HF 731 (LSB 1003HV (1) 90)

HOUSE FILE 731

BY  COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

(SUCCESSOR TO HSB 254)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, the department of education, and the state board of regents; requiring the state board of regents to conduct a study and prepare a report related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and efforts; providing for responsibilities of the workforce development board; establishing the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program; requiring the department of education to convene a task force on at-risk students and dropout prevention programs; modifying provisions related to the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program, the all Iowa opportunity scholarship program, the education savings account program, the gap tuition assistance program, the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program, career and technical education programs, the fine arts beginning teacher mentoring program, the equipment replacement and program-sharing property tax levy, and the posting of education-related job openings; and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

DIVISION I
FY 2023-2024 APPROPRIATIONS —— DEPARTMENT FOR THE BLIND

    Section 1.  GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS —— ADMINISTRATION.  There is appropriated from the general fund of the state to the department for the blind for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the following amount, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes designated:
   For salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  3,043,503
   ............................................................... FTEs         88.98
DIVISION II
FY 2023-2024 APPROPRIATIONS —— DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

    Sec. 2.  GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS.  There is appropriated from the general fund of the state to the department of education for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the following amounts, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes designated:
   1.  GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
   a.  For salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  5,893,672
   ............................................................... FTEs         63.93

   b.  By January 15, 2024, the department shall submit a written report to the general assembly detailing the department’s antibullying programming and current and projected expenditures for such programming for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023.
   2.  CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
   For salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    598,197
   ............................................................... FTEs            9.12

   3.  PUBLIC BROADCASTING DIVISION
   For salaries, support, maintenance, capital expenditures, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  7,943,538
   ............................................................... FTEs         58.38

   4.  CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
   For reimbursement for career and technical education expenditures made by regional career and technical education planning partnerships in accordance with section 258.14, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $  2,952,459

   5.  SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE
   For use as state matching moneys for federal programs that shall be disbursed according to federal regulations, including salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  2,176,797
   ............................................................... FTEs         25.40

   6.  BIRTH TO AGE THREE SERVICES
   a.  For expansion of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, Pub. L. No. 108-446, as amended to January 1, 2018, birth through age three services due to increased numbers of children qualifying for those services:
   ...................................................................... $  1,721,400

   b.  From the moneys appropriated in this subsection, $383,769 shall be allocated to the child health specialty clinics administered by the state university of Iowa in order to provide additional support for infants and toddlers who are born prematurely, drug-exposed, or medically fragile.
   7.  EARLY HEAD START PROJECTS
   a.  For early head start projects:
   ...................................................................... $    574,500

   b.  The moneys appropriated in this subsection shall be used for implementation and expansion of early head start pilot projects addressing the comprehensive cognitive, social, emotional, and developmental needs of children from birth to age three, including prenatal support for qualified families. The projects shall promote healthy prenatal outcomes and healthy family functioning, and strengthen the development of infants and toddlers in low-income families. Priority shall be given to those organizations that have previously qualified for and received state funding to administer an early head start project.
   8.  STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND TEACHER QUALITY PROGRAM
   For purposes of the student achievement and teacher quality program established pursuant to chapter 284, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  2,990,467
   ............................................................... FTEs            6.02

   9.  STATEWIDE STUDENT ASSESSMENT
   a.  For distribution to the Iowa testing program by the department of education on behalf of school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to offset the costs associated with a statewide student assessment administered in accordance with section 256.7, subsection 21, paragraph “b”:
   ...................................................................... $  3,000,000

   b.  From the moneys appropriated in this subsection, not more than $300,000 shall be distributed to the Iowa testing programs within the university of Iowa college of education to offset the costs of administering the statewide student assessment at accredited nonpublic schools.
   10.  STATEWIDE CLEARINGHOUSE TO EXPAND WORK-BASED LEARNING
   For support costs associated with the creation of a statewide clearinghouse to expand work-based learning as a part of the future ready Iowa initiative:
   ...................................................................... $    300,000

   11.  POSTSECONDARY SUMMER CLASSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PROGRAM
   For support costs associated with the creation of a program to provide additional moneys for resident high school pupils enrolled in grades 9 through 12 to attend a community college for college-level classes or attend a class taught by a community college-employed instructor during the summer and outside of the regular school year through a contractual agreement between a community college and a school district under the future ready Iowa initiative:
   ...................................................................... $    600,000

   Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys received by the department pursuant to this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes specified in this subsection until the close of the succeeding fiscal year.
   12.  JOBS FOR AMERICA’S GRADUATES
   For school districts to reinforce combined efforts and regional initiatives that accelerate paraeducator and teacher credential attainment and to provide direct services to the most at-risk middle school or high school students enrolled in school districts through direct intervention by a jobs for America’s graduates specialist:
   ...................................................................... $  9,146,450

   13.  ATTENDANCE CENTER PERFORMANCE/GENERAL INTERNET SITE AND DATA SYSTEM SUPPORT
   For administration of a process for school districts to establish specific performance goals and to evaluate the performance of each attendance center operated by the district in order to arrive at an overall school performance grade and report card for each attendance center, for internet site and data system support, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    250,000

   ............................................................... FTEs            1.83

   14.  SUCCESSFUL PROGRESSION FOR EARLY READERS
   For distribution to school districts for implementation of section 279.68, subsection 2, relating to successful progression for early readers:
   ...................................................................... $  7,824,782

   15.  EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR LITERACY
   a.  For purposes of purchasing a statewide license for an early warning assessment and administering the early warning system for literacy established in accordance with section 279.68 and rules adopted in accordance with section 256.7, subsection 31:
   ...................................................................... $  1,915,000

   b.  The department shall administer and distribute to school districts and accredited nonpublic schools the early warning assessment system that allows teachers to screen and monitor student literacy skills from prekindergarten through grade six. The department may charge school districts and accredited nonpublic schools a fee for the system not to exceed the actual costs to purchase a statewide license for the early warning assessment minus the moneys received by the department under this subsection. The fee shall be determined by dividing the actual remaining costs to purchase the statewide license for the school year by the number of pupils assessed under the system in the current fiscal year. School districts may use moneys received pursuant to section 257.10, subsection 11, and moneys received for purposes of implementing section 279.68, subsection 2, to pay the early warning assessment system fee.
   16.  IOWA READING RESEARCH CENTER
   a.  For purposes of the Iowa reading research center in order to implement, in collaboration with the area education agencies, the provisions of section 256.9, subsection 49, paragraph “c”:
   ...................................................................... $  1,500,000

   b.  From moneys appropriated in this subsection, not more than $250,000 shall be used for collaborations with the state board of education relating to the approval of practitioner preparation programs pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 3, paragraph “c”, and with the board of educational examiners for the establishment and continuing oversight of the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement pursuant to section 272.2, subsection 22, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the center shall submit a report to the general assembly detailing the expenditures of moneys used for purposes of this paragraph “b”.
   c.  Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys received by the department pursuant to this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes specified in this subsection until the close of the succeeding fiscal year.
   17.  COMPUTER SCIENCE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE FUND
   For deposit in the computer science professional development incentive fund established under section 284.6A:
   ...................................................................... $    500,000

