Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF177

Introduced
2/3/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the ability of persons to examine the public records of school districts.

Impact

The implementation of SF177 is expected to streamline the process for individuals seeking access to public records. Should a school district's board fail to comply with the stipulated provisions, the bill allows aggrieved persons to seek legal recourse through a writ of mandamus, injunctions, and other civil enforcement mechanisms. This change not only facilitates easier access to information for the public but also increases accountability for school district officials in their management of records.

Summary

Senate File 177 addresses the ability of individuals to examine public records pertaining to school districts in Iowa. The bill mandates that the board of directors of a school district comply with all applicable provisions of Iowa Code chapter 22, which covers the examination of public records. The legislation aims to enhance transparency in the operations of school districts, allowing citizens easier access to public documents and information related to school governance and accountability.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed as a step towards greater transparency, it may raise concerns among school officials regarding the potential for litigation and the administrative burden of adhering to new compliance measures. Critics may argue that the enforcement mechanisms could lead to frivolous lawsuits or impose additional strain on the resources of school districts. Nonetheless, proponents assert that the benefits of increased accountability and transparency outweigh these potential drawbacks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF355

A bill for an act relating to certain specified employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, including renewal requirements associated with licenses issued by the board of educational examiners to practitioners with master's or doctoral degrees, fees associated with the review of certain specified records, and background checks for employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HF 224; See HF 672.)

IA HF224

A bill for an act relating to certain specified employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, including renewal requirements associated with licenses issued by the board of educational examiners to practitioners with master's or doctoral degrees, fees associated with the review of certain specified records, and background checks for employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 355, HF 672.)

IA HF672

A bill for an act relating to certain specified employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, including renewal requirements associated with licenses issued by the board of educational examiners to practitioners with master's or doctoral degrees, fees associated with the review of certain specified records, and background checks for employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools. (Formerly HF 355, HF 224.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF430

A bill for an act relating to education, including requirements related to mandatory reporters, a process for investigating complaints against school employees, and the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and the board of educational examiners, modifying the membership of the board of educational examiners, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 10.) Effective date: 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF10

A bill for an act relating to education, including requirements related to mandatory reporters, a process for investigating complaints against licensed practitioners, and the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 430.)

IA HF2396

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for the use of legal names, the use of student names as listed in school registration forms or records, or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.(Formerly HF 2139.)

IA SF2365

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly SSB 3041.)

IA HF2151

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly HSB 566.)

IA SSB3041

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See SF 2365.)

IA HSB566

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 2151.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.