SF 2219: Requiring boards of directors of school districts, governing boards of charter schools, and authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to exempting student absences for school-sponsored activities, programs, competitions, and projects

What it does

This bill requires boards of directors of school districts, governing boards of charter schools, and authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to excusing student absences for 4-H club or FFA activities. The bill requires the board of directors of each school district, the governing board of a charter school, and the authorities in charge of each accredited nonpublic school to adopt a policy that requires the school to grant a student an excused absence when the student is absent from school because of the student’s involvement in an activity or project sponsored by a 4-H club or the FFA.

House subcommittee · named March 5, 2026

• Rep. Heather Hora (R) · heather.hora@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Chad Behn (R) · chad.behn@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Mary Lee Madison (D) · mary.madison@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 2 against

For: Iowa Cattlemen's Association; Iowa Pork Producers Association; Siouxland Bitches Get Stuff Done

Against: Iowa Association of Christian Schools; Iowa Catholic Conference

In plain words

1. January 15, 2026Filed in the Senate and sent to the Education committee · as SSB 3041
2. January 15, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Evans, Taylor and Zimmer · as SSB 3041
3. January 29, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as SSB 3041
4. February 4, 2026Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 2219 · as SSB 3041
5. February 5, 2026Filed in the Senate
6. February 5, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
7. February 23, 2026Passed the Senate, 46–0
8. February 24, 2026Arrived in the House
9. March 5, 2026House subcommittee named: Hora, Behn and Madison
10. March 9, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
11. March 19, 2026Approved by the House committee
12. March 19, 2026Committee vote: 22–1
13. April 7, 2026Passed the House, 85–8
14. April 15, 2026Passed the Senate, 47–0
15. May 5, 2026Sent to the Governor
16. May 19, 2026Signed into law