HSB 538: Relating to selection committees for presidents of regents institutions

What it does

Under current law, the state board of regents may use a presidential selection committee when electing a president of an institution of higher learning under the control of the board. Only board members can serve as voting members of the committee. This bill requires the board to use such a committee. The bill provides that only board members can serve as members of the committee. _____ board, which shall only elect a president from the recommended candidates. The bill authorizes a committee to contract for and use the services of any person engaged in the business of placing highly qualified job candidates in leadership positions and to use moneys allocated to the committee by the board.

House subcommittee · named January 13, 2026

• Rep. Taylor R. Collins (R) · taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Heather Matson (D) · heather.matson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Jeff Shipley (R) · jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 1 against

For: Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council

Against: Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO

In plain words

1. January 13, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Higher Education committee
2. January 13, 2026House subcommittee named: Collins, Matson and Shipley
3. January 15, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. January 28, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. January 28, 2026Committee vote: 6–4
6. January 30, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2245