HSB 548: Directing regents institutions to sign the federal Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education and including effective date provisions

What it does

This bill directs the university of Iowa, Iowa state university, and the university of northern Iowa to each sign the federal Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education no later than December 31, 2026. Each institution and the board of regents shall take all necessary steps to facilitate such signature by that date. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

House subcommittee · named January 20, 2026

• Rep. John H. Wills (R) · john.wills@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Heather Hora (R) · heather.hora@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. David Jacoby (D) · david.jacoby@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 0 for, 3 against

Against: Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund; Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council

In plain words

1. January 13, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Higher Education committee
2. January 13, 2026House subcommittee named: Stone, Hora and Jacoby
3. January 20, 2026House subcommittee named: Wills, J., Hora and Jacoby
4. February 4, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
5. February 11, 2026Approved by the House committee
6. February 11, 2026Committee vote: 7–4
7. February 16, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2489