Relating to open enrollment, student transfers, and interscholastic athletic eligibility requirements, and including effective date provisions

Sponsored by the House Education Committee, Rep. Henry Stone (R)

Topics:K–12 education

Same legislation: HF 2034

Write your legislators about itWhat changed before it passed

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedJanuary 14, 2026
Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 9, 2026
Done: House committeeFebruary 16, 2026
Done: Passes the HouseMarch 2, 202690–0
Done: Senate committeeMarch 17, 2026
Done: Passes the SenateApril 1, 202646–0
Done: To the GovernorMay 6, 2026
Done: Signed into lawJune 2, 2026

Signed into law What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary Students who transfer to a new school or use open enrollment would have to wait 140 calendar days before they can play varsity sports. This change replaces the current rule that uses a number of school days to determine when a student is eligible. Some exceptions still exist that allow certain students to start competing right away.¹

Read the official explanation

This bill relates to open enrollment, student transfers, and interscholastic athletic eligibility requirements. Current law provides that a student who participates in open enrollment in grades through is ineligible to participate in varsity interscholastic athletic contests and competitions during the student’s first school days of enrollment. The bill changes this restriction from school days to 140 calendar days. The bill maintains existing exceptions that permit a student to participate immediately in a varsity interscholastic sport under certain conditions. The bill further provides that a student in grades through who transfers from one school to another school is ineligible to compete in varsity interscholastic athletics for 140 calendar days. The bill provides for certain exceptions.

Changed since by amendments H-8283, S-5103; see Amendments.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed²

Senate subcommittee

Named March 10, 2026. On March 12, 2026 it recommended amendment and 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

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§256.46 §282.18

How the Code works³

Lobbying

3 for · 0 against · 4 undecided · Who →

Family tree

91st General Assembly

HF 2034Renumbered HF 2591Became lawfrom HF 2034