Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF361

Introduced
2/20/23  
Introduced
2/20/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

Impact

The bill specifies significant civil penalties for schools that are found to violate its provisions. Parents or guardians of students who believe their rights have been infringed can initiate civil actions, leading to potential financial penalties against the school. If parents are successful in litigation, the court shall award them damages along with attorney's fees, establishing a legal framework that empowers parents to challenge school policies. This legal course of action may encourage schools to adopt stricter content management policies regarding educational materials and overall school library collections.

Summary

House File 361 aims to regulate the dissemination of specified materials in schools, particularly by prohibiting the presence of obscene material and hard-core pornography. The bill mandates that schools designate administrators responsible for ensuring compliance with these standards. Furthermore, it prohibits teachers and administrators from knowingly providing such materials to students in any school-related environment. This legislation reflects growing concerns regarding the content available to students and seeks to enhance parental involvement in determining what materials are appropriate for educational settings.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated debates regarding censorship and academic freedom. Proponents argue that it is necessary to protect students from inappropriate content and uphold parental rights to oversee their children's educational experiences. On the other hand, critics, including educators and advocacy groups, express concerns that the bill could lead to overreach, restricting access to valuable educational resources based on evolving community standards of obscenity. The potential difficulties in defining what constitutes 'obscene material' add another layer of complexity, as varying interpretations could result in inconsistent enforcement across schools.

Companion Bills

IA SF305

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

Previously Filed As

IA SF305

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF558

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.

IA SF347

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF5

A bill for an act relating to education, including requiring the boards of directors of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools to publish certain specified information, modifying provisions related to required social studies instruction, and providing civil penalties.

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.

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 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 HF2151

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.)

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 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.)

Similar Bills

IA SF305

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

FL H1305

Materials Harmful to Minors

MO SB1245

Modifies provisions relating to children and vulnerable persons

UT SB0057

Sexual Abuse Material Amendments

MO SB148

Modifies provisions relating to the protection of vulnerable persons

FL H1463

Childhood Mental Health, Safety, and Welfare

LA HB268

Amends terminology regarding pornography involving juveniles

IA SF347

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.