After several months of debate in the Iowa House of Representatives and the Senate, lawmakers have reached the agreement that schools will be allowed to start no earlier than August 23.

The bill concerning the school start date was first proposed in December, mostly due to tourism officials who worry that the early start date for many Iowa schools diminishes revenue at local pools and golf courses, as well as at the State Fair. While both these tourism officials and Branstad had hoped to delay the start dates to September 1, both parties are said to be happy with the compromise.

After Branstad signs the bill, it will go into effect and prevent schools from opening their doors before the end of the Iowa State Fair on August 23.