HF 2513 (LSB 5230HV (3) 91)

HOUSE FILE 2513

BY  COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

(SUCCESSOR TO HSB 536)

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

A BILL FOR

An Act prohibiting institutions of higher education from entering into employment contracts with citizens of federally designated foreign adversaries and state sponsors of terrorism holding certain visas.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 260C.14, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  27.  Adopt a policy prohibiting the community college from entering into an employment contract on or after July 1, 2026, with an individual who is a holder of a valid federal H-1B visa and who is also a citizen of a nation designated as a foreign adversary by regulation of the United States secretary of commerce or designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States secretary of state.
    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  261M.1  Definition.
   As used in this chapter, “institution of higher education” means a college or university located in this state that provides a postsecondary course of instruction to students in this state that leads to a degree. “Institution of higher education” does not include an institution governed by the state board of regents or a community college.
    Sec. 3.  NEW SECTION.  261M.2  Employment of certain visa holders prohibited.
   An institution of higher education shall not enter into an employment contract on or after July 1, 2026, with an individual who is a holder of a valid federal H-1B visa and who is also a citizen of a nation designated as a foreign adversary by regulation of the United States secretary of commerce or designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States secretary of state.
    Sec. 4.  Section 262.9, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  43.  Adopt a policy prohibiting an institution of higher education under its control from entering into an employment contract on or after July 1, 2026, with an individual who is a holder of a valid federal H-1B visa and who is also a citizen of a nation designated as a foreign adversary by regulation of the United States secretary of commerce or designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States secretary of state.