Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB604

Introduced
1/24/24  
Introduced
1/24/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to patriotic exercises and civic and historical instruction regarding certain holidays in public schools.

Impact

By establishing this requirement, HSB604 aims to formalize the teaching of patriotism and civic duty within the school system. It applies to all public school districts, including charter and innovation zone schools, ensuring a uniform approach to patriotic education across the state. Critics of the bill argue it may place undue pressure on teachers to incorporate specific content into an already packed curriculum, potentially detracting from other vital educational topics.

Summary

House Study Bill 604 mandates that public schools in Iowa include patriotic exercises and civic education related to certain recognized holidays within their social studies curriculum. The bill specifically identifies holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day, requiring that students learn about the significance of these days through designated activities. These activities must occur on the actual holiday or the closest school day, aiming to enhance students' understanding of American values and history.

Contention

Some lawmakers have expressed concerns that HSB604 could be interpreted as a mandate that restricts educational freedom, particularly in how civic education is approached. Opponents may view it as an attempt to impose a specific narrative regarding American history and values, raising debates about educational autonomy and the potential for politicizing school curricula. Furthermore, provisions that prevent nonpublic schools from being affected by this bill have also prompted discussions about equity in educational standards within the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SSB1065

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 370.)

IA HSB106

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 782.)

IA SF370

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1065.)

IA HF73

A bill for an act relating to firearm education in schools, including requiring the director of the department of education to develop and distribute age-appropriate model programs for firearm safety instruction and modifying provisions related to the required instruction in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools in grades six through twelve.

IA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

IA HSB84

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender identity or sexual orientation to students in grades seven through twelve.

IA HSB587

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and modifying the responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools related to requiring teachers and students to sing the national anthem.

IA HF2330

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents.(See HF 2544.)

IA HSB586

A bill for an act requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction related to character development to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade twelve.

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.)

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