Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2182

Introduced
1/31/24  
Introduced
1/31/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to rights of a parent or guardian including rights relating to medical care and education, and providing for a private cause of action.

Impact

If enacted, SF2182 will notably modify the landscape of parental rights in the educational sphere by allowing parents to file lawsuits against school districts. It mandates that before engaging in any legal action, parents must first file a complaint with the district's local board, which has a specific timeframe to address the issue. This process aims to provide districts an opportunity to remedy any alleged violations before formal legal challenges are pursued. The bill is positioned as a means to promote accountability within educational institutions regarding parental engagement and rights.

Summary

Senate File 2182 is a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening the rights of parents and guardians concerning their children's education and medical care. The bill introduces provisions for a private cause of action, where parents or guardians who believe their rights have been violated can seek legal remedies. Specifically, it caters to various sections of the Iowa Code that govern parental rights in education, including areas concerning instructional transparency and consent for student surveys. The framework established by SF2182 aims to enable parents to take action if their rights are not upheld by school boards or districts.

Contention

There are concerns surrounding the implications of this bill on school governance and the potential for increased litigation against school districts. Supporters advocate that it empowers parents and ensures that their voices are heard, arguing that it is a necessary step toward enhancing transparency and accountability. However, critics argue that it may lead to an overload of legal claims against schools, complicating school management and hindering educational processes. The requirement for indemnification for school employees in cases arising from legal claims under this bill also raises questions about the fiscal impact on local government entities, as they must cover legal liabilities unless involved in a criminal conduct.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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.)

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 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 SF159

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.

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 S2441

Rights Of Parents And Guardians In Public Educational Institutions Act

IA S0179

Rights Of Parents And Guardians In Public Educational Instruction Act

IA HB2161

Parental rights; schools; educational records

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