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HSB 63

A bill for an act providing for general education requirements for undergraduate students at regents institutions and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HF 401 sets standardized general education requirements for Iowa regents institutions, limiting credits to 40 hours and ensuring smooth transfer for students.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 401.
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Bill Summary · HSB 63

Summary of HSB 63 (Renumbered as HF 401)

Purpose and Intent

HSB 63, now known as HF 401, aims to establish standardized general education requirements for undergraduate students at regents institutions in Iowa. The bill seeks to ensure a consistent educational framework across these institutions while addressing specific curricular content and pedagogical standards.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several important provisions regarding general education requirements:

  • Minimum Semester Hours: The bill specifies minimum semester hours for various subject areas, including:
    • Mathematics and Statistics
    • Natural Sciences
    • Social Sciences
    • Humanities
    • Western Heritage
    • American Heritage
  • Total Credit Limitation: The total general education requirements shall not exceed 40 semester hours.
  • Restrictions on Additional Requirements: Regents institutions are prohibited from establishing any general education requirements not explicitly authorized in the bill.
  • Transfer Student Standards: The bill includes additional standards specifically for transfer students to ensure their smooth transition and compliance with the general education framework.
  • Content Standards: The bill mandates that courses fulfilling general education requirements must not distort significant historical events or include curricula that promote identity politics or theories suggesting systemic racism, sexism, oppression, or privilege inherent in U.S. institutions.
  • Academic Freedom: While establishing these standards, the bill ensures that it does not limit the academic freedom of instructors or the free discussion of ideas in classroom settings.
  • Exemptions: The general education requirements do not apply to students enrolled in degree programs designated as three years or less in duration. The board may also waive certain requirements for complex degree programs that necessitate a greater focus on major-related courses.
  • Enforcement Mechanism: Any individual can notify the attorney general of potential violations of the bill's requirements, allowing for legal action to compel compliance from regents institutions.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- Undergraduate Students: Those enrolling at regents institutions will be subject to the new general education requirements.
- Regents Institutions: Colleges and universities governed by the regents board will need to align their curricula with the new standards.
- Instructors: Faculty members will need to adapt their courses to comply with the content standards outlined in the bill.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Subcommittee Meeting: January 28, 2025
  • Subcommittee Recommendation: January 28, 2025
  • Committee Report Approving Bill: February 13, 2025
  • Committee Vote: February 12, 2025 (7 Yeas, 4 Nays)
  • Renumbered as HF 401: Following committee approval.

This summary provides a clear overview of HSB 63 (HF 401), highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the impact it may have on students and educational institutions in Iowa.

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

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