Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to fraudulent practices involving academic credentials and providing penalties
Sponsored by Rep. Dean Fisher (R)
Topics:Crime & correctionsK–12 education
Same legislation: HF 2337
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 15, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 21, 2026
- Done: House committeeFebruary 4, 2026
- Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 2337
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became HF 2337 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2337 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary People who lie about having a college degree or other school credentials to get a job or other benefits would be committing a crime. This law makes that action a felony. If convicted, a person could face up to five years in prison and a fine.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to fraudulent practices involving academic credentials. The bill provides that a person who falsely represents oneself as possessing an academic degree or academic credentials for the purpose of obtaining employment or other personal gain is guilty of a fraudulent practice in the second degree. A fraudulent practice in the second degree is a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245.
Changed since by amendments S-5137, H-8178, H-8074; see Amendments.
House subcommittee
Named January 21, 2026. On January 29, 2026 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Fiscal note
AI summary This bill makes it a crime to falsely claim to have academic degrees or professional licenses to obtain employment or personal gain. The fiscal impact of the bill cannot be determined because the number of new convictions cannot be estimated. If convictions occur, the average state cost per aggravated misdemeanor is between $8,300 and $12,200, affecting the Judicial Branch, the Indigent Defense Fund, and the Department of Corrections.3
From the note: The fiscal impact of the Bill cannot be determined because the number of new convictions cannot be estimated. The average State cost per aggravated misdemeanor is between $8,300 and $12,200. The estimated impact to the General Fund includes operating costs incurred by the Judicial Branch, the Indigent Defense Fund, and the DOC.
- Final Fiscal Note — Fraud, False Educational Credentials · May 13, 2026 · $12,200
- Fraud, False Educational Credentials · March 31, 2026 · $12,200
- Fraud, False Educational Credentials · March 18, 2026
- Fraud, False Educational Credentials · March 2, 2026 · $18,100
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
3 for · 0 against · 8 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly