CHAPTER 261K
ACCREDITATION OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

  
     
261K.1  Definitions.
  For purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
  1.  “Accrediting agency” means an entity that provides accreditation of public institutions of higher education and that is not a government agency.
  2.  “Public institution of higher education” means an institution of higher learning governed by the state board of regents or a community college.
2025 Acts, ch 62, §6, 9
NEW section

     
261K.2  Accrediting agencies — adverse action against institutions for compliance with state law prohibited.
  1.  An accrediting agency shall not take any adverse action against a public institution of higher education for complying with a state law or refusing to violate a state law.
  2.  Any adverse action taken by an accrediting agency against a public institution of higher education based, in whole or in part, on the institution’s compliance with a state law or refusal to violate a state law constitutes a violation of this section that is subject to section 261K.3.
2025 Acts, ch 62, §7, 9
Referred to in §261K.3
NEW section

     
261K.3  Civil action.
  A public institution of higher education that is negatively affected by adverse action taken against the institution by an accrediting agency in violation of section 261K.2 may bring a civil action against the accrediting agency in this state if authorized by the attorney general. The attorney general may bring the action on behalf of the institution. The institution or attorney general may obtain injunctive relief and liquidated damages in the amount of the federal financial aid received by the institution in the academic year preceding the violation, as well as court costs and reasonable attorney fees.
2025 Acts, ch 62, §8, 9
Referred to in §261K.2
NEW section