Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF461

Introduced
2/19/25  

Caption

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to notices that school officials are required to send when a child becomes chronically absent.(See HF 906.)

Impact

The shifting of notification methods from certified mail to ordinary mail could have several implications for both school authorities and families. Proponents of the bill might argue that it eases the burden on schools by reducing mailing costs and administrative efforts associated with certified mail. However, it could potentially raise concerns about the effectiveness of communication, as ordinary mail may not ensure receipt of the messages regarding crucial attendance issues, which could impact students' educational outcomes and parental engagement.

Summary

House File 461 (HF461) proposes to amend the current requirements regarding notifications that school officials must send when a student becomes chronically absent. The bill specifically modifies Section 299.12 of the Iowa Code, which outlines the procedures following a child's absences from school. Under the current law, school officials are mandated to send a notice via certified mail to the guardians of non-emancipated minors or directly to emancipated minors when such chronic absenteeism occurs. HF461 aims to change this method of notification from certified mail to ordinary mail instead.

Conclusion

In summary, HF461 seeks to revise the school notification process concerning chronic absenteeism by simplifying mailing procedures for school officials. While the bill aims to promote efficiency within schools, it raises critical questions about how such changes will effectively reach families and support students' attendance needs. The debate surrounding this legislative change will likely focus on balancing administrative efficiency with the need for effective communication and accountability in student attendance.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HF461 may include differing viewpoints on the best approach to address chronic absenteeism. Advocates for the bill might assert that making the notification process simpler will promote better parental involvement in attendance matters. Critics, however, could raise concerns that the change in mailing practices may lead to misunderstandings or insufficient awareness among parents about their children's attendance status. This concern could stem from the belief that adequate notification is essential for them to take necessary actions to prevent further absences.

Companion Bills

IA HF906

Similar To A bill for an act modifying provisions related to notices that school officials are required to send when a child becomes chronically absent.(Formerly HF 461.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2547

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring school engagement meetings and attendance cooperation proceedings when children are absent from school, requiring school districts to restrict student use of cellular phones and smartphones, modifying provisions related to open enrollment of truant students, and modifying penalties. (Formerly HF 2254.)

IA HF2254

A bill for an act relating to student public school attendance, including by modifying provisions related to state aid payments to school districts and requiring the development of an attendance improvement plan when a student is chronically absent from school.(See HF 2547.)

IA HF2496

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the responsibilities of nonpublic schools.

IA HF2704

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA SF2435

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3201.) Effective date: 05/09/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2024.

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 HF464

A bill for an act relating to private instruction, including modifying provisions related to independent private instruction and the reports and evidence of immunizations required under competent private instruction.(Formerly HF 283; See HF 2280.)

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 HF283

A bill for an act relating to private instruction, including modifying provisions related to independent private instruction and the reports and evidence of immunizations required under competent private instruction.(See HF 464, HF 2280.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.