the importance of work-based learning opportunities and includes funding for initiatives like the Jobs for America's Graduates program and the Best Buddies Iowa initiative.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to ensure that interest or earnings on funds related to educational programs are appropriately credited and appropriated for administrative purposes. It creates new funds, such as the Iowa Tuition Grants Fund and the Vocational-Technical Tuition Grants Fund, aimed at providing financial assistance to students in accredited private institutions and vocational-technical programs. The bill also repeals outdated sections of the Iowa Code and increases the standing appropriation for tuition grants, ensuring that unencumbered funds from previous appropriations are transferred to these new funds to prevent reversion to the general fund. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance educational opportunities and support for students while managing budgetary constraints.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.7, 256.189, 8.33, 256.212, 256.219