Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB219

Introduced
2/28/23  
Introduced
2/28/23  

Caption

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.)

Impact

The proposed changes in HSB219 aim to create a more structured and coherent approach to library services across educational institutions in Iowa. By defining 'age-appropriate' content and requiring librarian oversight, the bill seeks to enhance educational outcomes and promote the effective use of library resources. The legislation also calls for the incorporation of multicultural and gender-fair perspectives throughout the curriculum, which aligns with modern educational standards and aims to cater to a diverse student body.

Summary

HSB219 is a legislative measure concerning education, particularly aimed at modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational programs offered in Iowa's public and nonpublic schools as well as charter schools. The bill mandates that each school district establish a comprehensive library program from kindergarten through grade 12, which is designed to ensure that only age-appropriate materials are included. The role of a qualified teacher librarian is emphasized, with the expectation that they will collaborate with classroom teachers to support curricular goals. The legislation underscores the necessity of reviewing and updating library collections regularly, catering to both student and staff needs.

Contention

Despite its well-intentioned framework, HSB219 may face opposition regarding its strict definitions of age-appropriate materials that could potentially restrict access to valuable educational resources. Critics may argue that limiting certain content based on age appropriateness could impede comprehensive education, particularly in topics related to health and human growth that are often sensitive yet crucial for adolescent development. Furthermore, the requirement for a qualified teacher librarian in every school district might also raise concerns related to staffing and budget allocations, leading to debates over resource distribution within smaller school districts.

Companion Bills

IA HF597

Replaced by 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.)

Previously Filed As

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 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 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.

IA SF113

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

IA SF2223

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

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 HSB119

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(See HF 327.)

IA SF391

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, and required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom. (Formerly SSB 1076.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1076

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to comprehensive school improvement plans, teacher librarians and guidance counselors, required days or hours of instruction in elementary and secondary schools, agreements between school districts and community colleges to teach certain courses, required courses in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, and shared operational functions, and authorizing school districts to offer sequential units in one classroom.(See SF 391.)

IA HF187

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.

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