   18.  CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH SCHOOL-BASED TRAINING AND SUPPORT
   a.  For distribution to area education agencies for school-based children’s mental health services, including mental health awareness training for educators:
   ...................................................................... $  3,383,936

   b.  Of the moneys appropriated in this subsection for distribution to area education agencies, $200,000 shall be used for purposes of implementing a children’s grief and loss rural pilot program to serve Iowa children in rural school districts or accredited nonpublic schools. The pilot program shall be administered by, and the moneys allocated pursuant to this paragraph shall be distributed to, an existing statewide not-for-profit health care organization that currently provides grief and loss services to children. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the health care organization receiving moneys pursuant to this paragraph shall prepare a report, in collaboration with the department of education, detailing the expenditures of moneys used for the purposes of this program and its outcomes, which shall be submitted to the general assembly by September 30, 2024.
   19.  BEST BUDDIES IOWA
   a.  For school districts to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
   ...................................................................... $     35,000

   b.  The department of education shall establish criteria for the distribution of moneys appropriated under this subsection and shall require an organization receiving moneys under this subsection to annually report student identifying data for students participating in the program to the department in the manner prescribed by the department as a condition of receiving such moneys.
   20.  MIDWESTERN HIGHER EDUCATION COMPACT
   a.  For distribution to the midwestern higher education compact to pay Iowa’s member state annual obligation:
   ...................................................................... $    115,000

   b.  Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated pursuant to this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the close of the succeeding fiscal year.
   21.  NONPUBLIC SCHOOL CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT PAYMENTS TO COMMUNITY COLLEGES
   For payments to community colleges for the concurrent enrollment of accredited nonpublic school students under section 261E.8, subsection 2, paragraph “b”:
   ...................................................................... $  1,000,000
   Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys received by the department pursuant to this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the close of the succeeding fiscal year.
   22.  COMMUNITY COLLEGES
   For general state financial aid to merged areas, as defined in section 260C.2, in accordance with chapter 258, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, and chapter 260C:
   ...................................................................... $228,858,161

   Notwithstanding the allocation formula in section 260C.18C, the moneys appropriated in this subsection shall be allocated as follows:
   a.  Merged Area I
   ...................................................................... $ 11,245,307

   b.  Merged Area II
   ...................................................................... $ 11,316,993

   c.  Merged Area III
   ...................................................................... $ 10,410,473

   d.  Merged Area IV
   ...................................................................... $  5,187,122

   e.  Merged Area V
   ...................................................................... $ 13,013,760

   f.  Merged Area VI
   ...................................................................... $ 10,044,832

   g.  Merged Area VII
   ...................................................................... $ 15,372,997

   h.  Merged Area IX
   ...................................................................... $ 19,535,761

   i.  Merged Area X
   ...................................................................... $ 35,755,303

   j.  Merged Area XI
   ...................................................................... $ 39,069,627

   k.  Merged Area XII
   ...................................................................... $ 12,721,826

   l.  Merged Area XIII
   ...................................................................... $ 13,906,285

   m.  Merged Area XIV
   ...................................................................... $  5,279,888

   n.  Merged Area XV
   ...................................................................... $ 16,463,807

   o.  Merged Area XVI
   ...................................................................... $  9,534,180

   23.  IOWA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
   For salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $ 11,421,710

   ............................................................... FTEs        120.00

   24.  IOWA BRAILLE AND SIGHT SAVING SCHOOL
   For salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  4,794,040

   ............................................................... FTEs         56.00

   25.  SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE
   For purposes of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) collaborative initiative established pursuant to section 268.7, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  6,354,848

   ............................................................... FTEs            5.50

   a.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the moneys appropriated in this subsection shall be expended for salaries, staffing, institutional support, activities directly related to recruitment of kindergarten through grade 12 mathematics and science teachers, and for ongoing mathematics and science programming for students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12.
   b.  The department shall work with the community colleges to develop STEM professional development programs for community college instructors and STEM curriculum development.
   c.  From the moneys appropriated in this subsection, not less than $500,000 shall be used to provide technology education opportunities to high school, career academy, and community college students through a public-private partnership, as well as opportunities for students and faculties at these institutions to secure broad-based information technology certification. The partnership shall provide all of the following:
   (1)  A research-based curriculum.
   (2)  Online access to the curriculum.
   (3)  Instructional software for classroom and student use.
   (4)  Certification of skills and competencies in a broad base of information technology-related skill areas.
   (5)  Professional development for teachers.
   (6)  Deployment and program support, including but not limited to integration with current curriculum standards.
   d.  Notwithstanding section 8.33, of the moneys appropriated in this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of the fiscal year, an amount equivalent to not more than 5 percent of the amount appropriated in this subsection shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure for summer programs for students until the close of the succeeding fiscal year.
   26.  THERAPEUTIC CLASSROOM INCENTIVE FUND
   For deposit in the therapeutic classroom incentive fund established pursuant to section 256.25:
   ...................................................................... $  2,351,382

   Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated pursuant to this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the close of the succeeding fiscal year.
   27.  THERAPEUTIC CLASSROOM TRANSPORTATION CLAIMS REIMBURSEMENT
   For payment of school district claims for reimbursement submitted under section 256.25A, subsection 1, paragraph “a”:
   ...................................................................... $    500,000

   Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated pursuant to this subsection that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the close of the succeeding fiscal year.
   28.  COLLEGE STUDENT AID COMMISSION
   a.  Administration   For general administration salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for the administration of the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program in accordance with section 261.131, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, including salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes related to the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    591,533

   ............................................................... FTEs            4.95

   b.  Health care professional recruitment program
   For the loan repayment program for health care professionals established pursuant to section 261.115, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $    500,973

   c.  National guard service scholarship program
   For purposes of providing national guard service scholarships under the program established in section 261.86, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $  6,600,000

   d.  All Iowa opportunity scholarship program
   (1)  For purposes of the all Iowa opportunity scholarship program established pursuant to section 261.87, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $  3,229,468

   (2)  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, if the moneys appropriated in this lettered paragraph exceed $500,000, “eligible institution” as defined in section 261.87, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, shall, during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, include accredited private institutions as defined in section 261.9, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514.
   e.  Teach Iowa scholar program
   For purposes of the teach Iowa scholar program established pursuant to section 261.110, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $    650,000

   f.  Rural Iowa primary care loan repayment program
   For purposes of the rural Iowa primary care loan repayment program established pursuant to section 261.113, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $  2,504,933

   g.  Health care loan repayment program
   For purposes of the health care loan repayment program established pursuant to section 261.116, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $    500,000

   h.  Rural veterinarian loan repayment program
   For purposes of the rural veterinarian loan repayment program established pursuant to section 261.120, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514: 
   ...................................................................... $    700,000

   i.  Future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program
   For deposit in the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship fund established pursuant to section 261.131, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $ 23,927,005

   Moneys appropriated in this lettered paragraph shall not be used to provide scholarships under the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program to students with expected family contributions of greater than $20,000, as determined by the free application for federal student aid.
   j.  Future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program
   For deposit in the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program established pursuant to section 261.132, as amended by this Act and by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $    275,000

   k.  Mental health professional loan repayment program
   For deposit in the mental health professional loan repayment fund established pursuant to section 261.117, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $    520,000

   l.  Iowa workforce grant and incentive program
   For deposit in the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program fund created in section 256.230, if enacted by this Act:
   ...................................................................... $  6,500,000

