DES MOINES, Iowa (WHO) — The second funnel week, the 10th week of the session, resembles the first time Republican colleagues in the Iowa House and Senate have to attempt to align policy that provides similar outcomes.
House Republicans once again came out with a lot of priority first education in the state, looking to set civics standards and also passing a bill through the chamber floor that would help school districts who want to have armed employees in the building. With it being an appropriation bill, it is safe from the funnel deadline.
Along with other appropriation bills debated this week on the Iowa House floor, bills related to edible hemp products were also debated.
Changes to the state’s individual tax code exist in both chambers as well, so there will need to be an agreement among leaders again if that is to happen this session.
Lawmakers were aware of the changes that may be coming for the 2024 session on area education agencies. But the governor’s huge education bill this year set the tone for what would be the most discussed amongst caucuses right out of the gate.
A similar approach occurred right at the beginning of last session, although educational savings accounts did not make it through the Iowa House in 2022.
The interesting dynamic about the discussion around the state’s nine area education agencies, is that there are rural lobbyists and school officials asking for changes to help with flexibility in certain limited capacities. But with all the official plans, the main concern is that the AEA’s would not be able to budget well year-to-year or over a two year contract. Would districts be able to have control of local dollars right away effectively? Or would a slow transition like the current proposal in the house chamber be the best way to approach reworking some aspects? All of those questions remain, and the session’s last day is April 16.