The bill, which includes educational requirements, tuition fees and more for Iowa's colleges and universities, will be sent to the floor of the Iowa House of Representatives after passing out of committee.
House File 2327, dubbed the “Higher Education Reform Act of 2024,” was passed by the House Education Committee on Tuesday with amendments affecting the state's community colleges, public and private universities.
Rep. Taylor Collins (R-Mediapolis) said her caucus introduced the bill because people have lost faith in higher education due to rising costs and “distractions,” citing diversity as an example. , equity, and inclusion.
“This bill not only controls costs and returns the focus of the higher education system to academic excellence, but also provides this institution with increased oversight of Regents business,” Collins said.
The bill passed 15-8 with Republican support.
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The amended bill would limit in-state tuition and fee increases to 3% and provide stable tuition and fees based on credit hours for certain students enrolling at state universities during the 2024-25 academic year. The fee will be guaranteed.
Rep. Heather Matson expressed concern that these tuition changes could prevent state universities from securing the funding they need to sustain their overall budgets.
“It's great. It helps families and we really want to do that,” Matson said. “But at the same time, we want to make sure the regents have the funding to go with it.”
Under the bill, state universities would be required to conduct a comprehensive study of cost-cutting measures, including ways to keep tuition and fees near current levels and keep non-educational expenses below 10% of their budgets. . The results of these studies must be presented to the Iowa Board of Regents, the General Assembly, and the Governor before the November board meeting.
The bill would also require community colleges and state universities to accept the Classic Learning Test, a standardized assessment developed in 2015 by the Classic Learning Initiative to replace the ACT and SAT, for admissions purposes.
Rep. Sharon Steckman, D-Mason City, said her research on the Classical Learning Test found that 25 percent of the questions on the test were below the high school level and that statistics and other concepts were not tested at all. Other lawmakers shared their concerns, saying community colleges do not require standardized testing for admission.
She asked Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, why this was included in the bill, and he said he has seen acceptance of the bill in other parts of the country. Iowa State responded that it should be able to adapt to the accepted test.
“That's probably one of the reasons I won't vote for this bill,” Steckman said. “I don't think there's enough information about CLT. Just because they're doing it in Florida doesn't mean it's the best.”
University recruitment and reviews
The bill would prohibit state universities from hiring positions that report directly to the president without the approval of the Iowa Board of Regents, unless the position is filled by someone already working at the university. The bill would also add two ex-officio non-voting members of the General Assembly to the board of governors and shorten the terms of voting members from six to four years.
If a state university advertises for a president's position, the bill would require the Iowa Board of Regents to use a presidential search committee to recommend candidates to the board. The identities of candidates will be kept secret from the public.
Regional and state university presidents would be given the authority to conduct “post-tenure” reviews of employees at any time. The bill also requires faculty senate and committees to have no university governance authority and to function only in an advisory capacity.
university programming
Under the law, state universities would be directed by their boards of governors to review and eliminate DEI-related positions and positions that are not required by state or federal law or accreditation. Universities must also ensure that support services are open to all students and do not require them to provide DEI statements or their pronouns.
These directives are consistent with those made by the Board of Governors in November, and require universities to report on progress at the Board's April meeting.
Rep. Sue Cahill, D-Marshalltown, said during Tuesday's subcommittee hearing that making all services available to everyone could require more money, space and staffing, not less. He reiterated his concerns about the bill regarding gender.
“That was a concern of mine, and given the financial cost, it didn't seem like a way to save a lot of money, but it would be beneficial to offer these services to all students,” Cahill said. Told.
The bill would require state universities to create courses in American history and civics required for students to graduate. The bill says it should focus on the founding of the United States, emphasizing the Federalist Documents, the U.S. Constitution, and the institutions of government.
The agencies also plan to develop and submit to the Board of Regents, the General Assembly and the Governor plans for any initiatives to expand free speech and civics education and research opportunities. We also plan to propose a bachelor's degree program. Completed in 90 semester hours.
Universities and community colleges may also need to create programs that allow students to earn a degree while working part-time for qualified employers who will pay their transportation and wages. It would also require changes to the strategic plan, including how to prioritize degree programs that “lead to employment in high-demand fields in the state.”
Rep. Monica Kearse, D-Davenport, said the committee should recognize that not all in-demand jobs are in Iowa and should consider neighboring states and their He said needs should be considered.
“I am concerned that we are putting these types of elements into the code that limit the role of community colleges,” Kearse said.
The bill would also prohibit universities from establishing Confucius Institutes or “any other educational institutions wholly or partially funded by the People's Republic of China” on their campuses.
The bill would also require community colleges and universities to “comply with state law without regard to the rules or directives of accrediting agencies” and to respond “in a timely manner” to requests for information from members of the General Assembly and the governor.
Cahill expressed concern that state law could harm students in community colleges and accredited programs if it goes against accrediting agencies.
“Some in my caucus believe that if we do not comply with federal accreditation, the university will become a non-accredited entity, which will affect financial aid and other grants to students and funding flowing to the university. “I was very concerned that that was a possibility. I'm concerned about that,” Cahill said.
Private university closure procedures
The bill was amended to include policies for private universities undergoing closure procedures.
Private colleges would be required to immediately notify the Iowa Department of Education after receiving a vote to close under this bill. Within three days of notification, the university must provide the department with an educational plan, faculty and student notifications, alternative program and transition support options, and student contact information.
You should also have a plan in place to maintain records and designate someone as a point of contact for any concerns or questions regarding the closure.