   29.  LEAD-K PROGRAM
   For purposes of developing guidelines for a comprehensive family support mentoring program that meets the language and communication needs of families pursuant to section 256B.10, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514:
   ...................................................................... $    200,000
    Sec. 3.  IOWA SKILLED WORKER AND JOB CREATION FUND APPROPRIATIONS.  There is appropriated from the Iowa skilled worker and job creation fund created in section 8.75 to the department of education for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the following amounts, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes designated:
   1.  For purposes of providing skilled workforce shortage tuition grants in accordance with section 261.130, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514: 
   ...................................................................... $  5,000,000

   2.  For deposit in the workforce training and economic development funds created pursuant to section 260C.18A:
   ...................................................................... $ 15,100,000

   From the moneys appropriated in this subsection, not more than $100,000 shall be used by the department for administration of the workforce training and economic development funds created pursuant to section 260C.18A.
   3.  For capital projects at community colleges that meet the definition of the term “vertical infrastructure” in section 8.57, subsection 5, paragraph “c”:
   ...................................................................... $  6,000,000

   Moneys appropriated in this subsection shall be disbursed pursuant to section 260G.6, subsection 3. Projects that qualify for moneys appropriated in this subsection must include at least one of the following:
   a.  Accelerated career education program capital projects.
   b.  Major renovations and major repair needs, including health, life, and fire safety needs, including compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
   4.  For deposit in the pathways for academic career and employment fund established pursuant to section 260H.2:
   ...................................................................... $  5,000,000

   From the moneys appropriated in this subsection, not more than $200,000 shall be allocated by the department for implementation of regional industry sector partnerships pursuant to section 260H.7B and for not more than 1.00 full-time equivalent position.
   5.  For deposit in the gap tuition assistance fund established pursuant to section 260I.2:
   ...................................................................... $  2,000,000

   6.  For support costs associated with administering a workforce preparation outcome reporting system for the purpose of collecting and reporting data relating to the educational and employment outcomes of workforce preparation programs receiving moneys pursuant to this section:
   ...................................................................... $    200,000

   7.  For STEM best:
   ...................................................................... $    700,000

   8.  Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys appropriated in this section that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of the fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes designated until the close of the succeeding fiscal year.
    Sec. 4.  CHIROPRACTIC LOAN FUNDS.  Notwithstanding section 261.72, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, the moneys deposited in the chiropractic loan revolving fund created pursuant to section 261.72, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, may be used for purposes of the chiropractic loan forgiveness program established in section 261.73, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514.
    Sec. 5.  PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS.  The department of administrative services shall pay the Iowa school for the deaf and the Iowa braille and sight saving school the moneys collected from the counties during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, for expenses relating to prescription drug costs for students attending the Iowa school for the deaf and the Iowa braille and sight saving school.
DIVISION III
FY 2023-2024 APPROPRIATIONS —— STATE BOARD OF REGENTS

    Sec. 6.  GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS.  There is appropriated from the general fund of the state to the state board of regents for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the following amounts, or so much thereof as is necessary, to be used for the purposes designated:
   1.  OFFICE OF STATE BOARD OF REGENTS
   a.  For salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    764,642
   ............................................................... FTEs            2.48

   For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the state board of regents shall submit a quarterly financial report to the general assembly in a format agreed upon by the state board of regents office and the legislative services agency. The report submitted for the quarter ending December 31, 2023, shall include the five-year graduation rates for the regents universities.
   b.  For distribution to the western Iowa regents resource center:
   ...................................................................... $    268,297

   c.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the state board of regents and the institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents shall not reduce moneys budgeted for the fiscal year for the institutions’ police departments.
   d.  For allocation in equal parts by the state board of regents to the state university of Iowa, the Iowa state university of science and technology, and the university of northern Iowa to support the John Pappajohn centers for entrepreneurship:
   ...................................................................... $    125,000

   The moneys appropriated in this lettered paragraph shall be used to supplement, not supplant, any other funding received by the John Pappajohn centers for entrepreneurship.
   2.  STATE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
   a.  General university
   For salaries, support, maintenance, equipment, financial aid, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $218,045,224
   ............................................................... FTEs     5,058.55

   For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the state university of Iowa shall not increase moneys budgeted for the fiscal year for implementing any programming, curricula, training, or related activities in furtherance of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
   b.  Oakdale campus
   For salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  2,103,819
   ............................................................... FTEs         38.25

   c.  State hygienic laboratory
   For salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  4,822,610
   ............................................................... FTEs        102.51

   d.  Family practice program
   For allocation by the dean of the college of medicine, with approval of the advisory board, to qualified participants to carry out the provisions of chapter 148D for the family practice residency education program, including salaries and support, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $  2,220,598
   ............................................................... FTEs            2.71

   e.  Child health care services
   For specialized child health care services, including childhood cancer diagnostic and treatment network programs, rural comprehensive care for hemophilia patients, and the Iowa high-risk infant follow-up program, including salaries and support, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    634,502
   ............................................................... FTEs            4.16

   f.  Statewide cancer registry
   For the statewide cancer registry, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    143,410
   ............................................................... FTEs            2.10

   g.  Substance abuse consortium
   For distribution to the Iowa consortium for substance abuse research and evaluation, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $     53,427
   ............................................................... FTEs           .99

   h.  Center for biocatalysis
   For the center for biocatalysis, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    696,342
   ............................................................... FTEs            6.28

   i.  Primary health care initiative
   For the primary health care initiative in the college of medicine, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    624,374
   ............................................................... FTEs            6.22

   From the moneys appropriated in this lettered paragraph, $254,889 shall be allocated to the department of family practice at the state university of Iowa college of medicine for family practice faculty and support staff.
   j.  Birth defects registry
   For the birth defects registry, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $     36,839
   ............................................................... FTEs           .38

   k.  Larned A. Waterman Iowa nonprofit resource center
   For the Larned A. Waterman Iowa nonprofit resource center, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    156,389
   ............................................................... FTEs            2.75

   l.  Iowa online advanced placement academy science, technology, engineering, and mathematics initiative
   For the Iowa online advanced placement academy science, technology, engineering, and mathematics initiative established pursuant to section 263.8A:
   ...................................................................... $    463,616

   m.  Iowa flood center
   For the Iowa flood center for use by the university’s college of engineering pursuant to section 466C.1:
   ...................................................................... $  1,154,593

   n.  College of nursing
   For employing additional instructors in the college of nursing to increase the number of students who graduate from the college of nursing:
   ...................................................................... $  2,800,000

   3.  IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
   a.  General university
   For salaries, support, maintenance, equipment, financial aid, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $174,092,719
   ............................................................... FTEs     3,647.42

