HF 437: Establishing a center for intellectual freedom at the university of Iowa

What it does

This bill establishes a school of intellectual freedom (school) as an independent academic unit within the university of Iowa (university). The school shall be physically located in the college of liberal arts and sciences. The school shall conduct teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society. The bill authorizes the state board of regents (board) to name the school in accordance with any philanthropic naming policies or practices of the board or university.

House subcommittee · named January 22, 2025

• Rep. Taylor R. Collins (R) · taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Heather Hora (R) · heather.hora@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. David Jacoby (D) · david.jacoby@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 8 for, 3 against

For: Cicero Action; Foundation for Government Accountability Action; Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Board of Regents; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation; VALOR Iowa

Against: Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers; Iowa Insurance Associates; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council

In plain words

1. January 22, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Higher Education committee · as HSB 52
2. January 22, 2025House subcommittee named: Collins, Hora and Jacoby · as HSB 52
3. January 28, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 52
4. February 12, 2025Approved by the House committee · as HSB 52
5. February 12, 2025Committee vote: 7–4 · as HSB 52
6. February 17, 2025Filed in the House
7. February 17, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 437 · as HSB 52
8. March 4, 2025Cost estimate (fiscal note) posted
9. March 18, 2025Passed the House, 60–37
10. March 19, 2025Arrived in the Senate
11. March 19, 2025Cost estimate (fiscal note) posted
12. April 15, 2025Took the place of SF 519 on the Senate floor (the same legislation)
13. April 15, 2025Passed the Senate, 32–15
14. May 19, 2025Sent to the Governor
15. June 11, 2025Signed into law
16. June 11, 2025Cost estimate (fiscal note) posted