IA
Iowa Senate Bill SF102

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF102

Introduced
1/22/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to public school personnel training concerning mental health.

Impact

The passage of SF102 is expected to impact state laws regarding the professional training requirements for school personnel. The training is required to be based on nationally recognized best practices, establishing a standardized approach across Iowa schools. By enhancing the focus on mental wellness, the bill aims to foster a safer and more supportive environment for students and educators alike, ultimately contributing to improved educational outcomes and mental health awareness within school settings.

Summary

Senate File 102 (SF102) is a proposed legislation that focuses on the training of public school personnel regarding mental health. The bill mandates that by July 1, 2026, school districts in Iowa must provide annual, evidence-based training for educators on mental wellness, as well as training aimed at identifying and mitigating negative mental health symptoms both in themselves and in students. This initiative is designed to ensure that educators are better equipped to understand and manage mental health issues, which have become increasingly prominent in educational settings.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SF102 may arise from the implications of mandatory training for all educational staff. Proponents of the bill argue that proactive mental health training is necessary given the increasing recognition of mental health issues among students and teachers. They contend that enhancing mental health awareness can lead to better support systems within schools. However, opponents may express concerns over the potential burden of added requirements on school districts, particularly regarding the logistics of implementing such mandatory training and the associated costs for schools.

Regulatory aspects

Additionally, the bill instructs the state board of education to adopt rules defining the qualifications for trainers who will conduct these mental health training sessions. This regulatory aspect aims to ensure that the training provided is of high quality and relevance, benefitting both educators and students as they navigate the complexities associated with mental health.

Latest IA SF102 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session SF102

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF296

A bill for an act relating to public school personnel training concerning mental health.

IA HF2496

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

IA HF608

A bill for an act relating to school personnel training, emergency care planning, authorizations for assisting, and limitations of liability concerning students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.(Formerly HF 379.)

IA SF483

A bill for an act relating to school personnel training, emergency care planning, authorizations for assisting, and limitations of liability concerning students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.(Formerly SF 177.)

IA SF177

A bill for an act relating to school personnel training, emergency care planning, authorizations for assisting, and limitations of liability concerning students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.(See SF 483.)

IA HF379

A bill for an act relating to school personnel training, emergency care planning, authorizations for assisting, and limitations of liability concerning students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.(See HF 608.)

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 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 SF66

A bill for an act relating to the health and human growth and development instruction provided by school districts and accredited nonpublic schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.