   For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the Iowa state university of science and technology shall not increase moneys budgeted for the fiscal year for implementing any programming, curricula, training, or related activities in furtherance of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
   b.  Agricultural experiment station
   For the agricultural experiment station salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $ 29,462,535
   ............................................................... FTEs        546.98

   c.  Cooperative extension service in agriculture and home economics
   For the cooperative extension service in agriculture and home economics salaries, support, maintenance, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $ 18,157,366
   ............................................................... FTEs        385.34

   d.  Preparing Iowa’s future ready workforce and fostering innovation
   For purposes of addressing the state’s workforce needs in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by expanding degree and certificate programs in the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, data science, software engineering, and other high-demand areas related to technology, and fostering innovation in the areas of digital agriculture, manufacturing, water quality, vaccine delivery technologies, and biosciences:
   ...................................................................... $  2,800,000

   4.  UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA
   a.  General university
   For salaries, support, maintenance, equipment, financial aid, and miscellaneous purposes, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $ 99,408,923
   ............................................................... FTEs     1,250.28

   For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the university of northern Iowa shall not increase moneys budgeted for the fiscal year for implementing any programming, curricula, training, or related activities in furtherance of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
   b.  Real estate education program
   For purposes of the real estate education program, and for not more than the following full-time equivalent positions:
   ...................................................................... $    123,523
   ............................................................... FTEs           .86

   c.  Educators for Iowa
   For purposes of recruiting additional students to participate in educational opportunities that lead to teacher licensure:
   ...................................................................... $  1,500,000
    Sec. 7.  ENERGY COST-SAVINGS PROJECTS —— FINANCING.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the state board of regents may use notes, bonds, or other evidences of indebtedness issued under section 262.48 to finance projects that will result in energy cost savings in an amount that will cause the state board to recover the cost of the projects within an average of six years.
DIVISION IV
STANDING APPROPRIATIONS

    Sec. 8.  AT-RISK CHILDREN.  Notwithstanding the standing appropriation in section 279.51 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the amount appropriated from the general fund of the state to the department of education for programs for at-risk children under section 279.51 shall be not more than $10,524,389. The amount of any reduction in this section shall be prorated among the programs specified in section 279.51, subsection 1, paragraphs “a”, “b”, and “c”.
    Sec. 9.  WORK-STUDY APPROPRIATION.  Notwithstanding section 261.85, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, the amount appropriated from the general fund of the state to the college student aid commission of the department of education for the work-study program under section 261.85, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, shall be zero.
    Sec. 10.  Section 261.25, subsections 1 and 2, Code 2023, are amended to read as follows:
   1.  There is appropriated from the general fund of the state to the commission for each fiscal year the sum of fifty million one hundred eighteen thousand four hundred fifty-one million four hundred twenty-one thousand five hundred thirty-one dollars for tuition grants to qualified students who are enrolled in accredited private institutions.
   2.  There is appropriated from the general fund of the state to the commission for each fiscal year the sum of five hundred one hundred eight thousand dollars for tuition grants for qualified students who are enrolled in eligible institutions. Of the moneys appropriated under this subsection, not more than one hundred thousand dollars annually shall be used for tuition grants to qualified students who are attending an eligible institution under section 261.9, subsection 3, paragraph “b”.
DIVISION V
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

    Sec. 11.  DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION EFFORTS —— STUDY —— HIRING FREEZE —— USE OF MONEYS.
   1.  The state board of regents shall conduct a comprehensive study and review of the diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and efforts of each institution of higher learning under the state board’s control. The study and review must include but is not limited to an assessment of all of the following:
   a.  Each institution of higher learning’s current diversity, equity, and inclusion programming, curricula, training, and related activities.
   b.  The salary, benefits, and any other compensation paid to employees or individuals tasked with furthering an institution of higher learning’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
   c.  Each institution of higher learning’s compliance with required applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, court orders, settlement agreements, or executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
   d.  Each institution of higher learning’s contracts or grants requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and the requirements of third-party accreditors or similar entities in order to assess whether and to what extent these efforts are aligned with the overall mission and purpose of the institution.
   2.  The state board of regents shall prepare a report containing its findings and recommendations to be considered by the state board during its November 2023 meeting. The state board of regents shall submit a final report containing findings and recommendations to the governor and the general assembly no later than December 1, 2023.
   3.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, each institution of higher learning under the control of the state board of regents shall cease all hiring related to the institution’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
DIVISION VI
IOWA WORKFORCE GRANT AND INCENTIVE PROGRAM

    Sec. 12.  Section 84A.1B, Code 2023, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  17.  Create, in collaboration with the state board of regents, a list of high-wage and high-demand jobs and corresponding academic majors offered by institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents for purposes of the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program established under section 256.230. The workforce development board, in collaboration with the state board of regents, shall update the list at least once every two years. In creating a list under this subsection, the following criteria, at a minimum, apply:
   a.  An entry-level annual salary of not less than forty thousand dollars.
   b.  Educational attainment of a qualifying credential of at least a bachelor’s degree, or attainment of an initial or intern Iowa teaching license issued under chapter 256 through a pathway to licensure offered by an institution of higher education under the control of the state board of regents or an accredited private institution as defined in section 261.9.
   c.  At least one of any of the following:
   (1)  Projected annual job openings of at least two hundred fifty during the next five years.
   (2)  Projected annual growth in the number of job openings of at least one percent.
    Sec. 13.  NEW SECTION.  256.230  Iowa workforce grant and incentive program.
   1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
   a.  “Commission” means the college student aid commission.
   b.  “Eligible institution” means an institution of higher learning governed by the state board of regents.
   c.  “Eligible program” means any of the following:
   (1)  A program of study or an academic major jointly approved by the workforce development board and the state board of regents pursuant to section 84A.1B, subsection 17. If a job is removed from the list created under section 84A.1B, subsection 17, an eligible student who received a grant for a program based on that job shall continue to receive the grant until the eligible program is completed as long as the student continuously enrolls and continues to meet all other eligibility requirements.
   (2)  A teacher preparation program that leads to a bachelor’s degree, or initial or intern teaching license issued under this chapter.
   d.  “Eligible student” means an Iowa resident who has established financial need and who meets all of the following requirements:
   (1)  Completes and submits application forms required by the commission, including the free application for federal student aid, by the deadline prescribed by the commission.
   (2)  Enrolls in at least three semester hours, or the equivalent, in an eligible program.
   (3)  Is making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the eligible institution.
   e.  “Financial need” means the difference between the student’s financial resources available, including those available from the student’s parents as determined by a completed parents’ confidential statement, and the student’s anticipated expenses while attending an eligible institution.
   f.  “Full-time” means enrollment in at least twelve semester hours or the equivalent.
   g.  “Part-time” means enrollment in at least three semester hours or the equivalent but less than twelve semester hours or the equivalent.
   2.  Student eligibility.  An eligible institution shall report promptly to the commission information requested to establish or verify student eligibility.
   3.  Grant limitations —— requirements.
   a.  A full-time eligible student may receive an Iowa workforce grant for not more than four semesters, or the equivalent, or until the eligible student completes the eligible program, whichever occurs first. A part-time eligible student may receive the grant for not more than eight semesters, or the equivalent, on a prorated basis, or until the eligible student completes the eligible program, whichever occurs first.
   b.  The amount of an Iowa workforce grant to a full-time eligible student shall not exceed two thousand dollars per semester, or the equivalent. The amount of an Iowa workforce grant to a part-time eligible student shall be equal to the amount that would be awarded to a full-time student except that the commission shall prorate the amount based on the recipient student’s semester hour or equivalent enrollment.
   c.  An Iowa workforce grant shall be awarded on an annual basis, requiring reapplication by an eligible student each year. Payments under the grant shall be allocated equally among the semesters, or the equivalent, and paid upon certification by the eligible institution that the student meets the requirements of subsection 1, paragraph “d”.
   d.  If a grant recipient discontinues attendance before the end of any semester, or the equivalent, after receiving grant payments, the entire amount of any refund due that recipient, up to the full amount of grant payments made during that semester, or the equivalent, shall be paid by the eligible institution to the commission.
   4.  Annual submission of applications.  To receive a renewal of a grant awarded under this section, an eligible student must annually submit a new application to the commission for reevaluation of eligibility.
   5.  Priority for grant awards.  In making awards under this section, the commission shall give priority to:
   a.  Applicants who received an award under this section in the prior academic year.
   b.  Applicants with the least financial ability to pay, using a metric that ranks relative financial ability among all applicants.
   6.  Iowa workforce incentive payment.  Notwithstanding the grant limitations in subsection 3, an individual who was an eligible student who received an Iowa workforce grant in the academic year in which the eligible program is completed, and who accepts and begins employment in an aligned occupation in this state within six months of completing the eligible program, may apply for one incentive payment of up to two thousand dollars. The incentive payment shall be paid upon completion of twelve consecutive months of full-time employment in the aligned occupation in this state, following completion of the eligible program.
   7.  Commission’s duties and responsibilities.  Subject to an appropriation of moneys by the general assembly for purposes of this section, the commission shall administer the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program and shall do all of the following:
   a.  Provide application forms for distribution to students by eligible institutions.
   b.  Adopt rules under chapter 17A for administration of this section, including establishing the duties and responsibilities of eligible institutions under the program, defining residence and satisfactory academic progress for purposes of the program, determining financial need, and establishing procedures for grant and incentive payment application, processing, and approval. The rules shall provide for determining the priority awarding of grants and incentives if moneys available for purposes of this section are insufficient to pay all eligible applicants.
   c.  Approve and award grants and incentive payments on an annual basis.
   8.  Fund created.  An Iowa workforce grant and incentive program fund is created in the state treasury under the control of the commission. All moneys deposited or paid into the fund are appropriated to the commission to be used for grants and incentive payments awarded as provided in this section. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys in the fund that remain unencumbered or unobligated at the close of a fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes designated. Notwithstanding section 12C.7, subsection 2, interest or earnings on moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund.
DIVISION VII
TASK FORCE —— FUNDING FOR AT-RISK STUDENTS AND DROPOUT PREVENTION PROGRAMS

