A bill for an act relating to public school funding by establishing the state percent of growth and the categorical state percent of growth for the budget year beginning July 1, 2025, modifying provisions relating to the property tax replacement payments and transportation equity payments, modifying provisions relating to the regular program state cost per pupil and funding for shared operational functions, establishing a school district funding supplement, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 138.)

Iowa House File 319 (HF319) was a legislative proposal introduced on February 10, 2025, aimed at adjusting public school funding for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025. The bill sought to: 1) Set the state percent of growth and categorical state percent of growth, which determine annual increases in school funding; 2) Modify property tax replacement payments and transportation equity payments to ensure more balanced funding across districts; 3) Adjust the regular program state cost per pupil and funding for shared operational functions to better reflect current educational needs; 4) Establish a school district funding supplement to provide additional financial support; and 5) Make appropriations to implement these changes. However, on February 13, 2025, HF319 was withdrawn and replaced by Senate File 167 (SF167), which continued the legislative process with similar objectives.

While specific media coverage on HF319 is limited, the bill's intent to increase public school funding was generally viewed positively by education advocates. The proposed adjustments aimed to provide more equitable funding across school districts, address transportation costs, and support shared operational functions, which were seen as steps toward strengthening Iowa's public education system.

Criticism of HF319 centered on concerns that the proposed 2.25% increase in funding was insufficient to meet the needs of Iowa's public schools. Some stakeholders argued that a more substantial investment was necessary to effectively support workforce development, attract families to the state, and bolster the economy. Additionally, the bill's withdrawal and substitution with SF167 may have caused uncertainty regarding the future of school funding reforms.