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HF 289

A bill for an act transferring the division of vocational rehabilitation services from the department of workforce development to the department of education.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Turek

Transfers the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services from the Department of Workforce Development to the Department of Education, creating Subchapter VIII under Chapter 256.

Introduced, referred to State Government.
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Bill Summary · HF 289

Summary: HF 289 — Transfer of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Overview

HF 289 would transfer the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) from the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to the Department of Education (DOE). The bill establishes a new subchapter VIII within Chapter 256 to house the DVRS and makes conforming changes to related board and council memberships.

  • Bill Number: HF 289
  • Title: A bill for an act transferring the division of vocational rehabilitation services from the department of workforce development to the department of education
  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Status: Introduced, referred to State Government
  • Primary Sponsor: TUREK

What the bill would do

  • Transfers the DVRS from the Department of Workforce Development to the Department of Education.
  • Creates a new subchapter VIII within Chapter 256 of the Iowa Code to be titled “Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.”
  • Designates Sections 256.231 through 256.240, as enacted in this Act, under the new subchapter.
  • Makes conforming changes related to the transfer, including adjustments to the membership of the Iowa Workforce Development Board and the Iowa Autism Council.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of Subchapter VIII: The DVRS would be organized as a distinct subchapter under Chapter 256, indicating a formal reorganization within Iowa law.
  • Transfer of Administration: DVRS functions, responsibilities, and administration would move from DWD to DOE, aligning vocational rehabilitation services with education-focused management.
  • Federal and State Program Administration: The DVRS would continue administering programs authorized by the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and related state funds for vocational rehabilitation, including services to individuals with disabilities, development of training resources, and support for entrepreneurs with disabilities, as described in the bill’s explanatory language.
  • Service Reach and Special Provisions: The DVRS responsibilities would include serving individuals with significant disabilities (including homebound individuals) and supporting rehabilitation efforts aligned with the Rehabilitation Act and applicable state programs.
  • Conforming Changes: The bill anticipates changes to the Iowa Workforce Development Board and the Iowa Autism Council to reflect the DVRS’s new home in the Department of Education.

Who would be affected

  • Primary agencies:
    • Department of Education (DOE): New administrator of the DVRS and related vocational rehabilitation functions.
    • Department of Workforce Development (DWD): Loss of the DVRS function and potentially related duties.
  • Governing bodies and councils:
    • Iowa Workforce Development Board: Membership changes to reflect the transfer.
    • Iowa Autism Council: Membership or jurisdiction adjustments as part of the conforming changes.
  • Individuals and entities served:
    • People with disabilities receiving vocational rehabilitation services.
    • Training agencies and providers involved in VR services.
    • Individuals with significant disabilities who are homebound.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: HF 289 introduced on February 10, 2025 and referred to the State Government committee.
  • Text structure: The Code editor may designate 256.231 through 256.240 as enacted in this Act, establishing the new subchapter and transfer framework.
  • Implementation timing: The summary does not specify a fixed effective date; typical enactment would follow passage by the General Assembly and signature by the Governor, with subsequent implementation phased by the new DOE administration.

Notes

  • The bill centers on organizational realignment of vocational rehabilitation services to consolidate VR under the Department of Education, with accompanying governance and statutory refinements.
  • It references the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as the framework for DVRS activities and funding.

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

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