IA
Iowa House Bill HF2151

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2151

Introduced
1/25/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly HSB 566.)

Impact

The primary impact of HF2151 will be on the legal responsibilities and operational procedures regarding how educational incidents are reported and investigated within Iowa's school systems. It mandates that school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools adhere to new protocols that prevent them from entering agreements to conceal incidents or to waive their liabilities regarding past conduct. This change aims to enhance the accountability and transparency of school systems when allegations against employees arise.

Summary

House File 2151 is a legislative bill aimed at reforming the process for investigating complaints against school employees in Iowa. The bill modifies the roles of both the Department of Education (DE) and the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE), transferring the responsibility of investigating incidents involving possible illegal conduct by school employees from the DE to the BOEE. The bill also outlines specific processes and requirements for reporting and handling allegations of misconduct, particularly those that could involve felony charges against school employees.

Contention

HF2151 has sparked discussions regarding the balance of power between local educational authorities and state oversight bodies. Some stakeholders believe that transferring these investigative powers to the BOEE will lead to a more uniform and thorough approach to handling complaints, while others fear it could hinder local flexibility in addressing specific issues relevant to their communities. The repeal of previous provisions under section 256.158A indicates a significant shift in the educational accountability landscape, potentially raising concerns about the adequacy of protections for both students and employees during investigations.

Latest HF2151 Activity

Companion Bills

IA SSB3041

Related A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See SF 2365.)

IA HSB566

Related A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 2151.)

IA SF2365

Similar To A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly SSB 3041.)

Similar Bills

IA HSB566

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 2151.)

IA SSB3041

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See SF 2365.)

IA SF2365

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly SSB 3041.)

IA HF430

A bill for an act relating to education, including requirements related to mandatory reporters, a process for investigating complaints against school employees, and the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and the board of educational examiners, modifying the membership of the board of educational examiners, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 10.) Effective date: 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF2487

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of certain specified school employees, complaints against school employees and the investigation of complaints against school employees, and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners. (Formerly HSB 568.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF10

A bill for an act relating to education, including requirements related to mandatory reporters, a process for investigating complaints against licensed practitioners, and the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 430.)

IA HSB206

A bill for an act relating to education, including authorizing the ombudsman to investigate complaints received by individuals who hold a license, certificate, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners, modifying the responsibilities of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, and authorizing teachers employed by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, or charter schools to remove disruptive students from the classroom.(See HF 604.)

IA HF604

A bill for an act relating to education, including authorizing the ombudsman to investigate complaints received by individuals who hold a license, certificate, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners, and modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, and charter schools. (Formerly HSB 206.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.