All Roll Calls
Yes: 143 • No: 2
IowaHF 87091st General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET
A bill for an act relating to students who attend a course in religious instruction that is provided by a private organization, including by modifying provisions related to compulsory education and chronic absenteeism. (Formerly HSB 218.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.
Sponsored By: COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Signed by Governor
education
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Religious class absences not chronic
Beginning July 1, 2025, time at a qualifying private religious course counts as an excused absence. These absences do not count toward the “more than 10%” chronic absenteeism rule. Schools must subtract these hours or days when checking for chronic absence. This only applies when the course meets the law’s conditions (notice, 5 hours max, provider records and supervision).
Excused school time for religious instruction
Beginning July 1, 2025, schools must excuse your child 1 to 5 hours each week for a private religious class if you notify the school. While at the class, your child is treated as meeting attendance rules. The provider must keep attendance records and be responsible for the child. Transportation is private, and schools cannot fund the class beyond small admin tasks. Classes are off school property unless the school board allows it. Your child must make up any missed schoolwork.
Right to sue over excusal denials
Beginning July 1, 2025, a parent, guardian, or emancipated minor can sue a school district that violates these religious‑instruction attendance rules. A court can order the district to stop the violation and award actual damages. The winning party also gets reasonable court costs and attorney fees.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/15/2025
Passed Senate
Yes: 47 • No: 0
House vote • 3/18/2025
Passed House
Yes: 96 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor.
6/6/2025GovernorReported correctly enrolled, signed by Speaker and President, and sent to Governor.
5/19/2025SenateMessage from Senate.
4/16/2025SenateImmediate message.
4/15/2025legislaturePassed Senate, yeas 47, nays 0.
4/15/2025SenatePlaced on calendar under unfinished business.
4/10/2025legislaturePlaced on calendar.
3/31/2025legislatureCommittee report, recommending passage.
3/31/2025legislatureSubcommittee recommends passage.
3/27/2025legislatureSubcommittee Meeting: 03/27/2025 8:30AM Senate Lounge.
3/26/2025SenateSubcommittee: Pike, Green, and Trone Garriott.
3/26/2025legislatureRead first time, referred to Education.
3/19/2025legislatureMessage from House.
3/19/2025HouseImmediate message.
3/18/2025legislaturePassed House, yeas 96, nays 2.
3/18/2025HouseAmendment H-1097 adopted.
3/18/2025legislatureAmendment H-1097 filed.
3/17/2025legislatureIntroduced, placed on calendar.
3/7/2025legislature
Bill Text
As Introduced
Enrolled
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