HF 2244 (LSB 5664HV (4) 91)

HOUSE FILE 2244

BY  COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

(SUCCESSOR TO HSB 594)

(COMPANION TO SF 2121 BY EVANS)

(As Amended and Passed by the House 2026-03-03)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve, and including applicability provisions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 256E.7, subsection 2, paragraph h, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subparagraph:
   NEW SUBPARAGRAPH.  (02)  The educational standards of section 256.11 relating to the social studies curriculum for grades seven through twelve.
    Sec. 2.  Section 256F.4, subsection 2, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  0u.  Be subject to and comply with the requirements of section 256.11 relating to the social studies curriculum for grades seven through twelve in the same manner as a school district.
    Sec. 3.  Section 256.11, subsection 4, paragraph a, subparagraph (2), Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   (2)  Social studies, including instruction related to civics and United States government. The instruction related to civics and United States government shall consist of at least one-half unit of credit, or the equivalent, during grade seven or grade eight. For purposes of this subparagraph, a unit of credit consists of a course or equivalent related components or partial units taught throughout the academic year.
    Sec. 4.  Section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph b, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   b.  (1)  Five units of the social studies including instruction in voting statutes and procedures, voter registration requirements, the use of paper ballots and voting systems in the election process, and the method of acquiring and casting an absentee ballot. All students shall complete a minimum of one-half one unit of civics and United States government and one unit of United States history.
   (2)  The one-half one unit of civics and United States government shall include the all of the following:
   (a)  The voting procedure as described in this lettered paragraph and section 280.9A. The government instruction shall also include a
   (b)  A study of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution and an assessment of a student’s knowledge of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
    Sec. 5.  APPLICABILITY.  This Act applies to school years beginning on or after July 1, 2028.