Apr 14, 2023

This Week at the Statehouse – Week 14

The following bills had House action this week. The Senate did not have any floor debate.

HF 654 GUNS IN VEHICLES. The House amended and passed the bill by a vote of 62-37; it is now on the Senate calendar attached to their companion bill SF 543. Along with other public places, the bill allows dangerous weapons in personal vehicles on campus grounds if they are out of sight and the vehicle is locked. This includes the three Regents universities and all community colleges.

HF 671 PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS LICENSURE COMPACT. The House passed the bill unanimously; it is now on the Senate calendar attached to their companion bill SF 127. The bill establishes this compact that would provide access to counseling and would benefit our students and establishes a commission to administer the compact.

HF 672 TEACHER BACKGROUND CHECKS; NO LICENSE RENEWAL FOR VETERAN TEACHERS. The House passed the bill unanimously; it is now in the Senate Ways and Means Committee for consideration. The bill repeals the license renewal requirement for teachers employed for at least 10 years and who possesses a master’s or doctoral degree. Also requires continuing background checks every five years for teachers who are not subject to these renewal requirements and allows the BOEE to charge a reasonable fee for these background checks. Adds charter schools and private schools to background checks.

We’ve seen the House Republican’s budget highlights for next fiscal year, FY 2024. I’ll know more when I see actual budget bills, hopefully next week. These budget numbers still need to be agreed to with the Senate before session can adjourn. From the House Republican highlights affecting Regents universities:

  • $10 million new funding for workforce grants given to students in one of Iowa’s high-demand job areas like nursing, STEM professions, and educators.
  • $2.8 million for new funding to provide 10 new professors at the University of Iowa College of Nursing and increase enrollment capacity by 30%.
  • $2.8 million in new funding for STEM & Advanced Ag initiatives at Iowa State University.
  • $1.5 million in new funding for UNI Teacher Education initiatives.

The Senate has started their committee work on Governor appointments to boards and commissions that require Senate confirmation. The hearings for the Board of Regents members were held this week and the Senate Education Committee recommended they be put on the individual calendar for full Senate confirmation. This includes reappointments of Regent Sherry Bates and Regent Nancy Dunkel, as well as confirmation of Regent JC Risewick who was appointed after last year’s legislative session adjourned and Robert Cramer, who is replacing Regent Nancy Boettger.

Upcoming Dates

April 28 – 110th Calendar Day (lawmaker per diem expenses end)

If you have any questions, please email me at mary.braun@uni.edu.