This bill outlines the appropriations for Iowa's education system for the fiscal year 2025-2026, allocating funds to the Department for the Blind, the Department of Education, and the State Board of Regents. Key allocations include $3,207,190 for the Department for the Blind, $7,073,808 for general administration within the Department of Education, and various amounts for programs such as career and technical education, public broadcasting, and mental health services. The bill mandates the Department of Education to submit a report on anti-bullying programming by January 15, 2026, and establishes funding for initiatives like the Iowa Reading Research Center and a therapeutic classroom incentive fund. It also allows unencumbered funds to be carried over to the next fiscal year.

Significant changes include the inclusion of accredited private institutions as eligible for the All Iowa opportunity scholarship program if appropriations exceed $500,000, and a cap of $10,524,389 on appropriations for at-risk children programs. The bill eliminates funding for the work-study program and allows the state board of regents to finance energy-saving projects through various forms of indebtedness. Additionally, it introduces new funds for tuition grants and establishes a Court Reporter Equipment Grant Program, while ensuring that unencumbered funds from previous appropriations are transferred to these new funds. The bill aims to enhance financial resources for educational grants and streamline funding processes for educational programs in Iowa.

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