    Sec. 14.  DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION —— FUNDING FOR AT-RISK STUDENTS AND DROPOUT PREVENTION PROGRAMS —— TASK FORCE.
   1.  The department of education shall convene and provide administrative support to a task force that shall study all of the following:
   a.  How schools currently utilize state funding for programs for at-risk students and dropout prevention programs.
   b.  The effectiveness of programs for at-risk students and dropout prevention programs.
   c.  Whether and to what extent state funding for programs for at-risk students and dropout prevention programs should be reallocated to direct intervention by a jobs for America’s graduates specialist.
   d.  How to best utilize state funding for programs for at-risk students and dropout prevention programs.
   2.  Any expenses incurred by a member of the task force shall be the responsibility of the individual member or the respective entity represented by the member.
   3.  The task force shall submit its findings and recommendations to the general assembly in a report by December 31, 2023.
DIVISION VIII
FUTURE READY IOWA SKILLED WORKFORCE GRANT PROGRAM

    Sec. 15.  Section 261.132, subsections 1 and 2, Code 2023, are amended to read as follows:
   1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
   a.  “Approved virtual institution” means a nonprofit institution of higher learning that satisfies all of the following requirements:
   (1)  Is accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education.
   (2)  Provides instruction using exclusively a competency-based educational model.
   (3)  Adopts a policy to require that the nonprofit institution of higher learning shall, by December 15 of each year, file a report with the governor and the general assembly providing information and statistics for the previous five academic years on the number of Iowa resident students per year who are veterans who received education credit for military education, training, and service, that number as a percentage of veterans known to be enrolled at the nonprofit institution of higher learning, the average number of credits received by students, and the average number of credits applied towards the award or completion of a course of instruction, postsecondary diploma, degree, or other evidences of distinction. For purposes of this subparagraph, “veteran” means a veteran as defined in section 35.1 or a member of the reserve forces of the United States or the national guard as defined in section 29A.1 who has served at least one year of the member’s commitment and is eligible for or has exhausted federal veterans education benefits under 38 U.S.C. ch. 30, 32, 33, or 36, or 10 U.S.C. ch. 1606 or 1607, respectively.
   a.  b.  “Commission” means the college student aid commission.
   b.  c.  “Eligible institution” means an institution of higher learning governed by the state board of regents, or an accredited private institution as defined in section 261.9, or an approved virtual institution, that meets all of the following criteria:
   (1)  Applies to and is approved by the commission to participate in the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program.
   (2)  Requires eligible students to complete and file application forms required by the commission, apply for all available state and federal financial aid, apply to the eligible institution to participate in the program, attend orientation in person or virtually, register for classes with the assistance of an academic advisor, and participate in academic and career advising sessions required under the program.
   (3)  Certifies that prior to participating in the program an eligible student has earned at least half of the credits necessary for a bachelor’s degree and is able to complete a bachelor’s degree in an eligible program of study or academic major leading to a designated high-demand job in the prescribed grant time frame.
   (4)  (3)  Facilitates the assignment of a volunteer mentor or a mentor who is a member of the faculty of the eligible institution to each eligible student based on the eligible student’s interest. The A volunteer mentor shall have successfully passed a background investigation and a check of the national sex offender registry as required under section 15H.10, subsection 2, and both the eligible student and the volunteer mentor shall have entered into a written agreement as provided in section 15H.10, subsection 3.
   (5)  (4)  Facilitates connections through campus career centers and services to internships and similar local, state, and federal programs.
   (6)  (5)  Markets the eligible institution’s eligible program and optional incentives, which may include but not be limited to credit for military experience, on the eligible institution’s internet site and to other relevant agencies and organizations as recommended by the college student aid commission, the commission on volunteer service, or the department of workforce development.
   (7)  (6)  Submits annually information and data regarding the eligible program operated by the eligible institution, the students and volunteer mentors participating in the eligible program, and statistics on employment outcomes for eligible program participants by industry, to the commission in the manner required by the commission.
   c.  d.  “Eligible program” means a program of study or an academic major jointly approved by the commission and the department of workforce development, in consultation with the eligible institution, that leads to a bachelor’s degree aligned with a high-demand job designated by the workforce development board pursuant to section 84A.1B, subsection 14. If the department removes a high-demand job from the list created under section 84A.1B, subsection 14, an eligible student who received a grant for a program based on that high-demand job shall continue to receive the grant until achieving a bachelor’s degree as long as the student continues to meet all other eligibility requirements. 
   d.  e.  “Eligible student” means an Iowa resident who meets all of the following requirements:
   (1)  Has earned at least half of the credits necessary for a bachelor’s degree and is able to complete a bachelor’s degree in an eligible program of study or academic major leading to a designated high-demand job in the prescribed grant time frame.
   (2)  (1)  Completes and submits application forms required by the commission, including the free application for federal student aid; applies for all available state and federal financial aid; attends orientation in person or virtually; registers for classes with the assistance of an academic advisor; and participates in academic and career advising sessions required under the eligible program. To receive a renewal of a grant awarded under this section, an eligible student must annually submit a new application to the commission for reevaluation of eligibility.
   (3)  Has not been enrolled in postsecondary education during the twenty-four months preceding the date on which the commission receives the individual’s application to participate in the program.
   (2)  Is at least twenty-five years of age at the time the individual enrolls in an eligible program.
   (4)  (3)  Enrolls in at least six semester hours, or the equivalent, in an eligible program. However, an eligible student may enroll in fewer than six semester hours, or the equivalent, if the eligible student needs fewer than six semester hours of credit, or the equivalent, to achieve a bachelor’s degree under the eligible program.
   (5)  (4)  Is making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the eligible institution.
   (6)  (5)  Remains continuously enrolled unless granted a leave of absence by the eligible institution based on criteria adopted by rule by the commission.
   e.  f.  “Full-time” means enrollment in at least twelve semester hours or the equivalent.
   f.  g.  “Part-time” means enrollment in at least six but less than twelve semester hours or the equivalent.
   2.  Allowable activities.  An eligible student may work with an assigned volunteer mentor, or a mentor who is a member of the faculty of the eligible institution, to help the student meet the requirements of this section or the requirements of an eligible program, identify and participate in work-based learning opportunities with the approval of the eligible institution, and make other career-related connections.
    Sec. 16.  Section 261.132, subsection 3, paragraph c, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   c.  A future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant shall be awarded on an annual basis, requiring reapplication by an eligible student each year. Payments under the grant shall be allocated equally among the semesters, or the equivalent, and paid upon certification by the eligible institution that the student meets the requirements of subsection 1, paragraph “d”

