Iowa House Bill HF241

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23

Caption

A bill for an act establishing the truancy evaluation and reduction pilot program to be administered by the department of education and making appropriations.

Impact

The program outlined in HF241 will operate in designated counties with specified population thresholds, ensuring targeted support where it's needed most. The bill has allocated a total of $300,000 from the state general fund over two fiscal years to fund the roles of the social workers who will be integral to its success. Essential to the bill is the requirement for the Department of Education to report on the effectiveness of the pilot program, assessing truancy rates and recommending possible extensions or expansions based on its findings.

Summary

House File 241 aims to establish a truancy evaluation and reduction pilot program administered by the Iowa Department of Education. The intent of this bill is to address issues related to truancy and student absenteeism by employing social workers specifically tasked with identifying and mitigating the barriers that prevent students from attending school. The program will collaborate with local counties, school districts, and other stakeholders to effectively evaluate and respond to truancy-related cases.

Contention

The introduction of this bill reflects an ongoing concern over rising truancy rates among students and the need for systematic support to promote attendance. However, there may be contentions regarding the program's reach and efficacy, as well as the allocation of funds in a landscape of limited educational resources. Potential debates could revolve around the appropriate methods for assessing truancy, the selection of counties involved, and ensuring that the program meets diverse local needs effectively.