Relating to the law enforcement academy, including military veterans with active duty military police experience

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedFebruary 20, 2025
Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 25, 2025
Done: House committeeMarch 5, 2025
Done: Passes the HouseMarch 24, 202595–0
Done: Senate committeeApril 3, 2025
Done: Passes the SenateApril 15, 202547–0
Done: To the GovernorMay 19, 2025
Done: Signed into lawMay 27, 2025

Became HF 901 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 901 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to the law enforcement academy, including military veterans with active duty military police experience. The bill provides that a veteran may qualify for lateral transfer to a law enforcement agency in this state without completing the academy training program if the veteran meets the following criteria: has served a minimum of four years of active duty in the United States armed forces; has held a primary military occupational specialty or equivalent designation as a military police officer in the army, or its equivalent in other branches; has successfully completed accredited military police training equivalent to or exceeding the academy’s standards; and has received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.

Read the full explanation

The bill provides that an eligible veteran is required to submit an application to the council for evaluation that includes all of the following: proof of military service and discharge status; certification of military police training and experience; and documentation of relevant duties performed during active duty. The council shall review the applications and issue a certificate of equivalency to veterans who meet the eligibility criteria. Veterans granted a certificate of equivalency must complete a one-week Iowa-specific law enforcement orientation course administered by the academy, focusing on state laws, procedures, and community policing, and undergo any required background checks and psychological evaluations as required for all new law enforcement hires in the state. The bill directs the council to develop procedures and guidelines for evaluating military police training and equivalency standards, and to publish an annual report including data on the number of veterans transitioning to state law enforcement and the veterans’ performance in law enforcement roles.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Changed since by amendments S-3090, H-1151; see Amendments. Full bill text · What changed before it passed

House subcommittee

Named February 25, 2025. On February 26, 2025 it recommended passage.

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

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§80B.20

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

Lobbying

0 for · 1 against · 5 undecided · Who →

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.

91st General Assembly

HF 539Renumbered HF 901Became lawfrom HF 539

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