A bill for an act relating to charter schools, including by modifying provisions related to charter school board member requirements and charter school student participation in the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program.(See HF 785.)

House Study Bill 105 (HSB 105) proposes two main changes to Iowa's charter school policies. First, it removes the requirement that all charter school board members who live outside the school's geographic area must reside within Iowa. Now, only a majority of the board members need to live in the area the school serves. Second, the bill allows charter school students to participate in community college courses through either the school district where the charter school is located or, for online charter schools, through the student's home district. This aims to provide more flexibility for charter schools and their students in accessing educational opportunities.

Supporters of HSB 105 argue that the bill enhances flexibility for charter schools by broadening the pool of potential board members, which can bring diverse perspectives and expertise. Additionally, allowing charter school students to access community college courses through multiple avenues is seen as a way to expand educational opportunities and better accommodate students' needs.

Critics of HSB 105 express concerns that removing the in-state residency requirement for some charter school board members could lead to decreased local oversight and accountability. They also worry that the changes in accessing community college courses might complicate existing agreements between school districts and community colleges, potentially leading to administrative challenges.