“e”.
    Sec. 17.  Section 261.132, subsection 4, paragraph d, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   d.  Transmit to the department of workforce development the compilation of information, data, and statistics submitted in accordance with subsection 1, paragraph “b” “c”, subparagraph (7) (6), for the annual report required under section 84A.1B.
    Sec. 18.  Section 261.132, subsection 6, Code 2023, is amended by striking the subsection.
    Sec. 19.  APPROVED VIRTUAL INSTITUTIONS —— APPLICATIONS.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, an approved virtual institution may apply to the college student aid commission to participate in the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program established pursuant to section 261.132 in the current academic year.
DIVISION IX
ALL IOWA OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

    Sec. 20.  Section 261.87, subsection 1, paragraph b, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   “Eligible foster care student” means a person under twenty-six years of age who has a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma under chapter 259A and is described by any of the following:
    Sec. 21.  Section 261.87, subsection 2, paragraph f, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   f.  (1)  Begins Except as provided in subparagraph (2), begins enrollment at an eligible institution within two academic years of graduation from high school or receipt of a high school equivalency diploma under chapter 259A and continuously receives awards as a full-time or part-time student to maintain eligibility. However, the student may defer or suspend participation in the program for up to two years in order to pursue obligations that meet conditions established by the commission by rule or to fulfill military obligations.
   (2)  The requirements of subparagraph (1) do not apply to an eligible foster care student.
    Sec. 22.  APPLICABILITY.  This division of this Act applies to applications submitted under the all Iowa opportunity scholarship program established pursuant to section 261.87 before, on, or after the effective date of this division of this Act.
DIVISION X
EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS —— CORRECTIONS

    Sec. 23.  Section 257.11B, subsection 2, paragraph a, subparagraph (1), subparagraph division (c), as enacted by 2023 Iowa Acts, House File 68, section 7, is amended to read as follows:
   (c)  A resident pupil who is eligible to enroll in grades one through twelve and was enrolled in a nonpublic school for the school year immediately preceding the school year for which the education savings account payment is requested if the pupil’s household has an annual income less than or equal to three hundred percent of the most recently revised poverty income guidelines published by the United States department of health and human services.
    Sec. 24.  Section 257.46, subsection 3, Code 2023, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, House File 68, section 16, is amended to read as follows:
   3.  If any portion of the gifted and talented program budget remains unexpended at the end of the budget year, the remainder shall be carried over to the subsequent budget year and added to the gifted and talented program budget for that year. At the end of a fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2022, the school district may use all or a portion of funds for the purposes authorized under section 257.10, subsection 9, paragraph “d”.
    Sec. 25.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This division of this Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
    Sec. 26.  RETROACTIVE APPLICABILITY.  This division of this Act applies retroactively to January 24, 2023.
DIVISION XI
EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS —— DEPOSIT OF MONEYS

    Sec. 27.  EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS —— DEPOSIT OF MONEYS.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, moneys in the education savings account fund established in section 257.11B, as enacted by 2023 Iowa Acts, House File 68, may be deposited into an account at any financial institution, including but not limited to financial institutions outside the state of Iowa, if such deposits are adequately protected and necessary for the effective administration of the education savings account program. All liability protections of sections 12C.8 and 12C.24 apply in connection with any such deposits as if the deposits were made in compliance with chapter 12C.
DIVISION XII
GAP TUITION ASSISTANCE

    Sec. 28.  Section 260I.3, subsections 2 and 5, Code 2023, are amended by striking the subsections.
    Sec. 29.  Section 260I.4, subsections 1, 5, 6, and 7, Code 2023, are amended by striking the subsections.
    Sec. 30.  Section 260I.5, subsection 2, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   2.  Direct training costs and support services.
    Sec. 31.  Section 260I.6, subsection 1, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   The program is not offered for credit, but is aligned with a certificate, diploma, or degree for credit, is either not offered for credit or is offered for short-term credit that is not eligible under the federal Pell grant program, and does any of the following:
DIVISION XIII
STATE GOVERNMENT REALIGNMENT —— MODIFICATIONS

    Sec. 32.  Section 256.103, as enacted by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, section 2480, is amended to read as follows:
   256.103  Employees —— contracts —— termination and discharge procedures.
   Sections 279.12 through 279.19 and section 279.27 apply to employees of the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program and employees of the Iowa school for the deaf, who are licensed pursuant to subchapter VII, part 3. In following those sections in chapter 279, the references to boards of directors of school districts shall be interpreted to apply to the department.
    Sec. 33.  Section 258.6, subsection 1, Code 2023, as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, section 2529, is amended to read as follows:
   1.  “Approved career and technical education program” means a career and technical education program offered by a school district or community college and approved by the bureau department which meets the standards for career and technical education programs adopted by the state board under this part. 
    Sec. 34.  2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, section 2514, subsection 1, is amended to read as follows:
   1.  The property and records in the custody of the state board of regents relating to the Iowa braille and sight saving school, the Iowa school for the deaf, the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program, the hall of fame for distinguished graduates at the Iowa braille and sight saving school, and the hall of fame for distinguished graduates at the Iowa school for the deaf shall be transferred to the department of education.
DIVISION XIV
STATE PROGRAM ALLOCATION —— FINE ARTS BEGINNING TEACHER MENTORING PROGRAM

