This bill focuses on enhancing educational opportunities in Iowa, particularly for charter schools and accredited nonpublic schools. Key provisions include the allocation of additional funding for charter schools through the inclusion of the teacher salary supplement and professional development supplement in the state cost per pupil. It also allows charter school students to participate in extracurricular activities offered by public schools under certain conditions and recognizes charter schools as local education agencies for federal funding purposes. Furthermore, the bill establishes revolving loan program funds to assist these schools in acquiring suitable facilities and permits the Iowa Finance Authority to issue bonds to finance school building projects, with the interest on these bonds being exempt from state income tax retroactively from January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill modifies the application timeline for education savings accounts, allowing parents to apply for funding for educational expenses earlier in the year, and changes the school start date to the Monday before the last Monday in August. It clarifies that nonpublic schools accredited by independent agencies are not subject to state authority or unnecessary regulations. A task force will also be established to review teacher training and licensure renewal requirements, with recommendations due by December 31, 2026, aimed at creating a more manageable schedule for educators. Overall, the legislation seeks to provide financial support and regulatory clarity while enhancing educational facilities and programs for charter and nonpublic schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.8, 257.9, 97B.1A, 280.13D, 280.13A, 257.11B, 16.163, 256C.4, 279.10, 256.43