Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF159

Introduced
1/26/23  
Introduced
1/26/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying the responsibilities of the state board of education and school districts, prohibiting instruction related to gender identity or sexual orientation in school districts and charter schools in kindergarten through grade eight, modifying provisions associated with the human growth and development instruction and health screenings provided in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and providing civil penalties.

Impact

In addition to restricting certain educational content, SF159 modifies existing laws associated with human growth and development instruction. The bill mandates that such programs must be age-appropriate and research-based. School districts are also required to notify parents or guardians about invasive physical examinations and health screenings that are not mandated by state or federal law, thereby enhancing transparency and parental involvement.

Summary

Senate File 159 (SF159) introduces significant changes to educational guidelines in Iowa, particularly regarding the instruction of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. The bill specifically prohibits any school district or charter school from providing instruction related to these topics for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. This provision is meant to restrict exposure to subjects deemed inappropriate for younger students according to the bill's proponents.

Conclusion

Overall, SF159 represents a shift towards more stringent controls on educational content, reflecting broader debates surrounding parental rights, educational policy, and the treatment of gender and sexual diversity in schools. With the potential legal ramifications for school districts and the emphasis on parental notification and consent, the bill could significantly alter how sensitive subjects are approached in the classroom.

Contention

The contention surrounding SF159 lies primarily in its implications for parental rights and educational content. Proponents argue that the bill reinforces parental authority concerning their children's education and well-being. Critics, however, raise concerns that the prohibition of discussing gender identity and sexual orientation marginalizes certain student identities and can hamper inclusive education. Furthermore, the bill establishes a formal process for parents to report violations, with possible civil penalties imposed on school districts, which adds a layer of enforcement that could lead to increased legal disputes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

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 HSB222

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.

IA SSB1145

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