The eighth week of the 2026 Iowa Legislative session has come to a close.

House Representative for District 23 Ray Sorensen says that one bill that advanced through the chamber and moved on to the Senate was House File 2699, which adjusts how charter schools are funded. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio more about the bill.

“This bill allows funding tied to student enrollment to move more directly to the charter school that the student attends while still maintaining accountability and oversight under Iowa’s public education system. So why was it introduced? It helps create a level playing field between charter schools and traditional public schools and gives parents more educational options.”

Sorensen mentions that charter schools are still public schools, but that they often operate with more flexibility around curriculum schedules and learning models. He adds that this bill allows state funding to follow students to the charter schools.