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Bill > SF2404
IA SF2404
IA SF2404A bill for an act requiring the department of education to develop and administer a pilot program that requires certain specified school districts to establish attendance centers for students requiring special education and students with behavioral issues.(Formerly SF 2181.)
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill requires the department of education (DE) to develop and administer a pilot program that requires a rural school district and an urban school district to establish attendance centers to be used to provide educational services to eligible students. DE is responsible for determining the rural school district and urban school district that will be required to participate in the pilot program. In addition, DE, in consultation with the rural school district and urban school district, is required to determine the courses of study and curricula that the rural school district and urban school district will provide to eligible students and the instructional facilities that the rural school district and urban school district will use to provide educational services to eligible students. Annually, on or before June 1 of each year, the rural school district and urban school district are required to submit to DE an annual report that contains information related to the pilot program. Additionally, on or before June 30 of each year, DE is required to compile those annual reports and submit the compilation to the general assembly. Under current law, not less than 90 percent of funds calculated under Code section 257.10(7) (special education support services district cost) and received by a school district are required be used by the school district for special education support services contracted from an area education agency. The bill requires, instead, that the rural school district and urban school district use not less than 48 percent of that 90 percent of funds for purposes of the pilot program. The bill defines “eligible student” to mean children requiring special education, as defined in Code section 256B.2, and a student whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with the student’s ability to be successful in the regular educational environment. The bill defines “rural school district” as a school district that is located in a county with a population of greater than 17,500 but less than 18,000, and that contains a city with a population of greater than 5,400, but less than 5,500. The bill defines “urban school district” to mean a school district with a total enrollment of at least 7,000 students. The bill repeals the Code section establishing the pilot program, Code section 256.20, July 1, 2031.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Department of Education (DE) create and manage a pilot program requiring one rural school district and one urban school district, chosen by the DE, to establish special attendance centers for "eligible students," which are defined as children needing special education or students whose behavioral issues hinder their success in regular classrooms. The DE, in collaboration with these selected districts, will determine the curriculum and facilities for these centers. The rural school district is specifically defined as one in a county with a population between 17,500 and 18,000 that includes a city with a population between 5,400 and 5,500, while an urban school district is one with at least 7,000 students. These participating districts must submit annual reports to the DE on the program's progress, student performance, and feedback, which the DE will then compile and present to the general assembly. Crucially, the bill redirects funding: instead of at least 90% of special education support services funds going to area education agencies, the participating rural and urban districts must use at least 48% of that 90% for this pilot program. This pilot program is set to conclude and be repealed on July 1, 2031.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Education (Senate)
Last Action
Committee report, approving bill. S.J. 333. (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2404 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF2404.html |
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