Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF187

Introduced
2/2/23  
Introduced
2/2/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools related to the availability of a vaccine to prevent the human papilloma virus.

Impact

The revision in educational instruction due to HF187 may have significant implications on public health education in Iowa schools. By potentially removing explicit requirements to inform students about the HPV vaccine, the bill could affect the level of awareness and education provided to students on important health issues. The bill emphasizes an approach that still requires the teaching of sexual health topics but changes the emphasis and requirements surrounding vaccination information. As such, this could lead to gaps in knowledge among students which can impact public health outcomes in the context of sexually transmitted infections.

Summary

House File 187 addresses the instructional requirements for students in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, specifically regarding education on the availability of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. The bill proposes to amend existing laws to alter the mandates on how HPV and its vaccine should be integrated into health education curricula for various grade levels, particularly emphasizing research-based and age-appropriate instruction. By doing so, it aims to modify the current framework under which health education operates in Iowa that includes critical discussions around sexually transmitted diseases and preventive vaccinations.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HF187, particularly on the ground that it addresses sensitive health topics and significantly influences how sexual health education is provided to young students. Advocates for the bill argue that it allows for greater flexibility and autonomy for school districts to curate their health curriculum. However, opponents express concerns that it may limit students' access to essential health information about HPV prevention, which could lead to increased health risks without adequate education on preventive measures. Discussions have raised questions about the balance between state mandates and local control over health education curricula, adding to the complexity of its implications on educational policy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF166

A bill for an act relating to vaccines, including modifying provisions related to a minor's legal capacity to give consent to the provision of vaccines and provisions related to the instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools related to the human papilloma virus.

IA SF66

A bill for an act relating to the health and human growth and development instruction provided by school districts and accredited nonpublic schools.

IA SF83

A bill for an act relating to instruction relating to gender identity in the curriculum provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools and creating a private cause of action.

IA HF597

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HSB 219.)

IA HSB219

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 597.)

IA HF480

A bill for an act relating to the human growth and development instruction provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.

IA HF513

A bill for an act relating to education, including requiring instruction related to persons with disabilities in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools in kindergarten through grade eight, modifying the responsibilities of the state board of education, and modifying provisions related to school district and accredited nonpublic school programs that are designed to eliminate harassment and bullying.

IA SSB1145

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 496.)

IA HSB222

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.

IA SF496

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, authorizing the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school district to enroll the student in another attendance center within the same school district in certain specified circumstances, prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in kindergarten through grade six, and modifying provisions related to student health screenings, school district library programs, the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, the department of education, the board of educational examiners, and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools, competent private instruction, and special education, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1145.) Effective date: 05/26/2023, 07/01/2023.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.