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91st General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

SF 519: Establishing a school of intellectual freedom at the university of Iowa

Died when the session ended · The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died.

What it does

This bill establishes a school of intellectual freedom (school) as an independent academic unit within the university of Iowa (university). The school shall be physically located in the college of liberal arts and sciences. The school shall conduct teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society. The bill authorizes the state board of regents (board) to name the school in accordance with any philanthropic naming policies or practices of the board or university.

Sponsors

Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen (R)

Cost

See the fiscal note

5 million per year.

Lobbying · 8 for, 3 against

For: Cicero Action; Foundation for Government Accountability Action; Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Board of Regents; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation; VALOR Iowa

Against: Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers; Iowa Insurance Associates; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council

In plain words

  1. March 5, 2025Filed in the Senate
  2. March 5, 2025Approved by the Senate committee
  3. April 14, 2025Cost estimate (fiscal note) posted
  4. April 15, 2025Withdrawn

From public records at legis.iowa.gov, compiled by Funnel (iowafunnel.com), an independent, nonpartisan site. Current as of Monday, November 9, 2026. https://iowafunnel.com/bills/91/SF519