Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF178

Introduced
2/3/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to civil actions against school board members and superintendents for school policies that violate state law.

Impact

The implications of SF178 are significant as they establish a clearer framework for holding education administrators accountable for their policy decisions. This shift presents a direct impact on how school policies are formulated and enforced going forward. By lowering the threshold for initiating legal actions against education officials, the bill could foster a more compliant environment regarding state laws but may also lead to increased litigation around school governance, especially in politically contentious areas like curriculum or health policies.

Summary

Senate File 178 (SF178) introduces a legal mechanism for enforcing compliance with state laws by school boards and superintendents. The bill empowers residents of school districts to alert county attorneys about potential violations of state law by their local school boards or superintendents. If a violation is suspected, the county attorney can initiate civil actions against the members of the board and the superintendent to compel adherence to state laws. Importantly, only those board members who supported the contested policy may be named in the actions, providing a measure of protection for dissenting members.

Contention

While supporters argue that SF178 enhances accountability and ensures that educational policies align with state laws, critics express concern over the bill's potential to initiate frivolous lawsuits against school officials, which may undermine their ability to effectively govern. The fear is that this legal framework could be weaponized by individuals or groups opposing certain educational policies, thereby complicating the operational environment of school districts and potentially distracting from educational missions. Ultimately, the balance between accountability and operational stability in schools will be a central point of contention as the bill is discussed.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF149

A bill for an act relating to civil actions associated with permissible physical contact between certain specified school employees or volunteers and students, including civil and criminal immunity, monetary damages, and attorney fees.(Formerly SSB 1005.)

IA SSB1005

A bill for an act relating to civil actions associated with permissible physical contact between certain specified school employees or volunteers and students, including civil and criminal immunity, monetary damages, and attorney fees.(See SF 149.)

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 HF361

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

IA SF305

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

IA SF83

A bill for an act relating to instruction relating to gender identity in the curriculum provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools and creating a private cause of action.

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 SF390

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.(Formerly SSB 1111.)

IA HF620

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 or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.(Formerly HF 367.)

IA SSB1111

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 SF 390.)

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