HF 402: Establishing completion of a course on American history and civil government as a requirement for the completion of a baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education

What it does

This bill requires a public institution of higher education to establish as a requirement for the completion of any baccalaureate degree program that a student complete a survey course in American history and civil government. The requirement begins with the academic year commencing in 2027. The bill provides minimum required subjects that must be taught and documents that students must read as part of the course. The bill defines a public institution of higher education as a regents institution or a community college with respect to any baccalaureate degree program offered by the community college and to any student enrolled in such a program.

House subcommittee · named January 22, 2025

• Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R) · skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Steven C. Holt (R) · steven.holt@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Monica Kurth (D) · monica.kurth@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 7 for, 1 against

For: Cicero Action; Foundation for Government Accountability Action; Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Kurtis Bower; Professional Educators of Iowa; VALOR Iowa

Against: Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund

In plain words

1. January 22, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Higher Education committee · as HSB 56
2. January 22, 2025House subcommittee named: Wheeler, Holt and Kurth · as HSB 56
3. February 5, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 56
4. February 12, 2025Approved by the House committee · as HSB 56
5. February 12, 2025Committee vote: 7–4 · as HSB 56
6. February 13, 2025Filed in the House
7. February 13, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 402 · as HSB 56
8. April 3, 2025Sent to the House Higher Education committee