    Sec. 35.  Section 256.34, subsection 2, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   2.  Program criteria shall include a required match of one dollar provided by the organization contracting to deliver services under subsection 1 for each dollar provided to the organization by the department. Moneys in the fund established under subsection 6 shall not be disbursed until the department receives evidence that the organization meets or will meet the match requirement.  The department may consider in-kind contributions received by the organization for matching purposes.
    Sec. 36.  Section 284.13, subsection 1, paragraphs a, b, c, e, f, and g, Code 2023, are amended to read as follows:
   a.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 2023, and ending June 30, 2023 2024, to the department, the amount of five hundred eight thousand two hundred fifty dollars for the issuance of national board certification awards in accordance with section 256.44. Of the amount allocated under this paragraph, not less than eighty-five thousand dollars shall be used to administer the ambassador to education position in accordance with section 256.45.
   b.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 2023, and ending June 30, 2023 2024, up to seven hundred twenty-eight thousand two hundred sixteen dollars to the department for purposes of implementing the professional development program requirements of section 284.6, assistance in developing model evidence for teacher quality committees established pursuant to section 284.4, subsection 1, paragraph “b”, and the evaluator training program in section 284.10. A portion of the funds allocated to the department for purposes of this paragraph may be used by the department for administrative purposes and for not more than four full-time equivalent positions.
   c.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 2023, and ending June 30, 2023 2024, an amount up to one million seventy-seven thousand eight hundred ten dollars to the department for the establishment of teacher development academies in accordance with section 284.6, subsection 10. A portion of the funds allocated to the department for purposes of this paragraph may be used for administrative purposes.
   e.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 2023, and ending June 30, 2023 2024, to the department an amount up to twenty-five fifty thousand dollars for purposes of the fine arts beginning teacher mentoring program established under section 256.34.
   f.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 2023, and ending June 30, 2023 2024, to the department an amount up to six hundred twenty-six thousand one hundred ninety-one dollars shall be used by the department for a delivery system, in collaboration with area education agencies, to assist in implementing the career paths and leadership roles considered pursuant to sections 284.15, 284.16, and 284.17, including but not limited to planning grants to school districts and area education agencies, technical assistance for the department, technical assistance for districts and area education agencies, training and staff development, and the contracting of external expertise and services. In using moneys allocated for purposes of this paragraph, the department shall give priority to school districts with certified enrollments of fewer than six hundred students. A portion of the moneys allocated annually to the department for purposes of this paragraph may be used by the department for administrative purposes and for not more than five full-time equivalent positions.
   g.  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 2024, and for each subsequent fiscal year, to the department, ten million dollars for purposes of implementing the supplemental assistance for high-need schools provisions of section 284.11. Annually, of the moneys allocated to the department for purposes of this paragraph, up to one hundred thousand dollars may be used by the department for administrative purposes and for not more than one full-time equivalent position.
DIVISION XV
EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT AND PROGRAM-SHARING PROPERTY TAX LEVY

    Sec. 37.  Section 260C.28, subsection 2, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   2.  However, the board of directors may annually certify for levy a tax on taxable property in the merged area at a rate in excess of the three cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation specified under subsection 1 if the excess tax levied does not cause the total rate certified to exceed a rate of nine cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, and the excess revenue generated is used for purposes of program sharing between community colleges or for the purchase of instructional equipment. Programs that are shared shall be designed to increase student access to community college programs and to achieve efficiencies in program delivery at the community colleges, including, but not limited to, the programs described under section 260C.46. Prior to expenditure of the excess revenues generated under this subsection, the board of directors shall obtain the approval of the director of the department of education.
    Sec. 38.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This division of this Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
DIVISION XVI
ONLINE STATE JOB POSTING SYSTEM —— REPEAL

