HF 870: Relating to students who attend a course in religious instruction that is provided by a private organization, including by modifying provisions related to compulsory education and chronic absenteeism

What it does

This bill relates to students who attend a course in religious instruction that is provided by a private organization, including by modifying provisions related to compulsory education and chronic absenteeism and allowing school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to adopt policies related to awarding academic credit for the completion of a course in religious instruction. Under current law, the parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian of a child who is of compulsory attendance age is required to cause the child to attend some public school or an accredited nonpublic school, or place the child under competent private instruction or independent private instruction, during a school year.

Senate subcommittee · named March 26, 2025

• Sen. Mike Pike (R) · mike.pike@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Jesse Green (R) · jesse.green@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott (D) · sarah.trone.garriott@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 7 for, 0 against

For: ADF Action; Inspired Life; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; LifeWise Academy; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation; VALOR Iowa

In plain words

1. February 20, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Education committee · as HSB 218
2. February 20, 2025House subcommittee named: Shipley, Johnson, C. and Kurth · as HSB 218
3. February 27, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 218
4. March 4, 2025Approved by the House committee · as HSB 218
5. March 4, 2025Committee vote: 14–9 · as HSB 218
6. March 7, 2025Filed in the House
7. March 7, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 870 · as HSB 218
8. March 18, 2025Passed the House, 96–2
9. March 19, 2025Arrived in the Senate
10. March 26, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Pike, Green and Trone Garriott
11. March 27, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
12. March 31, 2025Approved by the Senate committee
13. April 15, 2025Passed the Senate, 47–0
14. May 19, 2025Sent to the Governor
15. June 6, 2025Signed into law