House File 2591 amends various sections of the Iowa Code to update regulations regarding open enrollment, student transfers, and interscholastic athletic eligibility. A new provision allows eighth-grade students to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests on the same basis as high school students (grades nine through twelve). Additionally, the bill establishes a one hundred forty calendar day ineligibility period for students in grades nine through twelve who transfer to a new school, which applies only to varsity level contests. This replaces the previous ninety school day requirement.

The bill also includes provisions for emergency rulemaking by the state board of education to implement these changes, with certain sections taking effect immediately upon enactment, while others will take effect on August 1, 2026. The amendments aim to create a more equitable environment for student participation in athletics and clarify the rules surrounding student transfers and eligibility.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 282.18
Enrolled: 256.7, 256.46, 282.18