Relating to fraudulent practices involving academic credentials and providing penalties

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 15, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 21, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeFebruary 4, 2026
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the HouseMarch 12, 202690–1
5. ✓
   Done: Senate committeeMarch 19, 2026
6. ✓
   Done: Passes the SenateMarch 30, 202646–0
7. ✓
   Done: To the GovernorApril 16, 2026
8. ✓
   Done: Signed into lawApril 16, 2026

Became HF 2337 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2337 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to fraudulent practices involving academic credentials. The bill provides that a person who falsely represents oneself as possessing an academic degree or academic credentials for the purpose of obtaining employment or other personal gain is guilty of a fraudulent practice in the second degree. A fraudulent practice in the second degree is a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Changed since by amendments S-5137, H-8178, H-8074; see Amendments. Full bill text · What changed before it passed

House subcommittee

Named January 21, 2026. On January 29, 2026 it recommended passage.

• Rep. Chad Behn REmail
• Rep. Dr. Steven P. Bradley REmail
• Rep. Mary Lee Madison DEmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Fiscal note

The fiscal impact of the Bill cannot be determined because the number of new convictions cannot be estimated. The average State cost per aggravated misdemeanor is between $8,300 and $12,200. The estimated impact to the General Fund includes operating costs incurred by the Judicial Branch, the Indigent Defense Fund, and the DOC.

• Final Fiscal Note — Fraud, False Educational Credentials · May 13, 2026 · $12,200
• Fraud, False Educational Credentials · March 31, 2026 · $12,200
• Fraud, False Educational Credentials · March 18, 2026
• Fraud, False Educational Credentials · March 2, 2026 · $18,100

Nonpartisan cost estimates from the Legislative Services Agency’s Fiscal Services Division. The newest is first. Reading a fiscal note

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§714.10§714.8

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.