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HSB 57

A bill for an act relating to accreditation of postsecondary educational institutions, prohibiting adverse action by accrediting agencies against certain postsecondary educational institutions for compliance with state law, providing remedies, and including effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HF 295 protects public colleges from penalties by accrediting agencies for following state laws, allowing them to seek legal remedies if harmed.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 295.
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Bill Summary · HSB 57

Summary of HSB 57 (Renumbered as HF 295)

Purpose and Intent

HSB 57, now renumbered as HF 295, is a proposed legislative bill aimed at protecting public institutions of higher education from adverse actions taken by accrediting agencies due to compliance with state laws. The bill seeks to ensure that these institutions are not penalized for adhering to state regulations or for refusing to violate them.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Definition of Terms:

    • Accrediting Agency: An entity that provides accreditation to public institutions of higher education but is not a government agency.
    • Public Institution of Higher Education: Institutions governed by the state board of regents or community colleges.

  2. Prohibition of Adverse Actions:

    • Accrediting agencies are prohibited from taking adverse actions against public institutions based on their compliance with state law or their refusal to violate state law.

  3. Civil Remedies:

    • Affected institutions may bring a civil action against the accrediting agency if they face adverse actions due to compliance with state law, provided they have authorization from the attorney general.
    • The attorney general can also initiate actions on behalf of the institutions.
    • Remedies available include:
      • Injunctive relief
      • Liquidated damages equal to the federal financial aid received by the institution in the academic year preceding the violation
      • Court costs and reasonable attorney fees

  4. Amendments to Iowa Code:

    • The bill removes references to the Higher Learning Commission, a non-governmental accrediting entity, and instead emphasizes federally recognized accreditors.

Affected Parties

  • Public Institutions of Higher Education: This includes universities and community colleges governed by the state.
  • Accrediting Agencies: Entities that provide accreditation to these institutions will be directly impacted by the prohibitions outlined in the bill.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Committee Actions:
    • The bill was reported approvingly by the committee on February 10, 2025, and renumbered as HF 295.
    • Prior to that, it underwent a committee vote on February 5, 2025, with 7 votes in favor, 3 against, and 1 excused.
    • A subcommittee recommended passage on January 29, 2025, following a meeting on January 27, 2025.

Effective Date

  • The provisions of the bill will take effect upon enactment, meaning that once passed, the protections and remedies outlined will be immediately applicable.

This summary provides an overview of HSB 57 (HF 295), highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline, making it accessible for readers seeking to understand the implications of this legislation.

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

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