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SF 283

A bill for an act establishing the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program scholarship program and making appropriations.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Creates a CTPP Scholarship Program to cover up to $5,000 per year for Iowa residents with disabilities in DOE-approved CTTPs, administered by CSAC with DVRS, contingent on funding.

Subcommittee: Green, Sires, and Winckler.
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Bill Summary · SF 283

Summary of Iowa SF 283 (Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program Scholarship Program)

Overview

SF 283 proposes to establish a state-funded scholarship program to help students with disabilities participate in approved comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs (CTPPs) in Iowa. The program would be enacted only if the General Assembly appropriates money for a given fiscal year. The College Student Aid Commission (CSAC), in coordination with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) of the Iowa Department of Workforce Development, would administer the scholarships and related activities.

Purpose and Intent

  • To offset tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities who are enrolled in an Iowa-CTPP that has U.S. Department of Education approval.
  • To support adults with disabilities in pursuing postsecondary education and transitioning to work, aligning with workforce development and disability services goals.

Key Provisions

  1. Eligibility and Program Scope

    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
    • Must be enrolled in an Iowa CTTP approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
    • Eligible conditions include intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities.

  2. Scholarship Amounts

    • Maximum award: $5,000 per academic year.
    • Each recipient must file a new application annually; renewal is contingent on updated eligibility information.

  3. Administration and Collaboration

    • CSAC administers the scholarship in consultation with DVRS (Department of Workforce Development).
    • CSAC will establish evaluation criteria for scholarship applications.

  4. Residency Priority

    • Priority for awards shall be given to applicants who are Iowa residents.

  5. Rules and Governance

    • CSAC, in consultation with DVRS, shall adopt administrative rules under Iowa Code chapter 17A to implement the program.

  6. Funding and Fund Management

    • A dedicated CTPP Scholarship Program Fund would be created in the state treasury.
    • The fund would be administered by CSAC, with ongoing consultation from DVRS.

Who is Affected

  • Eligible students with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities enrolled in eligible CTTPs in Iowa.
  • Institutions operating Iowa CTTPs seeking federal program approval.
  • CSAC and DVRS staff implementing and monitoring scholarships.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Contingent on appropriation by the General Assembly for a fiscal year.
  • Introduced February 12, 2025.
  • Referred to Appropriations February 17, 2025; subcommittee is Green, Sires, and Winckler (as of the latest status).
  • Subcommittee consideration occurred February 18, 2025.
  • Committee report indicated approval in the same timeframe.

Potential Impact

  • Provides a tangible financial resource to reduce the cost barrier for disabled students attending CTTPs.
  • Encourages Iowa residency in program participation.
  • Creates a structured, rules-based framework aligned with vocational rehabilitation and workforce development efforts.

Note: The program’s effectiveness depends on future appropriations and the timely development of rules under chapter 17A.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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