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HF 407

A bill for an act relating to open enrollment by requiring the payment of certain moneys received from the secure an advanced vision for education fund.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cindy Golding

HF 407 requires Iowa school districts to pay receiving districts per pupil funding from the SAVE fund for open enrollment, enhancing resources for students.

Subcommittee: Ingels, Kurth and Weldon.
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Bill Summary · HF 407

Summary of HF 407: Open Enrollment Funding Bill

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HF 407
  • Title: A bill for an act relating to open enrollment by requiring the payment of certain moneys received from the secure an advanced vision for education fund.
  • Status: Subcommittee: Ingels, Kurth, and Weldon
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Open Enrollment, School Finance

Purpose and Intent

HF 407 aims to amend existing legislation regarding open enrollment in Iowa schools. The bill seeks to ensure that funding from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund is appropriately allocated when students transfer between school districts through open enrollment.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Section 282.18: The bill proposes an addition to subsection 7 of Code section 282.18, which governs open enrollment funding.
  • Payment Requirement: For school years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, the board of directors of a student's district of residence must pay the receiving district an amount equivalent to the per pupil funding received from the SAVE fund for the previous school year for each pupil participating in open enrollment.
  • Use of Funds: The funds received by the receiving district must be utilized solely for purposes authorized under chapter 423F, which pertains to statewide school infrastructure funding.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • School Districts: Both the district of residence and the receiving district will be impacted by the new funding requirements.
    • Students and Families: Students participating in open enrollment may benefit from enhanced funding for their receiving district, potentially improving educational resources and infrastructure.
  • Financial Implications: The bill mandates a direct financial obligation for districts of residence, which may influence budget planning and resource allocation.

Procedural Aspects

  • Subcommittee Review: The bill has been referred to a subcommittee consisting of members Ingels, Kurth, and Weldon for further consideration.
  • Timeline: The proposed changes will take effect for school years starting on or after July 1, 2026, allowing time for districts to adjust to the new funding requirements.

Conclusion

HF 407 represents a significant shift in how funding is handled during the open enrollment process in Iowa. By linking the funding from the SAVE fund to the open enrollment mechanism, the bill aims to enhance financial support for receiving districts, thereby potentially improving educational outcomes for students who choose to enroll in different districts.

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

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