HOUSE FILE 113

BY  BRANDENBURG

A BILL FOR

An Act requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the country as a condition of applying for student financial assistance for students attending certain postsecondary institutions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

   Section 1.  Section 260C.14, Code 2011, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  23.  Require an individual who submits an application for student financial assistance to the community college to provide proof of United States citizenship or proof that the individual is lawfully present in the United States. An individual who cannot provide such proof shall not be awarded student financial assistance by the community college.
   Sec. 2.  Section 262.9, Code 2011, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  36.  Direct each of the institutions of higher education under the board’s control to require an individual who submits an application for student financial assistance to the institution to provide proof of United States citizenship or proof that the individual is lawfully present in the United States. An individual who cannot provide such proof shall not be awarded student financial assistance by the institution.
EXPLANATION
   This bill directs the boards of directors of community colleges and the state board of regents to require applicants for student financial assistance at colleges and universities governed by the boards to provide proof of United States citizenship or proof that the individual is lawfully present in the United States. The community colleges and regents universities are also prohibited from awarding student financial assistance to an individual who cannot provide such proof.