HSB 218: 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 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

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.

House subcommittee · named February 20, 2025

• Rep. Jeff Shipley (R) · jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Craig P. Johnson (R) · craig.johnson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Monica Kurth (D) · monica.kurth@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
2. February 20, 2025House subcommittee named: Shipley, Johnson, C. and Kurth
3. February 27, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. March 4, 2025Approved by the House committee
5. March 4, 2025Committee vote: 14–9
6. March 7, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 870