    Sec. 39.  Section 84A.6, Code 2023, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  4.  a.  The department of workforce development, in consultation with the department of education, shall establish a system that allows the department of education, school districts, charter schools, area education agencies, and accredited nonpublic schools to post job openings on an internet site. The system must include a mechanism for the electronic submission of job openings for posting on the internet site. The system and each job posting on the internet site must include a statement that an employer submitting a job opening for posting on the internet site will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran.
   b.  The department of education, school districts, charter schools, and area education agencies shall submit all job openings to the department of workforce development for posting on the internet site. An accredited nonpublic school may submit job openings to the department of workforce development for posting on the internet site.
   c.  This subsection shall not be construed to do any of the following:
   (1)  Prohibit any employer from advertising job openings and recruiting employees independently of the internet site.
   (2)  Prohibit any employer from using another method of advertising job openings or another applicant tracking system in addition to the system.
   (3)  Provide the department of workforce development with any regulatory authority in the hiring process or hiring decisions of any employer.
    Sec. 40.  REPEAL.  Section 256.27, Code 2023, is repealed.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to and makes appropriations to the education system. The bill appropriates moneys for FY 2023-2024 from the general fund of the state and other funds to the department for the blind, the department of education, and the state board of regents and its institutions. The bill is organized by divisions.
   DEPARTMENT FOR THE BLIND. The bill appropriates moneys to the department for the blind for its administration.
   DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. The bill appropriates moneys to the department of education for purposes of the department’s general administration; career and technical education administration; public broadcasting division; career and technical education reimbursement; school food service; expansion of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act birth through age three services; early head start projects; the student achievement and teacher quality program; statewide student assessment; statewide clearinghouse to expand work-based learning; postsecondary summer classes for high school students program; jobs for America’s graduates specialists; attendance center performance/general internet site and data system support; successful progression for early readers; an early warning system for literacy; the Iowa reading research center; computer science professional development incentive fund; children’s mental health school-based training and support; for school districts for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities; distribution to the midwestern higher education compact to pay Iowa’s member state annual obligation; community colleges; the Iowa school for the deaf and Iowa braille and sight saving school; the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative; the therapeutic classroom incentive fund; the payment of claims for reimbursement submitted for therapeutic classroom transportation; and the LEAD-K program.
   The bill includes appropriations to the department of education for the college student aid commission for general administrative purposes, administration of the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program, the health care professional recruitment program, the national guard service scholarship program, the all Iowa opportunity scholarship program, the teach Iowa scholar program, the rural Iowa primary care loan repayment program, the health care loan repayment program, the rural veterinarian loan repayment program, the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program, the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program, the mental health professional loan repayment program, and the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program.
   The bill appropriates moneys from the Iowa skilled worker and job creation fund to the department of education.
   STATE BOARD OF REGENTS. The bill appropriates moneys to the state board of regents for the board office, universities’ general operating budgets, the western Iowa regents resource center, the state university of Iowa, Iowa state university of science and technology, and the university of northern Iowa.
   STANDING APPROPRIATIONS. For FY 2023-2024, the bill limits the standing appropriation for at-risk children under Code section 279.51 and the work-study program under Code section 261.85, reduces the standing appropriation for tuition grants for qualified students enrolled in eligible institutions under Code section 261.25(2), and increases the standing appropriation for tuition grants to qualified students enrolled in accredited private institutions under Code section 261.25(1).
   DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION. The bill requires the state board of regents to conduct a comprehensive study and review of the diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and efforts of each institution of higher learning under the state board’s control. The bill establishes the components the study and review is to include.
   The bill requires the state board of regents to prepare a report containing its findings and recommendations to be considered by the state board during its November 2023 meeting. Additionally, the bill requires the state board of regents to submit a final report containing findings and recommendations to the governor and the general assembly no later than December 1, 2023.
   The bill requires an institution of higher learning under the control of the state board of regents to cease all associated hiring in FY 2023-2024.
   IOWA WORKFORCE GRANT AND INCENTIVE PROGRAM. The bill establishes the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program (WGIP) within the college student aid commission (commission), subject to an appropriation of moneys by the general assembly. The bill provides that a full-time eligible student may receive an annual grant under the WGIP for not more than four semesters or until the eligible student completes the eligible program, whichever occurs first. The bill also provides that a part-time eligible student may receive an annual grant under the WGIP for not more than eight semesters, on a prorated basis, or until the eligible student completes the eligible program, whichever occurs first. The bill establishes that the maximum amount of a grant under the WGIP to a full-time eligible student shall not exceed $2,000 per semester, and the maximum amount of a grant under the WGIP to a part-time eligible student shall be prorated based on the part-time eligible student’s semester hour enrollment. The bill requires eligible students to submit new applications under the WGIP to the commission annually for reevaluation of eligibility. The bill provides that if a grant recipient discontinues attendance before the end of any semester, the eligible institution is required to pay to the commission the entire amount of any refund due to that recipient, up to the full amount of the grant payments made during the semester.
   When making awards under the WGIP, the bill requires the commission to give priority to applicants who received an award in the prior academic year and applicants with the least financial ability to pay.
   The bill provides that an individual who was an eligible student who received a grant under the WGIP in the academic year in which the eligible program is completed, and who accepts and begins employment in an aligned occupation in this state within six months of completing the eligible program, may apply to the commission for one incentive payment of up to $2,000. The bill establishes that the commission shall pay the incentive payment upon the successful applicant’s completion of 12 consecutive months of employment in this state.
   The bill establishes an Iowa workforce grant and incentive program fund in the state treasury under the control of the commission. The bill provides that all moneys deposited or paid into the fund are appropriated to the commission to be used for awarding grants and incentive payments under the WGIP.
   The bill defines “commission”, “eligible institution”, “eligible program”, “eligible student”, “financial need”, “full-time”, and “part-time”.
   The bill requires the Iowa workforce development board, in collaboration with the state board of regents, to create a list of high-wage and high-demand jobs and corresponding academic majors offered by institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents for purposes of the WGIP. The bill establishes the criteria for inclusion on the list. The bill requires the Iowa workforce development board, in collaboration with the state board of regents, to update the list at least once every two years.
   TASK FORCE —— FUNDING FOR AT-RISK STUDENTS AND DROPOUT PREVENTION PROGRAMS. The bill requires the department of education to convene and provide administrative support to a task force. The bill establishes that the task force is to study certain specified issues related to programs for at-risk students and dropout prevention programs.
   FUTURE READY IOWA SKILLED WORKFORCE GRANT PROGRAM. The future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program provides tuition support to eligible students who have completed more than two years of a four-year degree in a high-demand field. The program provides a minimum of $1,000 in tuition support for eligible students who go back to school at eligible institutions to finish an eligible program.
   The bill modifies the definition of “eligible institution” under the program to include approved virtual institutions, as defined in the bill. The bill also modifies the definition of “eligible institution” to remove the requirement that the eligible institution certify that prior to participating in the program an eligible student has earned at least half of the credits necessary for a bachelor’s degree and is able to complete a bachelor’s degree in an eligible program of study or academic major leading to a designated high-demand job in the prescribed grant time frame.
   The bill modifies the definition of “eligible student” to remove the requirement that the eligible student has earned at least half of the credits necessary for a bachelor’s degree and is able to complete a bachelor’s degree in an eligible program of study or academic major leading to a designated high-demand job in the prescribed grant time frame. Current law requires that an eligible student under the program must not have been enrolled in postsecondary education during the 24 months preceding the date on which the college student aid commission receives the individual’s application to participate in the program. The bill strikes this requirement and replaces it with a requirement that the eligible student must be at least 25 years of age at the time the student enrolls in an eligible program.
   The bill strikes a provision that prohibits new awards from the grant program.
   ALL IOWA OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP. The bill modifies several provisions of the all Iowa opportunity scholarship program, including modifying the definition of “eligible foster care student” and modifying eligibility requirements under the program. The bill provides that these provisions apply to applications submitted under the program before, on, or after the effective date of this division of the bill. 
   EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS —— CORRECTIONS. The bill makes corrections to 2023 Iowa Acts, House File 68. These provisions of the bill are effective upon enactment and apply retroactively to January 24, 2023.
   EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS —— DEPOSIT OF MONEYS. The bill allows moneys in the education savings account fund to be deposited into an account at any financial institution, including financial institutions outside the state of Iowa, if such deposits are adequately protected and necessary for the effective administration of the education savings account program.
   GAP TUITION ASSISTANCE. The bill modifies the provisions of the gap tuition assistance program to eliminate certain requirements and make other changes related to coverage for tuition assistance and eligible certificate programs.
   STATE GOVERNMENT REALIGNMENT —— MODIFICATIONS. The bill provides that certain provisions applicable to school district employees also apply to employees of the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program. The bill requires the state board of regents to transfer all property and records in its custody related to the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program to the department of education.
   The bill modifies the definition of “approved career and technical education program” for purposes of the career and technical education program.
   STATE PROGRAM ALLOCATION —— FINE ARTS BEGINNING TEACHER MENTORING PROGRAM. The bill allows the department of education to consider in-kind contributions received by an organization described in Code section 256.34 (fine arts beginning teacher mentoring program) for matching purposes.
   Current Code section 284.13 establishes how moneys appropriated for purposes of the student achievement and teacher quality program are to be allocated. The bill extends the allocations established pursuant to Code section 284.13 to FY 2023-2024, and increases the allocations for the fine arts beginning teacher mentoring program. The bill provides that beginning in FY 2024-2025 rather than FY 2023-2024, of the moneys appropriated for purposes of the student achievement and teacher quality program, the final priority for the allocation is $10 million for purposes of implementing the supplemental assistance for high-need schools provisions of Code section 284.11.
   EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT AND PROGRAM-SHARING PROPERTY TAX LEVY.  Current law provides that the board of directors of a community college may certify for a levy a tax on taxable property in the merged area at a rate not exceeding 3 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation for equipment replacement for the community college. Current law also allows the board of directors to certify for a levy on taxable property in the merged area at a rate in excess of 3 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation if the excess tax levied does not cause the total rate certified to exceed 9 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation and if the revenue generated by the levy is used for, among other things, the purchase of instructional equipment. The bill modifies this provision to allow for the revenue generated by the levy to be used for the purchase of equipment.
   These provisions of the bill take effect upon enactment.
   ONLINE STATE JOB POSTING SYSTEM —— REPEAL. The bill requires the department of workforce development, in consultation with the department of education, to establish a system that allows the department of education, school districts, charter schools, area education agencies, and accredited nonpublic schools to post job openings on an internet site. The bill establishes requirements related to the system and the internet site. The bill repeals Code section 256.27, which provides for the department of education’s operation of an online state job posting system.