Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB32

Introduced

1/15/25

Refer

1/15/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to public schools, including requiring public schools to display the national motto and the state motto and to start each day of classroom instruction with silent time.(See HF 166.)

Impact

Should HSB32 be enacted, it would specifically affect public education practices and statutes in Iowa. Schools would be required to integrate the display of the national and state mottos into their physical spaces, promoting a sense of national and state identity among students. The addition of silent time is intended to provide students with a moment for personal reflection, which supporters argue could contribute to a positive classroom atmosphere and enhance the significance of the pledge of allegiance.

Context

Overall, HSB32 represents a move toward reinforcing traditional values in public education, but it also raises questions about the balance between promoting patriotism and ensuring an inclusive atmosphere that respects diverse viewpoints among the student body.

Summary

House Study Bill 32 (HSB32) seeks to formalize certain practices in public schools in Iowa, focusing on the inclusion of the national motto and state motto in school settings. The legislation mandates that each public school district, as well as charter schools and innovation zones, must display these mottos in visible locations within their facilities. Additionally, the bill requires that all schools start their daily classes with two minutes of silent reflection time before reciting the pledge of allegiance. This aims to foster a sense of patriotism and respect for national symbols among students.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable discussion regarding its implications for educational environment and freedom of expression. Proponents assert that it reinforces civic values and responsibility among students. However, critics might argue it imposes certain ideological views and may not accommodate diverse perspectives in increasingly multicultural school environments. Concerns about the effectiveness of mandated silent time also arise, questioning the genuine benefits versus the potential for it to feel mechanical or obligatory to students.

Latest IA HSB32 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session HSB32

Companion Bills

IA HF166

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to public schools, including requiring public schools to display the national motto and the state motto and to start each day of classroom instruction with silent time.(Formerly HSB 32.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF330

A bill for an act relating to recitation of the state motto in school districts.

IA HF5

A bill for an act relating to education, including requiring the boards of directors of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools to publish certain specified information, modifying provisions related to required social studies instruction, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF370

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, and election commissioners, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards. (Formerly HSB 118.)

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 HF12

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction in public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 132.)

IA HSB118

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, election commissioners and children's residential facilities, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards.(See HF 370.)

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 SSB1076

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 HF132

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction in public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HF 12.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.